July 22, 2026

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On The Upside with Marley

Being Okay With Starting Again

Starting again can feel discouraging, especially when life does not unfold the way we expected. We often treat fresh starts as proof that something went wrong, when sometimes they are simply proof that we are still growing, still learning, and still willing to move forward.

There is no shame in beginning again.

People start over in all kinds of ways. They change careers, rebuild friendships, move to new communities, return to old dreams, or finally admit that the path they were on no longer fits who they have become. Starting again does not erase the past. It carries the lessons of the past into something more honest and useful.

One of the great mistakes we make is believing that progress must always look straight and steady. Real life is rarely that neat. There are pauses, detours, delays, wrong turns, second chances, and unexpected opportunities. Sometimes the most important step is not the one that moves us fastest, but the one that gets us moving again.

Fresh starts also teach humility. They remind us that nobody has everything figured out all the time. Everyone, at some point, has had to regroup, rethink, apologize, adjust, or try again with more wisdom than they had before.

The beautiful thing about starting again is that it proves hope is still alive. It means yesterday did not get the final word. It means the next chapter can still be written with courage, kindness, humour, and purpose.

Sometimes beginning again is not a setback at all. Sometimes it is the bravest evidence that you still believe better days are possible.

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Simple Ways to Make Someone’s Day Better

• Offer a real compliment – A kind word about someone’s effort, attitude, or smile can stay with them longer than you realize.
• Let someone go first – Holding a door, waving someone ahead, or giving up your place in line shows simple respect.
• Send a thoughtful message – A quick “I was thinking of you” can make someone feel remembered and valued.
• Listen without rushing – Giving someone your full attention is one of the most generous things you can offer.
• Share a laugh – A clean joke, funny story, or cheerful moment can lighten a difficult day.
• Say thank you clearly – People often work hard without much recognition. Gratitude reminds them they matter.

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Fun Facts About July

• July was named for Julius Caesar – The month was renamed in his honour after previously being called Quintilis.
• It is often the warmest month – In many parts of Canada, July brings some of the year’s hottest weather.
• The dog days begin – The phrase “dog days of summer” is connected to the star Sirius, known as the Dog Star.
• Many flowers peak in July – Gardens often reach their brightest and most colourful stage during this month.
• July has two birth flowers – Larkspur and water lily are both traditionally associated with July birthdays.
• Summer memories grow here – Cottage trips, barbecues, festivals, swimming, and long evenings make July feel special.

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Failing The Memory Test

An elderly gentleman went to his doctor for a check-up.
“How’s your memory these days?” asked the doctor
“It’s wonderful,” the man replied.
“Oh? Can you give me an example?”
“Certainly.”
“Great.”
“…An example of what?”

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A Lesson In Self Esteem

A teacher wanted to teach her students about self-esteem, so she asked anyone who thought they were stupid to stand up. One kid stood up and the teacher was surprised. She didn’t think anyone would stand up so she asked him, “Why did you stand up?” He answered, “I didn’t want to leave you standing up by yourself.”

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The Order Of Creation

Girl: “Girls are better than boys.” Boy: “Then why did God make boys first?” Girl: “Duh, you have to have a rough draft before the final copy.”

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The Library Computer

A man at the library asked the librarian for help using the computer.

The librarian said, “Just type your question into the search box.”

The man typed very slowly, stared at the screen, then frowned.

“What’s wrong?” asked the librarian.

He said, “I asked it where my glasses are, and it gave me 6 million results.”

The librarian said, “Maybe start with your forehead.”

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Editor’s Quote Book

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

— Aesop

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Trivia Quiz

(Click Question For Answer)

 

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Your Horoscope

For Amusement Only

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Occupational Hazard

Last week I went to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned. During the appointment, a stream of saliva accidentally shot out of my mouth.

“I’m so sorry,” I said.

The hygienist smiled and replied, “Don’t worry… spit happens.”

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The Boss’s Advice

My supervisor told me, “Have a great day!”

So I went home.

He called me to ask where I was and I just said “I took your advice!”

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Vegetable Emotions

A friend insisted that onions are the only food that can make you cry.

So I proceeded to beat him over the head with a Turnip.

Turns out he was mistaken.

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The Expensive Lab Test

A woman rushed her sick Chihuahua to the veterinarian.

A Labrador wandered into the exam room, sniffed the little dog, and left.

A few moments later, a cat came in, looked the dog over carefully, and walked away.

After the examination, the veterinarian handed her a bill for $250.

“$250?” she exclaimed. “We were only here for twenty minutes!”

“That’s right,” replied the vet. “$100 for the lab test… and $150 for the cat scan.”

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The Honest Employee

The manager asked, “If you found out you were being overpaid, what would you do?”
The employee replied, “I’d report it.”
The manager smiled. “That’s good to hear.”
The employee continued, “After about six months. I wouldn’t want to overreact.”

The Umbrella

It was pouring rain when my supervisor asked me to water the flowers outside.
I looked at him and said, “But it’s already raining!”
He shrugged and replied, “Take an umbrella.

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Obey Your Wife!

A husband stopped at the grocery store on his way home from work.
His wife had texted, “Please pick up a loaf of bread, and if they have fresh eggs, get a dozen.”
When he got home, she looked into the bag.
“There are twelve loaves of bread! What happened?” He replied, “They had fresh eggs.”

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Suspended For Homework

A teacher asked the class, “What do chickens give us?”

“Eggs!” shouted one student.

“Very good. What do pigs give us?”

Another student answers “Bacon!”

“Excellent! And what do cows give us?”

One little voice answered, “Homework.”

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Marley’s Video Pick

Watch a Crow Make and Use Its Own Tool

Most people think of crows as noisy backyard birds, but they’re among the most intelligent animals on Earth. In this fascinating National Geographic clip, you’ll see a New Caledonian crow bend a piece of wire into a hook and use it to retrieve food—an incredible example of problem-solving and tool-making in the animal kingdom. It’s only a couple of minutes long, but it’s guaranteed to change the way you look at crows.  Do you think crows are conscious?

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The Last Word

“A fresh start does not mean you failed. It means you are wise enough to begin again with everything you have learned.”

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