Slow down and go within
Vulnerability Equals Strength
Before introducing me for this morning's keynote, the director of Saskatoon Light and Power, Trevor Bell, shared that he struggled with anxiety. Never before had he spoken those words out loud to his colleagues. Why did Trevor choose to share? Because he has embraced...
5 Life Lessons From Sobriety
It has been said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. My journey towards sobriety began 13 years ago, and in that time I have discovered the following truths: Sometimes we need people to believe in us more than we believe in ourselves Once you...
The Power of the Talking Circle
I spent 8 summers riding around on a gator working for the City of Saskatoon. Every season, I used up all of my sick time due to my mental health challenges. However, I never knew how to talk about my mental health struggles with my supervisors, and my supervisors...
TEDx Talk: Mental Health Crisis in Men
Men. We are dying at a suicide rate that is three times greater than women. Why? What prevents men from reaching out for help? My hope is that this TEDx talk can empower men to be vulnerable and reach out for help. ...
Facing Your Fears
This picture was taken while delivering a keynote back in 2014. What I remember most is being absolutely mortified as I walked towards a stage that was surrounded by screens that projected my every move. I had never experienced that before. I struggled with body...
My New Family
12 years ago I threw away my last cigarette as I drove over 500 kilometres to move in with Tanya and her two boys. I had little to offer. I was three months sober, jobless, and weighed down with student debt. I had a lemon of a car and emotional baggage spilling out...
A Memorable Moment in My Journey
My wife, Tanya, and I have been delivering papers with our 4 boys for just over 10 years. However, today was a little different.
My face and story was front and centre on the Bridges Magazine, and it forced me to reflect on my journey.
More Than Just A Wayne Gretzky Rookie Card
I finally got my hands on a Wayne Gretzky rookie card, but this is much more than just a card to me.
7 years ago I sold my Gretzky rookie card so that we could pay our bills.
Rising Above Our Challenges
Since I was a kid, I have had a fascination with eagles. While all other birds fly away from a storm, an eagle flies directly into it. They carefully position themselves to take advantage of the incoming winds that eventually lift them high above the storm.
We can apply a similar idea to our personal storms. Rather than waiting for the storm to pass, face it head on. After all, the shortest way through is always the middle.
Reflecting on 2020
2020 has been one hell of a year, and I really hope that over the holidays you are able to sit and reflect on the year that was. I am curious… What words pop into your mind when you reflect on the year that was? When you think about 2020, do you focus on the challenges or the triumphs? I have heard from so many people that found 2020 to be their most challenging year to date. However, many have also shared that the year has allowed them to grow in every area of their life.
“What’s stronger than a broken man who has the courage to rebuild himself? It’s time to redefine what it means to be strong.”
– Allan Kehler