There is something profound that happens when my mind is set free while wandering. The rustling of the leaves in the wind, the sound of the singing birds, and the movement of my body carries me to a spiritual place. It is a place where I feel a connection to something larger than myself. It's … Continue reading The Trail of Forgiveness
Category: Anxiety
Wisdom from a duck
Mother's Day was this past weekend and memories on Facebook reminded me that seven years ago I was making eggplant "meatballs" with my then-2 year old daughter. Facebook does not show the memories that came later that evening when six first-responders showed up in my home and I was taken to the hospital due to … Continue reading Wisdom from a duck
I’ll be in the woods
My mental health is strained this week. I am tired, irritable, and emotional. I lack focus and motivation. I am essentially on auto-pilot, just doing enough to get by. I have a couple of exciting activities this week but a part of me wants nothing to do with them. That part of me just wants … Continue reading I’ll be in the woods
Savoury Breakfast Cookies for the Trail
My husband began to make breakfast on Sunday while I looked out my living room window with my mind in a fog. I felt overwhelmed and anxious when I woke up. I brought my journal and coloured pens to the dining room table and wrote while I sipped coffee. Journaling eased the anxious thoughts. My … Continue reading Savoury Breakfast Cookies for the Trail
Painting Happy Little Trees
I have a creative spark that runs deep inside of me. Letting my imagination guide me has been part of my core since I grasped my first crayon. My childhood was full of many glitter bombs and I am sure that some of that glitter is still floating around today. Glitter never fully goes away … Continue reading Painting Happy Little Trees
Saying Yes to Loving Myself
I made the decision three years ago to stop drinking alcohol. Valentine's Day is my anniversary and I have gifted myself something each year. My gift this year is to create more opportunities that I can say yes to. Removing alcohol and making my mental health a top priority has created space for me to … Continue reading Saying Yes to Loving Myself
Snowflake Winter Wellness Festival
Keep your eyes closed and focus inwards. Feel the rise and fall of your chest with each inhale and exhale. You're safe and feel at home in your body. When you inhale, feel your body expand with potential. When you exhale, send positive thought out into the world. I really did try to keep my … Continue reading Snowflake Winter Wellness Festival
Speaking at Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba
Last week I gave a presentation at Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba entitled The Backpack Chronicles: The path to sobriety and mental wellness through nature. I had no idea how many people would show up and I imagined anywhere from one person to a packed room with standing space only. A Facebook event had been created … Continue reading Speaking at Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba
Let’s talk about mental health and hiking
I have been occupied with working on a project that is an extension of my blog, which is why I have been quiet with posting. I am preparing to expand the community that my voice reaches by using my lived-experience with mental illness to speak at Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba as part of Women's … Continue reading Let’s talk about mental health and hiking
You have to go through those mountains and valleys – because that’s what life is: soul growth
I have learned to honour the emotions that pulse through me and to give myself what I need when I need it. My mental health is a top priority of mine and I have created a life free from alcohol that was built little by little with each personal milestone. I truthfully spend a lot … Continue reading You have to go through those mountains and valleys – because that’s what life is: soul growth