Your Uplift - February 2026

Patricia's Resiliency eNewsletter ❤️🐞

February 24, 2026

If ever I can help, email me at [email protected]

If a friend forwarded you Your Uplift please hit the subscribe button below:

ONE: On a Personal Note

Hard Stuff

At the February board meeting of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), we came together in the shadow of the recent mass shootings in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. We shared our collective feelings of grief and shock at the tragedy. The loss experienced by this close-knit community is deep and the pain rippled across Canada as Prime Minister Carney and other representatives at last week’s vigil expressed so eloquently.  

As individuals and as an organization, we discussed how we might support those affected, whether through outreach, counselling, or simply providing a compassionate presence in their time of need. CCPA’s 2026 motto is “Access for All. Because Mental Health Has No Boarder.”

So, we also discussed what we could do about increased awareness. The need for improved access to mental health supports exists not just in remote locations but across our country, and dare we say North America and across the globe. We need to remind ourselves that tragedies can happen anywhere, and accessible mental health services are critical for all communities.

Here I am doing my small piece. I urge you to give kind attention and care to your family, friends, co-workers and neighbours. Encourage those who are stuck in, or overwhelmed by, feelings of grief, anxiety, hurt, anger, depression, guilt or shame to seek informed help. Please know there are skilled mental health practitioners who are dedicated to facilitating healing. Blessings to you and yours.

Note: CanadaHelps has put out a plea for donations. ❤️🐞

Uplifting Stuff

1) Presentation Delight of a Day

February 12 was my eleventh or twelth year delivering professional development sessions for the Calgary Board of Education Support Staff Association. Each year is a personal delight as I appreciate their commitment to self-care and to create emotional and psychological safety for the students under their watch.

In the morning 71 participants eagerly participated in Tips & Strategies to Practice True Self-Compassion. In the afternoon 82 participants showed up for Improve Your Listening to Improve Your Relationships. Notice the symbolic objects or pets these employees enthusiastically shared on screen. I know. there’s always the ones online who are hesitant to share or are having tech challenges.

Can you see the sweet pet-child of a black lab kissing the beloved owner?

2) A Wake Up Call
Several Calgary Board of Education staff members took me up on an offer of a complimentary session. In one of those sessions I heard something like, “I read Your Uplift eNewsletter, and I didn’t know you were a therapist nor an author, let alone an award winning one.

Hmm, am I hiding my expertise under a basket? Here are Patricia Morgan Resume highlights?

1. MA in Clinical and Humanistic Psychology, graduated in 1984, and after working in agencies providing individual couple, family and group counselling therapy, in 2001 opened a private practice online and in my Calgary home office. Interested? Email me at [email protected]

2. Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) and the Director of Alberta/Northwest Territories Region of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

3. Author of multiple books including the 2024 Canadian Counselling Book Award for Return to Center: Simple Strategies to Navigate Distress, Depression and Disconnection, a Canadian best seller, Frantic Free: 167 Ways to Lighten Up and Calm Down and Love Her As She Is, which was made into a CBC documentary.

4. Workshop and keynote presenter delivering practical strategies for managing stress, emotional regulation, connection, and resilient aging.

5. Writer and YouTube educator whose articles (over 300), videos (over 350), and training resources reach a wide public audience.

6. Award-recognized speaker, including honours such as Global TV’s Woman of Vision, Calgary Community Advocate, and the Spirit of CAPS Award for contributions to the speaking profession.

Lesson learned. If you have an expertise or a solution that could help others, don’t assume they know about it. Even better, find me on social media — YouTube, LinkedIn and/or Facebook, so we can support one another. Okay?

In the meantime, I wish you continued resilience,
Patricia ❤️🐞

TWO: Resiliency Research

Mental Health Research Canada

Financial stress and media exposure are major drivers of mental health decline in Canadians

A February 2025 national poll of 4,050 Canadian adults conducted by Mental Health Research Canada found that economic pressure and constant news exposure are significant contributors to mental distress. 42% of Canadians reported their mental health had worsened due to economic conditions, the highest level recorded since the polling began. In addition, 43% said watching the news negatively affected their mental health, while 33% reported negative effects from social media use.

The study also found that Canadians who participate in community groups report a stronger sense of belonging and better mental health, while 62% of those who do not participate feel disconnected.

These findings affirm the role of financial insecurity and digital overload in mental well-being and encourage us to strengthen our community connections.

THREE: Patricia’s RESILIENCY BLOGS

1. What to Know about Boundaries in Relationships

Most of us have had our personal boundaries violated. I have been asked in a job interview how much money my husband makes. The obvious answer was “None of your business.”  Then there was the manager who patted my behind. Boundaries in relationships help all parties feel emotionally and physically safe.  When we establish clear boundaries, we make it easier to know when to say no, yes or remain open and flexible.  Boundaries help us . . . CLICK HERE.

Ally Is a Verb: A Guide to Reconciliation with Indigenous People by Rose LeMay was recommended by a colleague who serves with me on the national board of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I’m glad I followed her suggestion. Even with experience working at the KE MAMA NNANIK program, when it was Canada’s first Indigenous family resource centre, and mentoring an Indigenous leader in professional speaking, I still had much to learn and . . . CLICK HERE.

FOUR: Resiliency Video Picks

1. I Am Woman Tribute to Helen Reddy | 2020 ARIA Awards (4.48 min) Note: This is the perfect song to play on International Women’s Day, March 08.

  1. ‘We’ve come a long way’: Indigenous leader on reconciliation over last 20 years; an interview with Rose LeMay (2.31min)

  1. Is Your Voice Ruining Your Life? | Roger Love | TEDxBend (15.09 min)


4. Toxic boss or difficult boss? Michael Kerr interviews Dr. Laura Hambley-Lovett, author of I Wish I Had Quit Sooner (5.15 min)

Patricia’s Videos

FIVE: CALGARY FUND RAISER

7th Annual "Breaking the Chains" Celebrating International Women's Day

Thursday, Mar 5 from 5 pm to 11 pm

Overview

Please come to the 7th annual "Breaking the Chains" to Support the Reset Society in their fight against Sexual Exploitation in our society.

This is a fun evening of dancing and celebrating all women. At the same time we are working to give Victims of Sexual Trafficking the opportunity to "RESET" their lives, "SO ONE DAY THEY TOO MAY LIVE, LOVE AND CELEBRATE "INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY." WITH US".

LOCATION: THE BLUES CAN, 2002-16TH AVENUE NW (THE BLUES CAN IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC THIS EVENING, IT IS A PRIVATE EVENT FOR TICKET HOLDERS ONLY)

DRESS CODE: BUSINESS CASUAL OR HIGHER. ***PLEASE NOTE HOODIES, BALL CAPS, TEE SHIRTS AND OLD JEANS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN.*** PLEASE RESPECT THE DRESS CODE.

TICKETS: SHOULD BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE ON THIS SITE, THERE WILL ONLY BE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR GIVEN THERE IS CAPACITY. $25.00 "TICKETS ARE NON REFUNDABLE

ENTERTAINMENT: THE INCREDIBLE OLIVER MIGUEL AND THE REVOLUTION

FOOD/DRINK SPECIALS: THERE WILL BE FOOD AND DRINK SPECIALS FOR THE EVENT

International Women's Day, March 8th, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

Gloria Steinem said, "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."

SIX: More Opportunities for Resilience

Presentations — In-Person or Online
Keynotes/Workshops: CLICK HERE.

Presentation Skills: For those who want guidance to develop a speaking business or simply craft and deliver an engaging message CLICK HERE.

Counselling Therapy: Can be delivered online or in-person. CLICK HERE.

Publications: To view resiliency books and ebooks CLICK HERE.

Please let me know how I might be of service at [email protected] 

Your Spunky Patricia ❤️🐞