To disrupt the stigma around family violence, we have to face the harsh realities. Once you are more aware, you will start to recognize what is out there. And there are no trigger warnings in real life.

The anguish comes in waves.

The biggest crashes are when my children cry out for you. They are innocent and unknowing of what you have done to me, and what you have done to them.

I cheated death..

5 years ago I came face-to-face with my mortality.

This is what I learned..

How to cherish life.. consider that everything you experience could be for the last time

One-in-three women also share this secret! It's something that fills us with shame, pain, self-blame... and fear! We become experts at keeping this secret, leading those around us to think everything's okay and that we've got this.

I hope you never have to experience this or never have. 

Three years ago one of my friends died in a brutal, violent, senseless way.

Her death in a murder / suicide killing spree in central Alberta shook my world.

I am no stranger to domestic abuse. I lived with it for most of my life. Does that make it any harder (or easier) to process, to deal with, to understand violence & abuse? No. Not really. Why?

Don’t Give Up!

That’s my best advice.

Thank you for stopping by.
xo Deena

p.s. If you’ve already got one foot out the door… with the noise of your Fear & Doubts honking outside…

How are those resolutions going?

It’s only a few days into this shiny brand new year & I am willing to bet you’re already struggling with the resolutions, goals & promises you made to yourself.. amiright?

Stop. Beating. Yourself. Up.

Cuz resolutions suck.

And here’s why…

True story:

It was a cold dark winter night when a random stranger suddenly & unexpectedly appeared right in front of my car. He was carrying something in his hand, but my brain didn’t register what it was in time.

Before I realized what he was up to,

Ever heard this advice?

When you need a break - TAKE ONE!

Great advice yup.. we are quick to give it, but damn it's hard to take it..

I've been ignoring the many nudges & hints from my mind & body that they need a break, a change of scenery, shut some shit down for a while .. and just breathe.

𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙨𝙤 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣' 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙?
This might be why..

Those long orange (very versatile) veggies you know & love can teach you a few things about living a better life! And it actually has nothing to do with the nutrients they’re chock full of. Here’s what I’ve noticed..

This may surprise you, but THERE ARE ZERO GUARANTEES that the first, second, or even third thing you try will be a smash hit.

Why would you put your life on hold, then spend the whole time wondering & wishing you could somehow make this ‘impossible’ dream happen… ? 🤷🏼‍♀️

What can you do to get unstuck?

Shock and pain came crashing over me – crushing me.

I was desperately gasping for air, struggling to breathe – doubled over, as if I’d been kicked hard in the chest.

Grief was ripping me open from somewhere deep inside.

There was no breath to release the heart-wrenching sobs that were choking me – my throat tight, my brain terrified, as I stumbled up the stairs to escape what I’d just seen, knowing it couldn’t be left behind.

I’ll never forget that day.
It marked the beginning of my journey to freedom.

What did I see?

I took a leap & did a really scary thing recently, but that’s just the back story!

(If you missed it, check out my social posts for all the details)

Here’s where it all started..

Dammit.. another day, another week has passed .. 😔 & you feel so freakin’ guilty - shaming yourself for not making / taking the time to reach out and CONNECT.

Who are you missing most?
Who is missing you the most?

Could it possibly be your SELF?

You’re losing yourself, losing connection with who you are and what brings you joy.

Do you feel like you are dissolving, becoming transparent – invisible?

Are you burning the candle at both ends and trying to light the middle?
… keep reading…

Contracts are usually not carved in stone, but some could be lurking in your DNA..

Canceling soul-level contracts and breaking generational vows, revoking their hold on you, is a powerful mindset shift tool.

It’s been 27 years since my brother died.

In that time, I have experienced many other significant losses, including the death of another brother and our mother.

Grief changes over time.

It isn’t logical or linear.

It doesn’t expire.

It will never completely disappear.

It can also bring insight and inspiration if we’ll accept it. Here’s an example from my life:

The Top 2 Things Women Can Do to Build Confidence

Confidence doesn’t come easily for many women. Society in general pushes us back, even as it spouts out female empowerment slogans and campaigns. It’s a “Society: be yourself. Society: no, not like that.” insanity that knocks us around, confusing, and deceptive, as it continues to make false promises about supporting us in our yearning for equilibrium & equality.

So, what can you do to build confidence as a woman in a culture that doesn’t genuinely support your efforts?

My answer comes from a question I was recently asked about tattoos! Keep reading to hear what I believe are the top 2 things to do to have success in your quest to build confidence.

Who lives inside YOUR head?

If it’s a nasty bitch, yattering mean shit about you and anything in your world – there are ways you can change that and become besties.

Here are 3 STEPS to TAKE YOUR INNER BULLY FROM BITCH to BESTIE.

Mother's Day..

Ya..

It can be marvelous or a complete mind-fuck..