Decembers in my family were a time when any Christmas spirit was overwhelmed with drama, trauma. I had no idea how to beat the Christmas Blues. My apprehension would start to build sometime in November. My Mother, who was diagnosed as Bipolar, was dysfunctional at best, had Narcissistic, Alcoholic and Suicidal tendencies, and was hospitalized … Read more

Like many of us, I am deeply concerned about the way the world seems to be going.  Environmental Destruction, Systemic Childhood Abuse, Sexual Assault, Mass Shootings… are all on my mind. One of my greatest influencers is Dr. Gabor Mate. His contention that childhood wounds are at the root of addictions and abusive behaviours mirrors … Read more

Over the years I have had numerous health issues with my Cervix and Endometrium. The first time I had a suspicious pap smear was the year after my grandmother died, of cancer. (It had been a stressful few years particularly prior to her death, and I had taken on a big chunk of her care, … Read more

Last night, I was privileged to be in the full house of people listening to Svend Robinson lecture on Restorative Justice and mental illness. (I volunteer at the Community Justice Centre here in the Comox Valley). During his inspirational, informative and courageous talk, I found myself reflecting on how much we individuate and stignify mental illness … Read more