Life sucks and then you die. We probably all feel like that at times. In fact, some people choose to expedite their ending as they see nothing (subject to religious beliefs) as being better than what they have, and our laws support this. How tragic that members of our human race, regardless of age, health, education, family status, wealth, religion, race, or gender reach such despair. On the flip side, it is miraculous how low people can go in life and still hang on, humanity’s instinct for survival is profound.
The Homeless Foundation for Red Deer was established around the last time I wrote my column in February (time flies). Belated shout out, I hope we all support them as they attempt to find a local solution to a global unresolved and growing problem in wealthy countries. We can then share this solution with the world. It only takes one person to change the world so imagine what this community working together can do.
Some people choose a life of comfort. They get a good education and occupation, surround themselves with the “right” people, and they block out others’ suffering (including not volunteering for any causes too, so as to totally avoid any insight). They might luck out and have a happy life (of oblivion). You might have to be born in total ignorance or without a conscience for that option to provide you peace and happiness. On the opposite end, many are so lost in their own suffering or perceived suffering, they are equally unable to care past themselves and need or want us to care for them.
The majority of us live in the middle, trying to bridge the gap so that life can be better for all of us, loving thy neighbour so to speak. If we can convince the fortunate non-carers that a better world for all would also make their world better, and empower those suffering, this version of a great civilization may survive. The world needs Canadians. I am still on the “Canada is not for sale” team (got my cap even) and, now, the “Canada is stronger together” team (which was not even a team to worry about until recently). Canada is an idea worth fighting for, I love this team I am on, disagreements and all, and am not giving it up, hopefully, ever.
These days, we live in a world of efficiencies, disruption and chaos. No status quo can be relied on, even for Canada Post, as every threatened or actual strike likely takes them closer to extinction. This means resilience is key. Every business needed to discover and create efficiencies to survive the disruption and chaos of the Pandemic. This need for adaptability continues, including in the age of generative artificial intelligence, which has already replaced many of our jobs, we just don’t know it yet. Add increasing political and other disruptions and chaos – we, and especially our children, need to be resilient.
As my “start up” firm reaches year five, we settle into being an established law firm (how many even well-established businesses survived the Pandemic unscathed). We have moved far past nights of three hours of sleep, while attending the Harvard Business Analytics Program remotely, setting up a new firm, and hiring and mentoring a diverse talent pool to serve our ever growing client base.
We started as a conscience-based concept in July of 2020 during a global Pandemic when the world virtually came to a halt. We continue to seek to be a leader in digital transformation to facilitate access to justice and legal services.
Over a quarter century ago, this same driving force to be efficient after a serious accident allowed a younger version of me to become a full-time lawyer and community leader with a family that was never ignored. Now, my amazing family continues to give back for all our community continues to give to us. My mantra #weareallinthistogether. Resilience and gratefulness will see us through these interesting times.
Donna Purcell, KC, (aka Lady Justice) is an Alberta lawyer and Chief Innovation Officer with Donna Purcell QC Law. If you have legal questions, contact dpurcell@dpqclaw.com.
