As my followers are aware, I grew up in a very dysfunctional family. My mother was bipolar and when she was manic, her behaviour was unpredictable. I was afraid of her especially when she was angry. She was often physically abusive. In fact, I can remember one day when she was out of control, I spent several hours walking up and down the railroad tracks near my home because she had tried to hit me with her car. I grew …
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My dad’s side of the family expected everyone, including all the women, to attend post-secondary education. It was presumed we would all get good jobs and work until we retired. When I got my first job and it was with the government my aunt was so excited because to her that meant I would have a pension and benefits and I would be set for my retirement. After 23 years of working as a social worker I decided to quit …
Over the years I’ve reflected on what on the concept of family. It’s the one thing we are not given a choice in selecting. I now realize there are no perfect families. Some are healthier than others, mine was dysfunctional. If you come from a dysfunctional family you tend to look at other families and see them as perfect. Watching wonderful TV families; whose disagreements got solved at the end 30 minutes. What I noticed was how they loved and …
I can honestly say this past year was very different from 2022. The first part of the year was spent with ongoing recovery. I was not as sick as in 2022, however, I was still dealing with low hemoglobin levels and had to go for another iron infusion. My leg continues to be a challenge, my friend Debbie decided that I needed to give this “rash” a name and thus George was born. He truly likes living on my left …
As we travel down life’s road, we often come to a crossroad where we decide shall I go left or right. One road is newly paved and smooth. The road is full of potholes and rough. Which one do you choose? If you think of course, I will take the easy road it is smooth and I will arrive quickly to my destination. What will you learn on your journey? What can you teach others about surmounting challenges? How has …
I grew up in a very negative environment. My mother often said I was stupid and dumb. I can remember when I brought home my report cards, my mom never praised me for my good grades she would always ask what my friends got and when they did better, she asked why I couldn’t do as well as my friends. I never felt that I could measure up and there was something lacking in me. After I graduated from university, …
When I was younger, I attended more funerals than weddings. Growing up in the Catholic Church these ceremonies were long and somber. Everyone wore black and the music was sad. I wanted to explore the psychology of death. In university, I came across the book by Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross “On Death & Dying.”. I was fascinated by her teachings and read all of her books. I was fortunate to hear her speak and found her teachings made so much sense. …
I wrote the following for the wonderful women in my life; however, I decided to share it with all the women who are working so hard to deal with their past and trying to improve themselves. As we travel down this road of healing and self-discovery. I offer all of you the following wishes. Strength to continue with the work no matter how painful the experience might seem Strength to look deep within with honesty and kindness Courage to make …
I’m dedicating this article to my soul sister, Nadine. This past year was a very challenging year health wise and when I was meeting with my woman’s group in late September, I mentioned that I wasn’t sure how I could write a positive reflection this year as I was finding it hard to come up with something positive that happened to me. Nadine told me that knowing me as she did, I would find a way. I began reflecting on …
As I look back on 2021, I am once again amazed at how grateful I am for all that has happened this year. The pandemic continued to be on everyone’s mind as it ravaged its way around the world several times with different variants. Yet, this year we were given an amazing vaccine that was created with the help of scientists in this province. I have been so lucky to get 3 doses this year. It’s remarkable to think in …
HOLES The most influential book that I’ve read in my lifetime is Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph.D. I had so many moments of clarity and understanding while reading this book. One chapter in particular stands out for me it was the story of the Ugly Duckling. In the chapter she talks about feelings of “not belong” in one’s family where you feel totally different from the other members of your family. I can remember …
I grew up in an extremely dysfunctional family with lots of physical and emotional abuse. I realized quite young that I was having difficulty coping and that I was quite prone to depression. While in university I availed myself of the available free counselling. I had an amazing breakthrough during these sessions and I was sure I was now “cured” and would lead the rest of my life depression free. Several years later after I was married and we adopted …
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