Slow down and go within

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.

The Million Dollar Question
I have asked hundreds of people a very simple question.
The response might surprise you.
I am curious…
How would you respond?

Work Can Wait
For me, summer was a time to step back and examine where I want to take life. I suspect that amidst so much change and uncertainty you can relate.
One of the lessons I learned is that I need to live in line with my values.
Here’s what happened two weeks ago…

The Power of Hope
I spent years hiding behind my smile, and not a single person knew the depths of my struggles with mental illness and addiction. As a teacher, I downplayed my collapse in the hallway outside of the classroom, and after a visit with a doctor I sat alone with the cold reality that I had one month to live.
At that time I understood that if I wanted something different I had to do something different.
“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