My Posts

I think I’m still in shock. As a Canadian watching this political tsunami, I’m feeling angry and overwhelmed.  Millions of Americans have just handed power to a convicted felon—someone who’s masterfully manipulated fears and frustrations into a narrative of “us versus them.”  What’s Really Happening Here? We’re witnessing a moment where a significant portion of… Read more: Finding Calm in Chaos

Have you ever felt like you need to distance yourself from a friend or relative because of political or ideological differences? How are you handling it? Over the last four years a few family members revealed that they no longer shared our moderate worldview. They now embrace conspiracy theories and a groupthink of moral outrage… Read more: The Cost of Belonging: How Fear & Isolation Shape Relationships

Living with a disability can be a challenging and life-altering experience. For almost three decades, I’ve navigated the world of mobility aids, a journey that began when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the age of 32. Did you know that in 2017, 2.7 million Canadians, or 1 in 10 individuals aged 15… Read more: Embracing My Disability: A Journey of Resilience & Independence

I get a ‘wow that’s great!’ followed by a blank stare after I tell someone I’m a life coach. Maybe they are embarrassed. Everyone knows what a fitness or soccer coach is but a life coach? I don’t blame them. It isn’t clear. Life Coaching is a fast-growing field but unlike with doctors, psychologists or… Read more: What the Heck is a Life Coach Anyway?

I always loved curling up in a comfy chair in my favourite bookstore and reading self-help books. There was John Bradshaw, Deepak Chopra, Bernie Segal, Wayne Dyer and countless others. Each one gave me a new take on the human condition. I soaked it up. It’s as if they’re speaking directly to you—like they see… Read more: Self-help Books Keep You Reading, Not Doing

About 30 years ago, vulnerable and clueless about what was going on in my new MS body, I clung to wellness advice from the bestseller ‘Nutritional Healing’. I didn’t know who to trust. The medical community provided little info on how to move forward. Impressive scientific looking healing guides like this one gave me hope.… Read more: Nutritional Supplements: Do You Know What You’re Putting in Your Body?

About 30 years ago when I was diagnosed with MS there were no treatments and no cure in sight. Back then all I knew about MS was that it was an incurable brain disease that lands you in a wheelchair or worse. My neurologist— director of the MS Clinic at the prestigious Montreal Neurological  Institute… Read more: Support Groups—Do They Work?

I grew up thinking that doctors were gods. My parents believed they had all the answers and could do no wrong— especially men doctors. I was also painfully shy so when my gut told me to ask more questions my brain said, ‘Who do you think you are, challenging a doctor?’ Fast forward to 1993.… Read more: Self-care For Life

Most evenings we watch an hour or so of TV. It’s such a refreshing change from the intensity of our work days. The problem is, since Covid halted production of our favourites we’ve been struggling to find stuff we like. After watching a documentary on Betty White we wondered if we should try her old… Read more: Love & Friendship

My stomach was in knots. I was about to get my hair cut! No, I wasn’t afraid of getting a new style, I was afraid of falling in the parking lot as I made my way inside the salon or even falling once inside. MS is so unpredictable! It’s happened too many times over the… Read more: Freedom!

Stephen and I were talking about resilience, looking for a story to illustrate letting go, acceptance and courage. You might think it normal that my mother came to mind, but it surprised me. With all the drama in my life, I’ve earned my share of resilience and courage, but Mom’s life was all about comfort… Read more: Is Resilience Hereditary?

‘I’m sorry ma ‘ my 38 year old son blurted during a video chat. ‘What for honey?’ I was confused. We were just giggling over the latest exciting milestone of his adorable 15 month old — my first grandchild. ‘For all the sleepless nights I caused you. And the worry! And figuring out everything I… Read more: Now THIS made my jaw drop!

Everyone’s suffering from Covid in some way or another. We feel helpless, anxious and overwhelmed. While it’s easy to commiserate with each other about what we’ve lost, gratitude mitigates these difficult feelings by paying attention to what we are gaining—resilience, courage, integrity, acceptance, love…. We’re afraid of focusing on the negative because it can make… Read more: Finding Peace in a Pandemic Through Gratitude

I first realized how terrifying MS symptoms could be when I was in my early thirties, standing at my bathroom mirror frantically trying to rub off dark spots with a cloth. I eventually realized the spots weren’t on the mirror. I was losing my vision. About an hour later, everything was dark. I was blind.… Read more: How People Surprise You

Things a little tense at home? When relationships are under conditions of isolation, uncertainty and anxiety, it might feel like you’re drifting on the ocean without a rudder. Even under the best conditions relationships are hard work—and then stuff happens. I was telling Stephen a story the other day when he just walked away. He… Read more: Love in Isolation

The fire was crackling. The Pinot Noir was delightful. I was catching-up with an old friend. She poured her third glass and sighed. “Did you know that in fifteen years of marriage my husband has apologized…oh, maybe twice?” “You’re joking?” I said. “We’ve been friends forever. How did I not know? I thought you guys… Read more: When Your Partner’s Always Right, Where Does That Leave You?

I’m increasingly horrified by the reality TV Show that politics has become. Canada’s next-door neighbour, who I’ve always regarded as a friend, is turning from democracy to demagoguery. It scares me. The worst is seeing myself obsess with rage at every news cycle. This is not who I want to be! It’s time to coach… Read more: Be Your Own Coach

I met my new MS neurologist last week. My old one retired, thank God. Every time we met over 20 years, I left his office feeling helpless and hopeless, sometimes in tears. He was gentle enough, and quite kindly, but my final meeting with him last year was the worst. He saw I was better… Read more: How to Educate Your Doctor

Last night I asked my husband/mindfulness teacher/former Buddhist monk/ghostwriter/all around thinker, ‘When did you first start liking yourself?’ He went silent, scratched his chin, looked at the ceiling and said, ‘No one ever asked me that before.’ I was intrigued to catch him off guard. He may be one of the most skilled mindfulness teachers,… Read more: Who’s Judging You?

Imagine spending one day with your great great great grandchildren. What would you want them to know? Yesterday as I was staring into the eyes of my beautiful five week old granddaughter my stomach started to knot. ‘The world’s so scary. How will Mackenzie be happy, safe and productive?’ I know every generation has the… Read more: Love Across Generations

When my grandson was born last month I immediately offered to go down and help them out. It’s not negotiable. I’m going. But wait, I have multiple sclerosis. Isn’t that rash? Aren’t I overextending myself? Will I be able to handle it? On the other hand, how can I say no? It’s my first grandson!… Read more: Quieten Your Inner Critic

When my children were 1,4, and 7 years old their father left Canada and never came back. My purpose in life was suddenly to protect them from the emotional pain of rejection and provide a stable happy childhood. Needless to say, my ‘plate’ became very full! I went back to school but an MS diagnosis… Read more: Why it’s so Hard to put Yourself First

I fall. Sometimes every week, sometimes not for months. It depends on two things: sleep and exercise. The problem is that I, like 30% of Canadian women, suffer from insomnia. Poor sleep prevents me from exercising, which is what helps me feel strong and walk better. When my foot doesn’t lift properly (‘foot-drop’ is an… Read more: Pick Yourself Up

Ever notice how your body feels when you’re upset with someone? When I’m in conflict with someone close, my body feels drained, my mind distracted, I don’t eat properly, work seems harder. Did you know that the largest contributor to conflict in relationships is poor communication. Maybe you don’t feel heard, there’s constant arguing, nothing… Read more: Communicate Better—Live Longer & Happier

Have you ever had to deal with a control freak? They need to be right all the time. That means you can’t be—right? I had a cousin whose husband told her what she could and couldn’t wear. He wouldn’t let her shop without him. He had to be there to choose what he liked. After… Read more: From Fear to Love—a Healing Story

Most Friday evenings while preparing for supper Stephen pours our wine and we reflect on our long busy week. I always ask him about his Friday mindfulness group at the Cancer Wellness Center. You’d think it would be a depressing and sad conversation. Not at all! He relaxes and reflects on his time there just… Read more: The Beauty of Uncertainty

This last weekend I visited my neurologist for the first time in seven years. He’s a nice guy—gentle, top in his field—but I stopped seeing him because he had nothing encouraging for me. After my last visit in 2012, I left his office drained and terrified. At that time it was obvious my MS body… Read more: The Healing Power of Hope

I’m sooooo excited about becoming a grandmother. My little boy (well he’s 36) is going to be a Dad! After two plus years of agonizing procedures, endless waiting and worrying, the miracle we’ve been waiting for is finally on his way. Here’s my fantasy: baby arrives, doting grandmother rushes over to help while mom and… Read more: When Good News Makes You Sad

Almost every evening Stephen prepares dinner for us. Almost every evening I feel guilty because of it. He hates that I feel this way. He pours me a glass of wine and points to the other side of the counter. “Relax,” he says. What a horrible husband! He insists he’s happy to do it, and… Read more: Who’s Cooking Tonight?

I love the idea of having a blog. I get to share stories that make you smile and I can offer new perspectives that makes you pause and reflect. Very cool! But it’s been months since my last blog. I’m frustrated about that. I could say I’ve been too busy or sick or distracted with… Read more: Am I enough?

I was feeling terrific after a great meeting with a client. Time for a break on the deck to clear my head and enjoy the beautiful weather. As I approached the glass doors I saw something or someone moving around in the backyard. My heart started to race. Nobody was home. Was there an intruder?… Read more: Fowl Encounter

You must think there’s something good about procrastination, otherwise you’d just get on with the deed—right? It’s all about short-term gain. But while you delay the inevitable you’re probably holding on to guilt or worry about what you ‘should’ do. I really like Nike’s slogan ‘Just Do It’, but when it comes to daily exercise,… Read more: The Good Thing About Procrastination

I like to be informed on local and world news, there’s so much going on. I feel like it’s my responsibility to know what’s happening. I’ve always felt this way. So when Stephen called me a news junkie last week, I was shocked. I never thought it was a problem. My reaction was, “What? I’m… Read more: OMG I’m a Junkie!

Everyone thought I was crazy when I suggested we get my 84 year old mother a guinea pig. It took a lot of thought until I was sure that it would be low maintenance, fun and uplifting for her; something she needed. Once I convinced my brother, I needed his support and ‘connections’ as a… Read more: Why we gave Mom a guinea pig

If you’ve worked with me or my husband Stephen you know about the power of mindfulness, of being in the present moment, and you are more aware that you have a choice to react or to respond in a different way. This was one of those moments. I use trekking poles to get around now.… Read more: Does This Seem Strange?

You know that life is short and precious. So ask yourself this: ’am I where I want to be right now?’ if your answer sounds like ’ I’m pretty happy, can’t have everything!’ or ‘things will work out fine when ( fill in blank) happens’. We are lucky to live in a free democratic society.… Read more: Need a Boost?

You know that amazing feeling when you finally get something off your chest? You probably want to kick yourself because the conflict you were trying to avoid turns out to be worth the positive changes that came next. My ever-so gentle husband Stephen was a serious control freak in the kitchen. He stressed me out.… Read more: Free Your Voice

When I was diagnosed with MS 25 years ago my doctor said, ‘Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. There’s going to be a cure in 5 years.’ Of course I trusted him—he was a respected neurologist. So I waited 5, 10, 15…years! Drugs came out with side effects that weren’t even guaranteed to slow disease progression.… Read more: Do You Trust Yourself?

What do you do when you are unhappy? Plan a vacation, eat ice cream, find some other distraction? But what if your unhappiness comes from you and not someone or something else? When you ask these 5 questions, you may see sides of yourself you didn’t know were there. That’s a good thing! Awareness is… Read more: Five Things to Ask Yourself When You’re Unhappy

A few weeks ago I had one of the most beautiful painful conversations of my life. It went like this: In a soft clear voice she said “You’re the only person I’m calling before I go into palliative care. I wanted to talk to you because I love you and because we had such a… Read more: A Goodbye

“I can’t change. I’ve always been this way!” “Is that so?” This is where the conversation begins. What is that thing that stops you from pursuing the change you want? Guilt? Lack of self-confidence? Usually it’s the fear of change itself. You never know exactly where it will lead. Eventually, you reach your limit. Fear… Read more: Embrace Change!

What happens when someone becomes angry and verbally abusive? Are you willing to sacrifice your personal truth and right to be respected for peace in your life and environment? There was a time in my life when speaking up was not an option. It would have been like entering a war zone with no back-up.… Read more: Keeping the Peace

I was in a business meeting a couple weeks ago when out of the blue came a beautiful soothing chime. I thought it might be a cell phone ringer. It wasn’t, it was an app of a bell used to remind our colleague Dawn to pause and take a breath. It was sooo nice. ‘I… Read more: Best Mindfulness Tool on the Go!

I’m often asked to describe what a happy healthy relationship looks like. While it varies from couple to couple, I have noticed ten things all successful relationships have in common. When we’re growing up our role models—usually our parents—provide and teach us about love and respect. We need these qualities to develop self-respect, self-worth, confidence… Read more: Ten Things You Deserve in Your Relationship

I eat nine cups of vegetables every single day. No more sugar, gluten, grain and dairy either. It all started July 14 2014, the day I began to take my life back. It was the best decision I ever made and one of the hardest. The best decision because within weeks on The Wahls Protocol… Read more: You eat WHAT?