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
I have drafted a Quiet Leader Manifesto and I want to offer it to you for free. All you have to do is click on the photo above and you will have access to it. I write articles about wellness, leadership, parenting and personal growth. My hope is to deliver the best content I can … More The Quiet Leader is a Powerful Leader
The Type A person needs to pay attention to their mental health. ___ So why does the Type A personality need to be concerned about their mental health? It’s a good question. Type A’s are driven, successful and talented. But they are also flawed and vulnerable. I am not a Type A person but in my counseling … More Why is the Type A Person’s Mental Health at Risk?
The person successful in their recovery finds a way to embrace the quiet, to relax and to stop struggling. For more on the Successful Addict, click on photo. 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 … More How to Have a Successful Recovery
The other day we reached 400 posts. I wanted to thank you for taking this journey with me. I appreciate each of the comments and the time that you have taken to read my work. I am excited about the direction of this blog and I hope that you will continue reading, responding and sharing … More 400 Posts: Thank YOU!
Most people with an addiction are successful? ___ Most people with an addiction are successful. Most keep their jobs and have relationships that work, at least for a while. Most live life and find some measure of joy. Some even go on to fantastic success. Just think of Charlie Sheen. So does addiction make you … More The Successful Addict
Click on photo for an article about the lessons we can only learn from falling down. 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 … More How Can Falling Down Teach You About Getting Back Up?
Click photo for article on how to embrace your past. 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 … More Your Past Can Be a Part of Your Potential
Click on photo for article on the victim mentality and how to change it. 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 … More What You Can do to Change a Victim Mentality
Have you ever wondered if you have a victim mentality? ___ The victim mentality is not a diagnosis. It is not found in any medical journal or the sacred DSM 5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, 5th edition). Healing gives you another story with a better ending. You have more to … More How to Heal From the Victim Mentality
Click photo for article on How to Open Up to Life After a Trauma. 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 … More Your Trauma Can Open You Up
Getting High on Recovery 