Category: mental health

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 →

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 →

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 →

Rest. Rejuvenate. Reflect. Repeat.

You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.Buddha Well, I did it (almost). It's a stunt that I have done to near flawless perfection on three other separate occasions in twenty-four years as an educator. But this time was different. I could not simply pullout of the 'graveyard … Continue reading Rest. Rejuvenate. Reflect. Repeat. →

Mental Health Wellness: got some?

Self-care is not self-indulgence; it is self-preservation.Audre Lorde, feminist and civil rights leader In anticipation of the coming fall and start of a new school year, I dedicated several hours a week over my summer since early July preparing for our return to the classroom. And while I spent hundreds of hours reading, watching videos, … Continue reading Mental Health Wellness: got some? →

A Tough Question About Ourselves

Loving yourself isn’t vanity. It’s sanity.  Andre Gide A recent revelation: We do not provide safety and vulnerability for us to share our gifts with each other; and just how difficult it is for most adults to talk about themselves. The fear of appearing bombastic or pretentious is often paralyzing. It is indeed a fine … Continue reading A Tough Question About Ourselves →

COVID19, Learner Vulnerability & Our Return to In-School Learning (maybe)

Change is the end result of all true learning.Leo Buscaglia We are witnessing the massive influence that disruptions from work and employment are having on our families, friends, and neighbours. But recent global research is showing that long-term school closures due to COVID-19 are (and continue to have) a massive impact on our kids that … Continue reading COVID19, Learner Vulnerability & Our Return to In-School Learning (maybe) →

What if there’s nothing wrong with me? Or you (for that matter)?

I recently came across this terrific TEDx Talk by Susan Henkels. And timing is truly everything, isn't it? As I complete an even four-dozen spins around the sun this spring, I find myself struggling (of sorts). Struggling with the physical ailments related to midlife. Embroiling in conflict both in my professional and personal lives. Rejuvenating … Continue reading What if there’s nothing wrong with me? Or you (for that matter)? →

A Mindful Journey

A vast majority of the newly revamped British Columbia Physical and Health 8 Curriculum revolves around students building and maintaining healthy relationships including “strategies for promoting mental well-being, for self and other” and “strategies for managing problems related to mental well-being”. To this end, the concept of mindfulness and the importance of developing effective and easy … Continue reading A Mindful Journey →