I sometimes introduce myself as YodaNinja. "Yoda on the outside, Ninja on the inside." Outside, I seem calm and composed. When I speak (or write), what I say can be profound, perplexing... or both. But my inner world is another story. Deep inside of me is a Ninja battleground where thoughts, emotions, ideas, and utter randomness all fight for my attention. Every once in a while, they actually cooperate and I have to say, I'm deadly. But then they go at it again... and "Everybody is Kung Fu fighting." I'm a dad, a husband and a guy whose mind has a mind of it's own. My recovery from my addiction to numbing myself (with pretty much anything I can get my hands on) is a lifelong journey. I live with depression, anxiety and adhd... and sometimes they don't get along very well with my family, or with the rest of my life. Professionaly, I make my living as a Counselling Therapist in Edmonton, Canada. I teach on addiction and psychopathology at City University, and I have a small counselling practice where I use superheroes and other geeky stuff to help people make peace with their own personal YodaNinja. This blog is part of my healing and writing keeps me grounded. I hope that something I have written may add a little bit to your journey. Keep it Real
For the article on “Which Jesus Do You Listen To?”, click on the photo above. I write articles about wellness, leadership, parenting and personal growth. My hope is to deliver the best content I can to inspire, to inform and to entertain. Sign up for my blog if you want to receive the latest and best … More Maybe You are Like Me and You Need a Jesus 2.0?
Guest post by Rick Fortier. Previously published by R. Fortier. ◊♦◊ Welcome to the reality show, “This, Is Your Recovery!” There will be drama, a roller coaster of emotions, and almost certainly a cliffhanger for the next episode. It will never be boring. There is no other show like it. If you’re thinking about playing, … More The Reality Show of Recovery
I write articles about wellness, leadership, parenting and personal growth. My hope is to deliver the best content I can to inspire, to inform and to entertain. Sign up for my blog if you want to receive the latest and best of my writing. If you like what I have to say, please share my work … More How To Take Back Your Life From the Effects of Trauma
There are common myths about addiction that can be confusing and even destructive. One of the myths is that addiction is a brain disease that leaves you with little choice. In any addiction, any obsessive behavior and your most difficult habits you have at least four choices that you can make (I credit Russ Harris, … More Addiction and The Myth that You Have No Choice
“Unpredictability can be a gift. Admit it. Some families can be too organized and over-structured. Sometimes it is more fun to go with things and not always have a plan. Chaos is not okay, but a little organized chaos is entertaining when it is combined with love and acceptance.” For the article on “Addiction: The … More Taking Ourselves Too Seriously is Not a Part of Recovery
Some things just aren’t worth your time? ___ Each day means a new 24 hours. Each day means everything is possible again. You live in the moment, you die in the moment. You take it all one day at a time. “Day” from Marie Lu’s novel, “Legend.” ◊♦◊ Today. Today is new. Today is THE … More How to Have the Time of Your Life in Recovery
Are you ready to be a guest contributor? Have you thought about becoming a writer, or wondered where to share your words? We are currently accepting guest posts. Posting on my blog will allow you to share your experience with mental illness, addiction recovery, tips for making the most of therapy, overcoming your childhood, being … More You Are Resilient and it’s Time to Tell Your Story
For article on how to make peace with your addiction and mental illness, click on the photo above. I write articles about wellness, leadership, parenting and personal growth. My hope is to deliver the best content I can to inspire, to inform and to entertain. Sign up for my blog if you want to receive the … More Learning to Be at Peace with Your Imperfections
For article on the lessons that I have learned after a year with clinical depression, click on the photo above. I write articles about wellness, leadership, parenting and personal growth. My hope is to deliver the best content I can to inspire, to inform and to entertain. Sign up for my blog if you want to … More Lessons Learned From Living With Clinical Depression
Four choices that will help you find peace ___ Some things you can’t fight, some things you have to live with. Joe, from “the Flash.” Peace begins on the inside Some things you need to learn to live with. Maybe even make peace with. You wouldn’t think that self destructive behaviors would be a place … More How to Make Peace With Your Addiction and Mental Illness?
Getting High on Recovery 