Joy Drop: Australia's Dylan Alcott says something everyone should hear

Hello, friends! I inflected and reflected deeply before putting this week's notebook together. I keep coming back to my friends and family all over the world. For me, joy and gratitude go hand in hand and this week's Joy Drop mirrors that.

I was blessed with a lot of love last weekend as it was my birthday. But I must admit this week felt heavier than others. Balancing work, family, other issues and navigating the pandemic while recovering from COVID and lingering fatigue is intense.

Yes, there is a tremendous amount of excitement building ahead of the Beijing Olympics, but there are certainly moments when I pause and take very deep breaths. Deep breathing is very good for not only continuing to stay alive but centring yourself and getting through challenging moments.

My dear friend Amina is a physiotherapist and hard-core Maple Leafs fan but I trust her anyway. Just kidding! I love Mitch Marner's dancing as much as everyone. A few months ago, Amina sent me some tips on progressive muscle relaxation. She also sent a very handy audio track from Anxiety Canada in case I wanted to be talked through it. This takes only 10-15 minutes and it really helps me. It's nice to take some time for yourself amidst the chaos and get a quick recharge. It shifted my mood so much I could concentrate and absorb wonderful things. On that note…

The Canadian men's soccer team defeated Honduras yesterday in a continued journey toward this year's FIFA World Cup. The team hasn't qualified for the men's World Cup since 1986. 

The fact that they are currently on top of the CONCACAF table makes me want to go and jump into a huge mountain of snow with happiness! 

9 down, 5 to go. <br><br>Top of the table