I have felt like crying and screaming the last few days. I've screamed but not cried. I tried to cry in the shower at the pool. A child's high-pitched whines while getting their hair washed distracted me and I forgot for a moment what I was doing. I turned the shower off and dried myself. … Continue reading Taking care of myself
At times I have felt like I am not sure where I fit in. A common topic in peer-support sobriety articles is about relationships and how the dynamics are affected. This has sometimes left me feeling in limbo. I am protective of my personal space and how I spend my time. The path towards and … Continue reading The Power of Change
My daughter and I are cut from the same cloth and sometimes it creates challenges because we are both relentless, independent, and strong-willed. We are also both kindhearted, loving, and charismatic so overall, we are well-rounded and awesome. Our strong personalities sometimes get the best of us. It's not something I am proud of and … Continue reading Trusting Ourselves
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
Hiking makes me feel like a badass woman. I head out into the wilderness, sometimes by myself, carrying with me what I need to survive for a few hours or overnight. My mind does incredible things. I work through the past, give gratitude for the present, and design my future. I am a force to … Continue reading Raising a Fierce Young Girl
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
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
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
... 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 am a member of Backcountry Women, an incredible group of women who explore the outdoors together and get up close and personal with the elements. We share experiences and knowledge to learn from one another in an environment that is supportive and non-competitive. The group encourages women to try new activities and forge new … Continue reading Swinging Ice Axes
Wild Woman Wisdom 