John Berkovich

Why Cutting Toxic People Out of Your Life Is Sometimes Necessary

Life is filled with relationships; many can be a source of joy, support, and growth. However, not all relationships are healthy. Despite repeated efforts to be kind, accommodating, and understanding, some people can drain your energy, damage your self-esteem, and hinder your personal growth. These toxic people make it difficult to maintain your emotional well-being.Continue reading “Why Cutting Toxic People Out of Your Life Is Sometimes Necessary”

The Psychological Crutch of Smoking: Exploring the Reasons and Risks

I’ve often wondered why people smoke cigarettes. For decades, it’s been known they are a sure way to damage your health and since 1971, at least in Canada, cigarette advertising has been banned on TV, radio, billboards, etc. Images on cigarette packs are graphic as to the damage caused by smoking. Images of damaged teeth,Continue reading “The Psychological Crutch of Smoking: Exploring the Reasons and Risks”

Understanding Panhandling: A Critical Look at Spare Change Requests

“Got any spare change?” is a question I am asked numerous times per week as I stroll the downtown streets of the small city near where I live now. It’s a nice city with a decent downtown filled with restaurants, banks, a couple of performing arts theaters, coffee shops, second hand bookstores, mom and popContinue reading “Understanding Panhandling: A Critical Look at Spare Change Requests”

Smoking Culture: Insights from a Non-Smoker’s Perspective

I’ve never been a smoker – well, okay, I tried it a few times when I was 13 because it was an act of rebellion against my parents with my friends who were also going through the same stage with parents. In total, I’ve probably smoked two cigarettes in my whole life, spread across manyContinue reading “Smoking Culture: Insights from a Non-Smoker’s Perspective”

The Impact of Loud Restaurant Music: A Customer’s Perspective

Whatever happened to quiet in restaurants? I’m not talking about the high-class places with tablecloths and six forks on the table that have music gently playing in the background – I enjoy that experience. I’m talking about those where the owner may make your meal for take-out or eat in. What happens is you walkContinue reading “The Impact of Loud Restaurant Music: A Customer’s Perspective”

Relocation to The Kawarthas: A Fresh Start Near Nature and Lakes

Sometimes you just know that a relocation is the right thing to do and that you did it at the right time. Although I have worked remotely since COVID-19 meant a job layoff for me, I had lived in the same city for 27 years and knew it was time to move on. I knewContinue reading “Relocation to The Kawarthas: A Fresh Start Near Nature and Lakes”