Author: Jeff Yasinchuk

Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up. ~Brene Brown, PhD.

Struggles: Parenting A Youth with Mental Health Challenges

There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in. Leonard Cohen I am the parent of a child that suffers from a debilitating mental health illness. I share this fact not to seek empathy, concern, or even pity. I share this because the acknowledgement is unburdening; somewhat freeing. I share this in … Continue reading Struggles: Parenting A Youth with Mental Health Challenges →

Ease Up, Life

Ease up, the play is over. Horace Greeley Two years ago, I adopted the somewhat ubiquitous and exotic term, equanimity, to act as both a guardrail and referential energy anchor. In Buddhism, equanimity even has its differing perspectives. However, whenever conflict showed itself in the various dynamics and relationships in my life, possessing a mindful … Continue reading Ease Up, Life →

Gratitude Gets You (almost) Everything

The more you become a connoisseur of gratitude, the less you are a victim of resentment, depression, and despair. Gratitude will act as an elixir that will gradually dissolve the hard shell of your ego--your need to possess and control--and transform you into generous being. The sense of gratitude produces true spiritual alchemy; makes us … Continue reading Gratitude Gets You (almost) Everything →

What I Learned About ‘Online Learning’ in British Columbia

The most effective, successful professionals are constantly learning, they take the time to apply what they have learned, and they continually work to improve themselves. Joel Gardner, digital learning technologist As I continue my transition from the classroom of the brick and mortar school towards the burgeoning dominion of online or virtual learning , I … Continue reading What I Learned About ‘Online Learning’ in British Columbia →

Beauty (& Humility) of Mentorship

Colleagues are a wonderful thing - but mentors, that's where the real work gets done. Junot Diaz I recently became involved in our local teacher association's mentorship program. What an empowering and humbling experience! After nearly twenty-six years in education, it was time. Time to offer my colleagues something that I acknowledged was missing during … Continue reading Beauty (& Humility) of Mentorship →

My Act II: One Year Anniversary

Our mistakes don't limit us, our fears do. Maya Vargas Well, it has been exactly one year since I made the wise decision to take a leave of absence in order to properly address what had become very burdensome: mental ill-health. The time and space were essential for healing, resetting, and fortifying my emotional agility … Continue reading My Act II: One Year Anniversary →

Fostering My Knowingness

Intuition is a spiritual faculty and does not explain, but simply points the way. Florence Scovel Shinn It's rarely wrong. It usually speaks to my integrity. It knows right from wrong. Its voice can be a loud banging or a subtle nuance. And its often ignored at the peril of the individual. Intuition. I think … Continue reading Fostering My Knowingness →

Core Value #5: Relationship

Community is a place where the connection felt in our hearts make themselves known in the bonds between people, and where the tuggings and pullings of those bonds keep opening our hearts. Parker J. Palmer Without question, relationships are integral components in all schools; a fundamental cornerstone of school culture. A simple Google search reveals … Continue reading Core Value #5: Relationship →

No, It’s Not Depression, It’s Languishing

You’re not depressed; you still have hope. You’re not burned out; you still have energy. But, you feel a little bit aimless and a little bit joyless. It’s that sense of emptiness and stagnation—like you’re in a void or you’re looking at the world through a foggy windshield.Adam Grant Recently, a wise colleague directed me … Continue reading No, It’s Not Depression, It’s Languishing →