My Resources

Books by Oliver Sacks: his books introduced me to the brain and the astonishing breadth of its permutations.
The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge: the start of my fascination with neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to change itself continuously throughout our lifetime.
Travel: I started to learn about all the different ways we humans live, love and communicate and the many ways in which we are the same - our desire for happiness, belonging and safety.
Moving to New Zealand: I found myself living a life completely unconnected to the one I’d led in Toronto; I learned to see the patterns I took with me; I realized my life could be different and unpredictable and that I could handle it.
Therapy: my therapist helped me see that I took on too much and needed to draw boundaries; that I couldn’t fix everything for everyone; and that no matter how much I wanted it or how many different times and ways I tried, I wasn’t responsible for the happiness, or lack thereof, of those closest to me.
Meditation: it quieted my thoughts, helped me remain in (more often) and appreciate the present, and taught me how to be aware of and listen to my body.
My adopted dog, Cora: she helped me slow down, get outside regularly and know unconditional love.

Get more rest: I have greater resilience, clarity and insight when I’m well rested; I can’t say enough about the wonders of napping.
Exercise: I walk my dog and getting outside reminds me that things change and nothing is permanent; the endorphins also help :D.
Laughter: I LOVE to laugh and it’s good for me; Cora (my dog) makes me laugh at least once a day with all her quirks.
Friends and food: I love food - sometimes I manage to stick to healthier food, sometimes not - and hanging out with a friend or friends over a meal never fails to make me grateful and feel lighter.