Give Peace A Chance

I don’t intend for this blog to be about politics. However, what’s happening on the world stage right now is what’s been keeping me up at night. I have ADHD, which for me means I often lie awake, unable to fall asleep, because my mind runs wild with intrusive—and often unrealistic—thoughts. Cognitively, I know that my racing mind is often just that: wild and running!

Mark Carney’s speech at the World Economic Summit this week was powerful. I watched the whole thing twice, completely in awe. Awe of a man who refused to use the name of “our bully,” choosing instead to focus on countries we align with in values and beliefs. Awe of a man who also avoided naming the country that seems to be at economic and political war with us, and instead highlighted our allies. The more he spoke, the prouder I felt to be Canadian—and grateful that at this pivotal moment in history, he is our Prime Minister.

Part of my university degree is in Canadian Studies, which meant I spent a lot of time studying Canadian and world politics during my years at Carleton. Not nearly enough to make me an expert, but enough to help me understand how government and international agreements work, with a strong emphasis on First Nations and Canadian issues.

Some of Carney’s speech was very clear and echoed later by Premier Doug Ford when he spoke about strengthening trade relationships beyond the status quo. Carney talked extensively about expanding free trade deals with other countries to ensure global cooperation. Premier Ford was more direct, especially when it came to the automobile industry, calling out which brands he encourages Canadians to buy—and which to avoid. I smiled a bit when he named the brand of car I drive as a “friendly” purchase.

What really kept me up at night—and made my thoughts race faster than a speeding bullet—was Prime Minister Carney’s discussion about investing in defence and strengthening relationships with “middle powers” such as Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, and the Republic of China. I’ll be honest: it made me feel both proud and scared. It felt reminiscent of past world wars, except this time we wouldn’t be standing beside a superpower, but responding to one.

Naturally, my mind went to questions about conscription and the draft. I have two young adult sons who are certainly “of age.” Would they be asked to step up and join the Canadian military? When I look at the current generation of young people—who survived a global pandemic and are still recovering—I wonder if they’re ready for something so big, if it comes to that. Should I encourage my 22-year-old to register for university so he might be exempt, like his 20-year-old brother who’s already in a program?

Yesterday, while talking with one of my patients about surviving an atomic bomb and what to do in that situation, I was reminded of a paper I wrote in middle school about the first atomic bomb and the devastating impact it had on Hiroshima and its people. Should we be preparing for something like that? Will the Diefenbunker be recommissioned for our Prime Minister and his staff, just in case?

And what does all of this mean for my friends and for me economically? Local food banks are seeing record-high attendance. I’m a single parent with three young people who still largely depend on me for food, housing, and so much more. Will I still be able to provide for my family the way I always have? We have a nice life—and I like it.

I’m not a conspiracy theorist, and I’m not going down that road—but my mind does wander into the “what ifs.” It also drifts to John Lennon’s words: “All we are saying is give peace a chance.” Canada has always tried to do just that. Historically, we’ve been peacekeepers, and I truly hope we continue to be. I also hold hope that these renewed and reorganized relationships with “middle powers” keep peace front and centre.

So instead of lying awake at night worrying about my children, the global economy, and what the coming months may bring, I’ll do what I always do. I’ll focus on my breathing. I’ll practice yoga. I’ll preach peace in my own life and try to avoid conflict as much as possible. These are scary times globally—but they don’t have to be scary at home.

Help us all find peace. 💛