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- Your Uplift - March 2026
Your Uplift - March 2026
Patricia's Resiliency eNewsletter ❤️🐞
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Table of Contents
ONE: On a Personal Note
Hard Stuff: Caregiving
From February 27, when our daughter Kelly had hip replacement surgery, until March 15, I stepped into what was almost a full-time caregiving role. I’m not complaining, just acknowledging and reflecting on the role.
Caregiving can be exhausting. I managed mind and body well. All those trips up and down the stairs became my “workout.” I made space for us to watch chick flicks together. I even asked Kelly for feedback on my closet. Finally my clothes were organized. I cooked meals to please my own taste buds, and when fatigue turned up, I took a nap. Through it all Kelly queried, “Mom, are you taking care of yourself?”
Then there is the element of watching someone you love be in pain. I kept telling myself, and her, “This will get better.”
Caregiving did stretch me and I did it!
My heart goes out to those, especially older adults, who step up every day to care for loved ones with cognitive or physical decline. What I experienced was short-term. For many, this is a long road.
Caregiving is often a voluntary role, and it carries a silent honour. And yet, it’s easy to see how burnout can creep in without intention and self-care.
Caring for Kelly was an honour and it reminded me of something simple and important:
to care well for others, we must also care for ourselves. ❤️🐞
Uplifting Stuff: My Love
It was Les’ 79th birthday and as I watched him, I felt sooooo grateful.
Despite his experience with chemotherapy, including loss of hair, vitality, and some of the activities, my love has deepened.
Over the years, I’ve written and spoken about the importance of relationships built on resilience, kindness, gratitude, encouragement, and focusing on each other’s strengths.
Les is a loyal, steady, and caring partner. Our relationship reminds me of what we can’t control and what we can. So we love, show up, and cherish one another. I feel grateful for the comfort, the history, and even the quiet, like old-famiiliar slippers, companionship.
Happy 79th, Les. My love only deepens.
In the meantime, I wish you continued resilience,
Patricia ❤️🐞
TWO: Resiliency Research
Mental Health Research Canada
Mental health in Canadians is significantly affected by caregiving responsibilities.
Caregiver Burnout and Stress
Almost half of Canadians (47%) are managing caregiving responsibilities within their networks - including parents to children under 18 years old, elderly individuals, or people with special needs - and they report significantly higher rates of burnout (31%), financial stress (40%), and unmet mental health needs compared to those without caregiving duties.
Findings of Poll 24, Mental Health Research Canada, Feb, 2025
THREE: Patricia’s Resiliency Blog/Articles
Too often we forget that none of us were born only to do. We are not our relationship roles nor our job titles and descriptions.
At home, we are more than “the mother,” “the father,” wife, husband, daughter, or son. These are roles, not our essence. No matter our work, we need spaces in between for simply being with family, with friends, and especially with ourselves. At the beginning and the end of life, we are human BEings.
This truth is . . . CLICK HERE.
Bright-Sided: When Positive Thinking Goes Too Far, a Book Summary
In Bright-Sided, Barbara Ehrenreich explores a cultural belief: that positive thinking is not only beneficial, but essential for success, health, and happiness. Indeed, modern psychology and research support the idea that emotions like gratitude, contentment, and confidence can contribute to . . CLICK HERE.
FOUR: Resiliency Video Picks
How To Break Generational Trauma in Your Family with Terry Real (10.19min)
Patricia’s Videos
Resilient Aging for Seniorpreneurs with Gary Mah & Patricia Morgan (36.37min)
How to Respond When Someone Blames You? (8.49min)
Inner Child Work (Parts Work) #3 Who to Trust (2.58min)
FIVE: In-person Opportunities with Patricia
1. Tips on Resilient Aging with a Spunky Senior * Monday, April 13, 2026
“Being a Spunky Senior means ‘Givin’ it every day. Keep taking on challenges and doing your best!’” Vera Goodman, age 87
As many of our wise parents used to say, “Aging ain’t for sissies!” Research into aging well recommends alternatives to rusting out. We will explore how to continue to live vibrantly while accepting that getting older is inevitable. Be prepared for reality, possibilities, and some cornball fun!
You will be reminded to:
1. Care for Your Vintage Body. You’ll happily live longer.
2. Keep Your Mind Active. Your neurons will stay active and connected.
3. Hang out with Younger & Older. You’ll avoid risky social isolation.
4. Feel Grateful. Your days will be filled with blessings.
5. Lighten Up! You will see your health improve. Smile, laugh, and skip if you can!
Seniors in the Loop: Marda Loop Community Association
TIME: 10am to 11.30am, Monday, April 13, 2026
WHERE: 3130 – 16th Street SW, Calgary
TO REGISTER: Email Heather Bhatty at [email protected] or 587-437- 4400 with “i want to attend Tips on Resilient Aging.”
2. Return to Center Workshop * Friday, May 22, 2026
Creating Emotionally Safe Spaces in a Stressful World
OPEN to THE PUBLIC
Creating Emotionally Safe Spaces in a Stressful World
Based on the award-winning book:
Return to Center: Simple Strategies to Navigate Distress, Depression, and Disconnection (2024 Canadian Counselling Book Award)
Why this workshop?
Life can knock us off balance—through relationship struggles, work pressures, or the weight of responsibility. This training is designed for mental health professionals, community leaders, and anyone required to create emotionally safe spaces for others.
Join us to explore practical tools to steady yourself, improve relationships, and foster genuine emotional safety and connection.
What you’ll discover:
✅ A simple understanding of the Polyvagal Theory and your nervous system
✅ How to recognize signals of safety and danger in yourself and others
✅ Tools to map your own nervous system states: Charged, Give Up, and Centered
✅ A list of strategies to increase calm, focus, and connection
✅ Ways to emotionally regulate yourself and help others return to center
What you’ll gain:
✨ Clarity on how body and mind respond to stress
✨ Awareness of when you’re agitated, shut down, or steady—and why it matters
✨ A personal toolbox of strategies to calm your mind and reconnect with others
✨ Practical ways to handle challenges with confidence while helping others, including children, feel safe and supported
WHERE: Caroline Library, ·5023 - 50th Avenue, Caroline, Alberta
TIME: 5 -7pm, Friday, May 22, 2026
JUST COME * See you there! ❤️🐞
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 ❤️🐞