I’ve started this blog as part of a University of Toronto Continuing Studies Course (Foundations of Digital Communications Strategy & Social Media). But, my eyes have been opened to the many possibilities of writing online. I’m keen to keep going on here even once I’m done my course.
Setting up this blog has been very challenging for me, for a few reasons. First off, I’ve been a mom since December 2020 (yes I know, pandemic baby – haven’t heard that one before 😅😬). I also moved partway across the country during this same pandemic! I’ve called Winnipeg home since July 2020, having moved from Ottawa. With these major life events, my partner and I have been on our own with our little family in Winnipeg since that time.
There is so much I want to say – so much I’ve been trying to process since the onset of the pandemic, and since becoming a parent. I struggled to kick start this project as I unfortunately have a habit of overloading and shutting down (I will write more on this in a future blog post!) Also, I was already an easily distractible person. Now with a child in the mix, my brain feels like it’s in a perpetual spin. Kids are an incredibly big, life-altering experience (which is why I’m pro-abortion. I don’t believe anyone should be forced to have a child they never planned for and don’t want, nor should potential children’s lives be some sort of consequence – that’s a weird forced birther line I see a lot: “shouldn’t have had sex if you didn’t want to get pregnant!” Uhhh, okay… I plan to write more about abortion in future blog posts too).
Anyway, back on track to my introduction – it honestly was so helpful to read the sample intro post here on WordPress about how I’m “…not locked into any of this”, and to be reminded that I can just get started. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but this can be a really hard sentiment for me. Sometimes, I feel like I need to have every piece planned all the way out, and all of these little pieces need to add up into the most ideal product that I put forward. I obsess over this to the point that I don’t end up doing anything! All of the thinking paralyzes me. What’s frustrating is that I am aware of this, but I cannot seem to change. Well, at least so far in life I haven’t quite figured out how to get past those hang-ups. But thankfully, I eventually reach a breaking point and I grow tired of fussing and holding myself up. So here we are, writing my first blog post – finally.
I’m here to write about my personal experiences and share some thoughts on my life. From my work in fundraising and volunteer management, to becoming a parent in the middle of a pandemic (in a new city to boot), and all kinds of things in between. But also, I want to discuss the important topic of Reproductive Justice and Abortion Access in Canada. My plan is to work towards a full-fledged blog on this latter topic, as it is something not discussed often enough. I hope I can highlight some amazing non-profits fighting for access and raising awareness of the situation for many women and gender diverse people throughout Canada.
*** HEY while we’re talking about it, let me tell you about a great organization right here, Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC), that I’m a proud member of! ***
In conclusion (very cliché, but I was never great at writing anyway, haha), I’m excited to contribute to #digitaledu, to work on content that matters to me, and to learn (and I’ve already learned so much!) Now please enjoy this attempt at a nice photo with my daughter in the park before we got hit with a ton of snow earlier this month 😅
Christine Jones 