Many people are wondering how to manage the fear, anxiety and depression that so many individuals are experiencing across Canada as restrictions and mandates are lifted in different provinces. As provinces prepare to lift restrictions, (I know in BC we have not yet experienced this) individuals are experiencing an array of emotions from relief to fear, to anxiety and sometimes panic. I hope this blog post can be a support and help to many individuals that are facing uncertain emotions. 

Wow! In just a short time the world has changed, each of our lives are touched by the COVID-19. I can focus on what has changed, how we are each affected, loss of income, isolation, fear, anxiety, illness, children not in school, the empty shelves at the stores and even the lack of toilet paper, the list goes on and on, but we all know that...in fact it is just about all we hear about and talk about so I want to shift directions a little bit.

As we approach the new year, I know that out of this last year has come clarity on purpose. There is a sense of direction and an excitement to walk in clear vision. An excitement to walk with purpose and clarity in 2020.

Comfort Zone. Those two words can cause an array of emotion and feeling. Lets explore that word together for a bit. Comfort zone gives a sense of security, safety and yes, comfort. It is a place we are familiar with, we know this place, we can sit back and relax, it even feels like home or like your favorite go-to-shirt. Comfort zone also can feel stale, or like guests that has overstayed their welcome. Comfort zone becomes a place of discomfort, and dare I even say, like an internal battle field as we fight within ourselves to stay comfortable and safe but also to desire to move forward and grow, to go places, all at the same time.

Depression is a word that is commonly felt, yet not talked about enough. Way to many people suffer depression and mental health concerns in silence. January blues are felt by many individuals resulting in depression.

Raw truth...I did for many years, I hated myself and my story, until one day a dear and wise coach friend asked me to write a letter to my younger self. With much grumbling I agreed and then he said these words "remember, you had a choice".