... and last week, I had cake that was made with Grand Marnier liqueur. Let's talk about the bottle of vodka first. I am not completely sure if it is still in my house or not. We had a large snow storm in January and the snow drifts on our street are quite intense due … Continue reading There is a bottle of vodka in my house (I think)
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
I have done a lot of good work on my mental health over the last three years, which includes creating healthy boundaries. Prior to three years ago, I did not really recognize what boundaries were or how to establish them. I was a lot more impulsive back then and rode the waves of what came … Continue reading Standing in my own magnificence
People in America are giving thanks and sharing what they are grateful for today. Black Friday is tomorrow and it will kick off the Christmas season. The season of parties, socializing, and booze. My first sober Christmas was stormy and fierce. I scheduled a check-in with my therapist to talk some of my thoughts out … Continue reading Christmas and Sobriety
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
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
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
I put my boots on the Appalachian Trail knowing that the trail would be hard. I wanted the trail to be hard. I went in with the right mindset, knowing I would succeed with mind over body. I am proud of what I accomplished. I will use my experience as a stepping stone to further … Continue reading Appalachian Trail: The end is the new beginning (day 7)
The mini mountains that cover half of Canada is officially known as the Canadian Shield and it is at my grasp a mere one and a half hours away from where I live. The Canadian Shield once had jagged peaks, as high as mountains, but millions of years of erosion have changed the mountains into … Continue reading May the search through nature lead you to yourself
The Appalachian Trail awaits my footsteps. I will begin my longest and most challenging hike in just two weeks. When I come face to face with difficulty on the trail, I will remember to give myself grace. I know I will feel sore, my feet will blister, and my legs will scream as I climb … Continue reading This is just the beginning
Wild Woman Wisdom 