Today marks the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities. I was diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD aka dyspraxia) by the time I was 8. It was also noted by that time that I had severe anxiety and significant depression, including already demonstrating risk factors for suicide. In my twenties I received additional diagnosesContinue reading “International Day Of Persons with Disabilities 2025”
Category Archives: Mental Health
Practices to Cultivate Resilience and Resistance
The US federal election is over; but the ramifications are only starting to sink in. I am sadly not surprised by the result though I, like many, hoped for a different one. As the US reckons with the outcome, people in my own country of Canada are facing right-wing authoritarianism spurred on by many ofContinue reading “Practices to Cultivate Resilience and Resistance”
Class of 2013: A 10 Year Anniversary Reflection
This month marked the 10th anniversary of my convocation with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Guelph. In some ways it seems like it was yesterday; in others, it seems like it was a lifetime ago. Ten years ago, everything was very much uncertain. I knew I wanted to remain in Guelph becauseContinue reading “Class of 2013: A 10 Year Anniversary Reflection”
Learning To Love Again: A Tale Of Two Cats
Today is February 14, Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day brings up a lot of mixed emotions for me each year. I have long deeply craved a romantic relationship, and yet I am a 31 year old who has only gone a handful of dates, never been kissed and never had sex. Yet I have loved othersContinue reading “Learning To Love Again: A Tale Of Two Cats”
The Benefits of Tai Chi for Positive Masculinity
In honour of Movember, a month dedicated to men’s health, I wanted to share some thoughts on my Tai Chi practice, and it’s an excellent practice to break the cycle of toxic masculinity. Different Types of Strength Tai Chi, like many of the internal arts, requires a considerable amount of strength–but it is a strengthContinue reading “The Benefits of Tai Chi for Positive Masculinity”
Poem: Losing The Fight
These last few yearsI have fought non-stopBeen beatenBatteredBruised.Have fallen downAlways got back up;Grown in waysI never imagined.Yet I fearI can’t keep going onToo wearyToo beatenToo slow.Always beforeHope was easy to chooseNow seems night impossible.The only way I knowHow to fightIs for someone else.No longer seems likelyThat I ever willHave someone who loves me to fightContinue reading “Poem: Losing The Fight”
Poem: Lost Weight
You look at meAssessing and wondering.You ask,“Have you lost weight?”You say,“You look good!”I know you mean wellSo I speak softly“Yes”, I answer,Hoping affirming a factWill end this inquiry;“Thank you”, I respond,Hoping an acknowledgementWill stop this from going further.I have lost weightI am more muscledPhysically healthier than ever before.Yet this is not causeFor celebration or credit;TooContinue reading “Poem: Lost Weight”
Poem: All Shall Be Well
These daysI am lostDrowning in griefConsumed by painDarkened by despair.My heart is achingWith cold, cold loneliness;My guts are clenchedPain fills my core.Dreams and hopesAre shredded and scattered;I am utterly alone.Had hoped beyond hopeThat this time would be different;What a fool I am!I no longer want to feel this pain.Want someone to share the loadCan’t findContinue reading “Poem: All Shall Be Well”
Poem: Daily Walk
Each day there comes a timeWhen feelings begin to surgeWalls of control begin to slipCracks begin to form.I know thenI have very little timeTo find a place outsideTo stretch my legsAnd move my bodyLet the feelings flow.As fresh air fills my lungsAs wind blows on my faceThe tears begin to flow.I take solace in theContinue reading “Poem: Daily Walk”
Day by Day: On Anxiety, Depression and Hope
34 “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” –Matthew 6:34 (NRSV) I’ve been reflecting on these words recently, spoken by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew today. I will share my musings in the hope that they bring some peace and hope toContinue reading “Day by Day: On Anxiety, Depression and Hope”
The Dreamers' Corner 