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
Category: Depression
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
Depression has reared it’s ugly head again
This whole week I have felt low with scattering negative thoughts in my mind. Depression has reared it's ugly head again. As I write this, I want to go back to bed where there is darkness and heaviness from my duvet. I took my medication and I am sipping a Starbucks coffee. I am waiting … Continue reading Depression has reared it’s ugly head again
Where are you Christmas?
Hate, despise, loathing, and dislike are all strong words but that is truly how I felt about Christmas for many years. I was 9 years old when my dad died in November and Christmas was very different that year. A mountain of presents flowed out from under our Christmas tree, more than I had ever … Continue reading Where are you Christmas?
Spiritual Punch Bowl
I stood alone and listened to the sound of water that dropped from the wooden shelter I stood underneath. I needed to catch my breath and rest. I looked out into the openness of rolling hills, sandy dunes, fog, leafless trees, and pines. The dripping water was all I heard and the rest was silence. As … Continue reading Spiritual Punch Bowl
I Hate This Part of My Depression
I hate when my mind starts to chatter the self-doubt that lurks behind my strength. I wonder if I will ever really be free from the prison. Why do I have to be this way? I have come so far and out of nowhere the clouds start to darken. The overwhelming heaviness becomes too much … Continue reading I Hate This Part of My Depression
Strength in Numbers
This morning I walked in the Shoppers Drug Mart LOVE. YOU. Run for Women that supports women's mental health programs across Canada. Local mental health organizations benefit from the fundraising. Shoppers Drug Mart presented the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba (MDAM) with a cheque for $90,000! I walked 5K with two friends and talked openly … Continue reading Strength in Numbers
Get Loud for Mental Health Week
It is the 66th Annual CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) Mental Health Week. For sixty-six years people have been talking about mental health but there is still a lot of work to do! The stigma that holds people back from reaching out for the help they need has to be removed. We need to #GETLOUD … Continue reading Get Loud for Mental Health Week
Wild Woman Wisdom 