Slow down and go within

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.
Mental Health Tips
Over the past few weeks I have received numerous requests asking for tips to assist in one's mental wellness. This has inspired me to create a series of mental health tips. Here is tip number 1! ...
Stories Shatter Stigma
While we are certainly moving in the right direction with mental health, stigma remains evident in our places of work and communities. Learning about various mental health...
My Journey Towards Wellness
As a kid, I never grew up hoping to one day struggle with mental illness or become an addict. Who knew that these were the lessons I needed to learn to be in a position to help others...
A Male Teacher Speaks Openly About Mental Illness
Few males can be found teaching elementary school, and even fewer of these speak openly about their challenges with mental health. Meet my best friend, James Siemens. Living in a...
Men and Suicide: It’s Time to Talk
Lately, I’ve received a lot of messages from men who are really struggling, and I have a very legitimate fear that as we continue to navigate through COVID-19 we are going to see an increase in...
“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