Blog

“Ahhhh…,” I remember thinking, “a week off—a whole week off!” As a gift to myself on my last birthday, I decided to take some well-earned time off. Because I was craving a low-key week that wasn’t totally stuffed with things to see and do, I decided to stay home and not travel—to instead enjoy my beautiful, beloved Vancouver. I really like stay-cations. I don’t have to pack or be in crowded airports or bus terminals. I can sleep in my own bed and not spend an exorbitant amount of money to … [Read more...] about What I Learned on My Spring Stay-cation

I love butterflies.For me, aside from their incredible beauty, they signify the extraordinary growth that all living things – including us humans – are able to achieve when we make that choice.Think about it: a butterfly starts out as a cumbersome caterpillar, crawling slowly along the ground, being stepped on, squashed down, dissected in biology classes, and then discarded when the abuse is over. It is easy to discount the lowly caterpillar.But caterpillars have an uncanny sense of intuition – … [Read more...] about If Nothing Ever Changed, There Would Be No Butterflies: The Power of Transformation

Just like much of the world, I am shocked and saddened as I hear the news about Whitney Houston – dead at the age of 48. I’ve always loved Whitney’s music – her voice was so amazing and until recent years, her onstage presence could make us forget all about the demons she battled privately. Not only did she fight an ongoing battle with mind-altering substance addiction, she also was in the spotlight several times as a result of domestic violence with her husband Bobby Brown. Despite her many … [Read more...] about Whitney Houston: Thank You for Your Help

I recently went to a talk given by Gabor Maté, a medical doctor, author and speaker, who spent many years working with hard-core addicts and alcoholics , as well as people with HIV/AIDS, in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.  His talk, as always, was brilliant and inspirational – but there was one point he made that continues to resonate with me. Dr. Maté explained that most people, when faced with the choice of either attachment or authenticity in their relationships, will go for attachment first, … [Read more...] about Attachment or Authenticity: Which Would You Choose?

5 Tips for Avoiding Holiday Stress and Overindulgence This Season 1) Lower your expectations - especially if you are a perfectionist. Lower the bar of perfection you may have set for yourself, and see if you can't enjoy the holidays as much – and perhaps even more -- when you don't try to live up to Martha Stewart standards. Just be yourself and do what feels healthy and good for you. 2) Be realistic in your holiday expectations. The holidays can set us up for a fall. Everywhere in the … [Read more...] about 5 Tips for Avoiding Holiday Stress and Overindulgence