my story
When I was young, people around me often said, “you’re so artistic.” By 14, it became “you’re so autistic,” (though I was never screened for it) and by 16, I was given a provisionary Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis. I was told there was little hope of recovery, and a traditional path in life was unlikely. I struggled with feeling hopeless, enraged, and ashamed.
But deep down, I believed that there was more to me than these labels. When I was 19, I met a somatic therapist who “saw more.” I knew I needed to learn from her straight away, and got a certificate in somatic therapy in 2012.
It’s a skill anyone can learn, to be able to see more in people.
It’s been almost 15 years now that I’ve worked to build up my strengths, create meaning through community, and connect through my heart. This has allowed me to do things I dreamt of since childhood: act in films and shows, perform stand-up comedy on dozens of stages, and create ecologically-driven environments.
a philosophy born from experience
I’m obsessed with the intersection of wellness and nature. Incorporating ecological principles into my life has transformed how I perceive myself and the world.
The word ‘ecology’ comes from the Greek oikos meaning ‘house’. Personal agency comes from the heart, home of interconnectedness. Caring for our home by cultivating safety, meaning, and connection leads to more energy flow. No longer will you be bogged down or numbed out!
I know firsthand that there is only so much we can do in isolation. Real change comes from networks of individuals who dare to fully express themselves and exercise compassion. Having a mentor or coach can be tremendously helpful to guide you in seeing ecological opportunities in your way of being.
As more systems and institutions embrace Two-Eyed Seeing, coined by Mi’kmaq Elder, Albert Marshall (check it out here: https://www.2eyedseeing.ca/about-5), we collectively find more ways to bring balance to our socio-political ecologies. But I believe there’s no sense in waiting for a top-down reform. Those called are already building systems needed for life to flourish, come what may.