Building Connections Counselling and Coaching

06/21/2024

🧡 National Indigenous Peoples Day 🧡

Today, we honor the rich cultures, traditions, and histories of the Indigenous peoples of Canada and British Columbia. From the Coast Salish to the Haida, the lands we live on are deeply rooted in Indigenous heritage. 🌿

I took this photo last year on a hike to Garibaldi lake. I'm constantly fascinated by the beauty of this country. ✨

Let's take a moment to reflect, learn, and celebrate the vibrant contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Let's acknowledge the past and commit to a future of respect and reconciliation. 🪶

Together, we can foster understanding and appreciation for the true stewards of these lands. 🌄🙏

06/12/2024

📚 Nourish Your Mind with a Good Book 🌟

I always find that my mind slows down a lot whenever I'm reading a book. Holding a book in your hand feels very different compared to your phone.
In a world that never seems to stop, where our minds are constantly filled with to-do lists, social media updates, and daily stressors, reading a book is like a temporary escape. It's like pressing the pause button on life, allowing us to immerse ourselves in a different world, even if just for a little while. 📖✨
Reading is more than just a pastime; it's a powerful tool for mental wellness. It helps reduce stress, enhances empathy, and transports us to different worlds, offering a temporary escape from our worries. 🌍💆‍♀️

🌿 Benefits of Reading for Mental Health:

- Stress Reduction: Just 6 minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by 68%!
- Improved Focus: Reading helps train your brain to concentrate and focus better.
- Enhanced Empathy: Stepping into the shoes of characters builds empathy and understanding.
- Better Sleep: Reading a book before bed can improve sleep quality.

So, whether it's a novel, a self-help book, or poetry, take a moment today to dive into a good read and give your mind the relaxation it deserves. 📙💤

I am currently reading "The Wisdom of Your Body: Finding Healing, Wholeness, and Connection through Embodied Living," which I recommend to anybody who wants to connect more with their body.

🌟 What's your current read? Share in the comments! 👇

05/08/2024

Sometimes, we tend to be super hard on ourselves. We see only what we have yet to accomplish, not what we've achieved and overcome already. It might be important to set goals, have visions, and know where we want to be, but it's equally essential to sometimes pause and celebrate our successes.
Here is a little thought experiment:

- How does "you one year ago" feel about where you're at in your life right now? What changes do they notice?
- What does "you in one year from now" want you to know? Do they have any advice?

Zooming out and seeing ourselves in the context of time, where changes happen over extended periods, can sometimes be helpful.

What successes would you like to celebrate today? 🎉

04/30/2024

Anxiety is a very common mental health issue that can impact individuals of all genders, but research suggests that women are disproportionately affected by anxiety disorders compared to men. In my counselling practice, anxiety is one of the main reasons why people reach out to me. With this article, I want to shed some light on anxiety and offer practical strategies to help women manage anxiety effectively.

If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out to me.

Have a lovely day everyone!

Anxiety is a very common mental health issue that can impact individuals of all genders, but research suggests that women are disproportionately affected by anxiety disorders compared to men. In my counselling practice, anxiety is one of the main reasons why people reach out to me. With this article...

04/12/2024

My cats Felix and Leo (the one in the picture) are excellent at setting boundaries for themselves. I love how unapologetic they are about doing what they feel is right for them. They would often say "no" to my attempts to cuddle with them because they just don't want to right now. If they want to play, they play. If they want to rest, they rest. If they want to go on the patio, they let me know. If they want a treat, you can be certain that they will inform me :-)

And although they are so clear with their communication and firm with their boundaries, they are loved and appreciated for exactly who and how they are. I guess there is a lot we can learn from cats :-)