Bright-Sided: When Positive Thinking Goes Too Far, a Book Summary In Bright-Sided, Barbara Ehrenreich explores a cultural belief: that positive thinking is not only beneficial, but essential for success, health, and happiness. Indeed, modern psychology and research support the idea that emotions like gratitude, contentment, and confidence can contribute to a longer life and improved […]
Ally is a Verb Book Summary Ally Is a Verb: A Guide to Reconciliation with Indigenous People by Rose LeMay was recommended by a colleague who serves with me on the national board of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I’m glad I followed her suggestion. Even with experience working at the KE MAMA NNANIK […]
Dancing Backwards in High Heels: A Book Summary It was such a thrill when Patricia O’Gorman read and endorsed my book From Woe to WOW: How Resilient Women Succeed at Work. Her own classic, Dancing Backwards in High Heels: How Women Master the Art of Resilience, was one of my inspirations for writing it. Long […]
It’s a true delight to spend time with Brandi Heather, author of Return to Play: Rebuilding Resilience, Risk and Reconnection. I’ve been privileged to do just that and feel grateful to call her a friend. Brandi is an award-winning Disability and Inclusion Educator and Therapeutic Play Specialist. With a background in kinesiology and sport studies, […]
Self-Compassion, Book Summary Kristin Neff’s book Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind was published in 2011. Neff provides research and stories illustrating the importance of compassion toward ourselves. She also offers easy exercises that invite self-awareness, as well as self-compassion. But her research began long before that in the early 2000s. Kristin […]
This blog/article is a summary of Mark Black’s book, The Resilience Road Map: 7 Guideposts for Charting Your Course in a Chaotic World. It is a privilege to be part of Mark Black’s circle of friends. I know him to be a man of short stature, yet he holds a high standing in my eyes […]
The Myths of Happiness gives insights into our fruitless, and sometimes silly, efforts to be happy while offering realistic direction for personal fulfillment.
In 1990 Martin Seligman released his ground breaking book, Learned Optimism. Since I have occasionally been accused of behaving Pollyannaish or overly optimistic, his work is of interest to me.
The Survivor Personality, a book summary The resiliency researcher and professor, Dr. Al Siebert wrote the groundbreaking book, The Survivor Personality: Why Some People are Stronger, Smarter, and More Skillful at Handling Life’s Difficulties…and How You Can Be, Too. Siebert was internationally recognized for his pioneer research into the qualities of highly resilient survivors. It […]
The work of Byron Katie is fascinating, often misunderstood and has helped hundreds, if not thousands of people through her seminars and book, Loving What Is. Overview: In 1986, Byron Katie found herself in a residential treatment house for an eating disorder. There she had an awakening. Some might describe her experience as a spiritual […]
In 2000, along with my daughter Kelly, I self-published the book Love Her As She Is: Lessons from a Daughter Stolen by Addictions. It was featured in a CBC television documentary and is recommended as a valuable resource for all parents and mental health professionals. Our story, and the 14 ways to love unconditionally with clear boundaries, give […]
Book Summary The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture. In September 2022, the renowned Canadian physician, trauma and addiction author, Gabor Maté with his son, Daniel Mate’ released The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture. In this publication, he challenges our usual take-it-for-granted perspectives about […]