If I really listened, what might I hear?
A few days ago I was shopping for groceries at Sobeys. A tense-faced woman was having a loud and unhappy conversation on her phone in the middle of the fruit aisle. I scooted ahead, not wanting to be part of her troubled evening. It was the end of the day, and I was...
We never really lose the good stuff
I frequently hear people worry out loud that they have lost the person they once were.Years of repetitive trauma exposure have taken a toll, and they can no longer connect with their emotions. Perhaps the only emotions accessible are anger, anxiety or...
Growing strong together
The other week, our Identity and Transition group members were asked to focus on an insight that they have learned in their recovery process; identifying a truth that they might like to share with others who are facing similar struggles. Karalee led us on an exercise...
The surprising face of courage
In this line of work, I’m honoured to hear countless stories of courage in the face of adversity. Recently, as part of our Identity and Transition course, veterans and first responders have been putting pen to paper. Led by our inspired writer...
Three quick tips to stay right side up in times of stress
These are complicated times, and we’re all facing increased levels of uncertainty. Background stress is much higher than usual and it may be harder to unwind at the end of the day. Here are three quick tips to help keep you right side up: Do less...
Food for thought
“We are all in this together” It’s a comment we have heard often, but I’ve come to the point of wincing now when I hear it. Every person’s experience is not identical. Although we might currently be in the same place, our experience of it varies greatly. The...
You never know where you’re going unless you know where you’ve been
“Don’t look back, stay in the present,” people may tell you, urging you not to dwell on the difficult times. Yet…like trickles of rain finding their way through creases in a rock, our minds revisit old scenes and emotions, replaying them in an endless loop that...
Becoming a Master of Reinvention
Have I told you about my 87 year old father? He’s a master of reinvention. He used to be a high school art teacher, but had an opportunity to retire early at 55. We’ve all seen the Freedom 55 commercials right? It’s supposed to be great.In his case, though, the...
Nova Scotia Thoughtful
Have I told you recently how proud I am to live in Nova Scotia? It’s sentiment I know many of us share: everywhere we look, there are flags and signs celebrating the strength and loyalty of Nova Scotians. I’d like to add another word to our vocabulary when describing...
The World’s Toughest Race
Have you seen this show on Amazon Prime? I love it. Teams of four participating in one of the hardest races imaginable, spread out over nine days in untamed jungle, rivers and oceans of Fiji. Several teams representing various countries come to compete, the...
