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

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You may have heard about the many Alberta families who say the provincial government's changes to AISH and their development of the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) has created additional stress.

We are one of those families with loved ones whose finances were ‘adjusted’ to have less financial support and one received ‘the letter’ with the expectation to find employment, that is moved over to the ADAP program. All this when inflation, including rising food costs keeps increasing. In August of 2025 Inclusion Alberta rallied families to attend town halls to protest this change and stated:

Change happened anyway. Initially, It took our family nearly two years to qualify one of our loved ones for AISH. Two years of assessments, documentation, and proving the severity of their limitations. Since this government funding change I have moved from feeling frightened to frustrated.

I am grateful to live in Canada and appreciate the many supports we have. At the same time, when essential supports for our most vulnerable citizens are diminished, I question the compassion of our leadership. ❤️🐞

The garden brings hope, calm and visual pleasure; ever evolving with delightful bees gathering their nectar. If ever you are in the core of Calgary, please consider contacting me about a wee visit in our back garden — [email protected].

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

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

The landmark ACEs study demonstrated a strong relationship between childhood adversity and later health. The more categories of adversity people experienced before age 18 (such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction), the greater their risk of depression, anxiety, substance use, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and even premature death. Rather than viewing these outcomes as isolated illnesses, the study showed how early experiences can shape lifelong physical and mental health.

You can quickly take the ACEs inventory and learn more at ACEs Too High – What ACEs/PCEs do you have?

Source: Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., Koss, M. P., & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Death in Adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245–258

A practical guide to dealing with criticism, name-calling, and verbal abuse while protecting your self-respect, boundaries, and mental health.

If someone regularly criticizes you, calls you names, belittles you, or attacks your character, you are probably experiencing verbal abuse.

Verbal abuse can occur in marriages, intimate relationships, families, friendships, and workplaces. Over time, it can damage your. . . CLICK HERE.

People with effective communication skills understand the power of a single word and phrases. Yet many of us give little thought to the words we use every day, especially the word, but.

For many people, hearing the word but immediately signals emotional danger of a disappointing, discouraging, or critical message. Sometimes that’s true. Sometimes it isn’t. Yet the simple delivery of but after a positive statement can unconsciously put people on alert.

Our nervous systems are constantly scanning for cues of safety and danger. Even subtle language can influence whether someone feels appreciated or. . . CLICK HERE.

Life offers enough challenges without carrying around unnecessary burdens. Finding Your Sunnyside Up! is a lighthearted presentation that explores how gratitude, meaningful connection, playfulness, and a positive outlook can help us experience greater joy and resilience. You'll leave with simple, practical strategies to lift your spirits, strengthen your relationships, and cultivate a more joyful way of living—no matter what life brings.

As Dr. Ernest Holmes wrote, "It should be considered right to live and enjoy living. To be well, happy, and to express freedom, is to be in accord with Divine Law and Wisdom." The Science of Mind.

Five Practices for Everyday Joy

When: 10.30am MT, Sunday, August 16, 2026
Where: Calgary Centre for Spiritual Living, 4411 Manitoba Rd SE, Calgary or Online at Online at https://calgarycsl.org/livestream

No Registration — JUST COME * See you there! ❤️🐞

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 ❤️🐞