I have racked my brain trying to remember what Christmas was like after the age of about fourteen and the truth is that I cannot remember. I was more than likely in a black-out drunk state for the entire month of December, year after year. The month of December has typically involved a month-long mental … Continue reading Dear Santa: I’ve Been Kind of Good
Tag: Mental Health
Keep Being Curious
When I decided to stop drinking alcohol and declared myself as sober, I was told by a couple of people that the term "sober" did not suit me. I liked wine and hard liquor but on the surface it did not look like I had a problem. I did not drink every day but when … Continue reading Keep Being Curious
A Soul-Reviving Solo Adventure
Riding Mountain National Park is a place that feels like home away from home for me and I always feel wrapped in the warmth of Mother Nature's arms. I seek good vibes and I do a lot of work to cultivate it around me. My self-care sometimes calls for a little soul-reviving action and that … Continue reading A Soul-Reviving Solo Adventure
My Day of Solo Hiking
I have been mentally exhausted constantly and with gearing up to hopefully lead outdoor events again soon, I was also in need of professional development. What better way to get everything I need than to wander through the woods! Spending time in nature always helps me with refocusing. With a much longed for and needed … Continue reading My Day of Solo Hiking
Living in Harmony as an Extroverted Lone Wolf
Even though I am an extrovert, I feel I have become a lone wolf over the past 3 to 4 years. During these past few years, I have explored what I wanted a life with a focus on my mental health to look like. I found comfort in being by myself, which was a stark … Continue reading Living in Harmony as an Extroverted Lone Wolf
End of 2020 Reflection
Welcome to the end of 2020. It will not be missed but it will surely be remembered. While looking through photos I took this year and reading journal entries, there were a lot of very good times sprinkled in among all the challenging times. In my current mindset, I would go as far to say … Continue reading End of 2020 Reflection
Preparing for a Long, Dark Winter
My clinical depression met my covid depression earlier this year and now covid depression is preparing to meet my seasonal depression. My clinical depression and seasonal depression know one another quite well but covid depression is the annoying third-wheel. With all three of these depressions mixing and mingling and the days getting shorter, I have … Continue reading Preparing for a Long, Dark Winter
Second Annual Shameless Circle Fundraising Dinner
I cradled my black and red high heels in my hands and reminisced about the events that I had worn them to. I bought them 13 years ago to wear to the Alzheimer Society Gala at the Fort Gary Hotel and they remained my go-to formal footwear choice. After 13 years and countless events, they … Continue reading Second Annual Shameless Circle Fundraising Dinner
Mantario South to Caribou East
When talking about my hiking and backpacking pace, I joke that I am an overweight asthmatic. It is also the truth. I feel no shame and in fact, I use the way my body is as a source of empowerment and motivation. My body is powerful and strong and is capable of doing incredible things. … Continue reading Mantario South to Caribou East
The Seasons of Life
Prior to meeting my husband, Bear Hug, I was not overly interested in having my own kids. I did not feel a maternal pull to spend my time raising children. My boyfriend before my husband was a single father and I adored his two kids. They were enough for me. Things were different with Bear … Continue reading The Seasons of Life
Wild Woman Wisdom 