Jessica Peterson via Getty Images

Last night, my husband spoke the three most terrifying words in the English language. "Take a break." I was horrified. My blood ran cold. "But, but..." "No buts about it. Take the day off. Why don't you have some fun?" he suggested, smiling. Fun? Fun!? I drew a blank. And that's when I knew I had a problem.

trofoto7 via Getty Images

Humanity is seen to be independent from nature, even above it. This has been the Western vision of the world. In poisoning the earth, we were led on a self-destructive path. But I try to invoke here an alternative vision, expressed by Islamic (Sufi) arts, which finds that the way humanity relates and depends on nature can be renewed once the creative life is reclaimed.

Shutterstock

Sustainable Development Goal number two is focused specifically to ensure that hunger is nonexistent in our world by 2030. Considering the amount of food that is constantly present on the shelves of grocery stores, clearly, this is achievable. Hence, it's not an issue of food available, but instead, one with regards to proper food distribution.

Masha Alekhina

If we in Europe call humanity one of our fundamental values, ​​then we cannot leave the people who are turning to us for help to freeze in the field.

Sam Edwards via Getty Images

If you are going to make the "be healthy" resolution, let me help you with a few thoughts. Make the resolution something you can absolutely make happen. Here's four simple ways to make 2016 a healthy year, and 2017, and all the years to follow.

Turner Entertainment/Warner Bros.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens might be taking us to a galaxy, far, far away, but way, way before even the first Star Wars did so, another science-fiction film took us much, much farther. Fifty years ago this week, six astronauts posed on the moon for a selfie-ish photograph next to a newly uncovered three million-year old alien artifact.

biglike via Getty Images

We're used to having multiple faces -- at work, at home, or with our friends. Now there's a chance to have a social media version of ourselves. The pressure to present the best version of ourselves is creating new types of problems for the mental health of the society.

YelenaYemchuk

It's the middle of the holiday season and despite the promises of comfort and joy many Canadians will be dealing with a plethora of less than cheery emotions. There is a route to help keep the stressors at bay that doesn't involve very much effort; all one has to do is eat or drink fermented foods.

Shutterstock / Alexander Demyanenko

Against overwhelming odds, LGBT Muslim leaders refuse to let go of hope. They offer vulnerable LGBT Muslims safe spaces, much needed community and a sense of belonging, all that they are denied in mainstream Muslim spaces.

Marcy White

My 13-year-old son Jacob, who has a rare neurodegenerative disorder, was discharged last summer with 24-hour nursing care in our Toronto home. But aside from the fact that nurses can cancel at a moment's notice -- leaving parents like me to pull all-nighters so my son doesn't choke to death -- we're facing alarming incompetence when they do show up.

Mary E. Smyth via Getty Images

It may be tempting to pay for certain things in cash because we think that saving a few dollars here and there can't hurt; however, we fail to see the larger impact of what happens when we do. The underground economy makes it challenging to protect the country's revenue base and hinders the government's ability to keep taxes low.

franckreporter via Getty Images

From snow-capped peaks, to cozy cabins, to the closest you'll get to a European getaway this side of the Atlantic, Canada is chock full of romantic spots for that countdown kiss. But wait 'til the last minute to make plans and you'll end up dropping $100 on a ticket to some sweaty event.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

I felt fortunate to witness this incredibly awkward moment was because it illustrated to me an important lesson both in human frailty and in human resilience. It was one of the worst possible things that could go wrong -- followed by a surprising and excellent recovery which I saw as tremendously reassuring.

Jupiterimages via Getty Images

Wheeze. Cough. Some people are looking at me. Oh, how embarrassing. Deciding to catch my breath privately, I leave and head down the hall looking for a ladies' room while digging for my asthma puffer. One good inhalation of this puffer is all I ever need. Uh oh. There's a problem. I can't inhale now.

Stephen Lee

He was our sponsor, with "Candy Productions" on the bottom under my last name on the back of our Georgetown Rep jerseys. We didn't really focus on it too much, at least until John came to a game. This was the first time it hit us: John Candy was in the Orangeville arena to cheer on his team.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Watching the news in this year's last trimester, you got the sense the world was going down in flames. Terrorism, mass-shootings, ludicrous presidential candidates, diplomatic malaise. The aftermath of some of these ailments gave way to memorable television moments. Here, some of my most noteworthy television moments for 2015.

Digital Vision. via Getty Images

It's holiday party season, and that means buffet tables loaded with our favorite indulgences and festive beverages filled with empty calories. There's no need to stress. We have five tips that can get you to the new year without tipping the scale.

Scott Olson via Getty Images

I hope the New Year will be a prosperous one where mankind will once again rediscover its sense of humanity and try to resolve its issues with rationale and dialogue instead of the barrel of the gun and spilling more blood.

kandypix via Getty Images

This December marks seven years since my dear friend and lover passed away. Nothing about that winter felt merry, and I certainly didn't feel in the "holiday spirit." My heart was breaking while the rest of the world carried on singing carols and exchanging gifts, putting on their best holiday game face.

Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

COPENHAGEN -- The same countries that now over-report refugee costs at home are part of an underfinancing of U.N.-managed refugee camps in the regions -- despite many of them publicly acknowledging regional accommodation as the better solution to the refugee crisis.

Hakan Karlsson via Getty Images

It's the end of the year and, once again, we at the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies are asking: are things getting better or worse for animals in Canada? We've had some significant forward movement -- a number of important new laws and policies were introduced this year that will make a huge difference in the years to come.