Finding our tribe
It’s not uncommon that we see the best of people in the harshest conditions. It shows up in a number of ways: volunteers laying sandbags to fight floodwaters; communities taking in strangers to offer shelter from a storm; or in more extreme conditions, bi-standers...
Things I’m thankful for
This morning started like many others. The alarm sounds, calling the dogs to the side of the bed. It's almost 6 a.m. but there’s no sign of the sun just yet. Suited up in all-weather jackets, hiking boots, and headlamps, my husband and I head out on our morning walk....
If you build it, they will come
'If you build it, they will come...' that’s been my mantra over the last year, as renovations were underway in the new Landing Strong Center. Like a comet hurling through space, I set forth on a mission to see a world class treatment facility in Windsor Nova Scotia: a...
Finding our way
I was deeply touched last week when I read an article about Skippy, an 10-month-old barn cat, who crawled home ten days after going missing. He had three broken legs and puncture and talon marks on his back leg. Carried away by an owl, Skippy fought furiously for...
Pacino’s moment of compassion
Another great restorative yoga class this week left me feeling calm and centered (thanks Lisa!). At the end of the class, we practice Savasana, a pose where we lie silently on our backs, eyes closed. This exercise isn’t a physically challenging one, but it is one...
Mindfulness and the unexpected
Recently things have been a bit hectic. I’ve a lot on the go, and am feeling pulled in a number of different directions. For that reason, I decided to spend last weekend centering myself. I thought nothing would be better than to simply spend a day just being:...
Thriving Despite Adversity
I was going for a hike last weekend when I stumbled across the perfect example of resiliency. A magnificent mushroom, in the middle of a gravel road, pushing its way up towards the universe. Despite everything that says it shouldn’t exist, it appears to be thriving....
No Expiry Date
This weekend, while at the cottage, my son Kyle came into the kitchen munching a Jos Louis. “Where did you get that?” I asked, surprised to see it. “The back of the cupboard,” he grinned. “Funny, I don’t remember buying them." Needing to see this for myself, I...
Practicing what we preach
One of the physical hazards of being a psychologist is that much of my working life consists of sitting. It’s literally killing me… hence part of my motivation to create a program that is engaging and physically active. I want to move with you. Have I mentioned that...
What is courage?
"I’m not courageous," they often say to me, clients who routinely put themselves in harm’s way in service of others. "I was just doing my job." "Were you scared ?" I ask. "Well, I didn’t really think about it. I just did what I had to do, but yes, it was scary." To...
