Your Uplift - October 2025

Patricia's Resiliency eNewsletter ❤️🐞

October 15, 2025

ONE. On a Personal Note

Hard Stuff

My Love’s Treatments

My love of 57 years begins chemotherapy this week, to manage metastasized prostate cancer, a cancer he has lived with for 12 years. Treatment will be an infusion every three weeks for seven months, taking us to May. He’s a reserved, sensible, and more private-than-me man, necessitating this message being approved by him.

This new stage, along with commitments I don’t want to release, will challenge me in several ways. How so?

  • Witnessing his pain. I’m doing my best to be gentle and honest with him about the emotional challenge of watching someone I love in discomfort.

  • The dance. I’m learning to dance between encouraging him to care for himself while appreciating the tasks he continues to do. Plus I try to offer care without hovering, and maintaining a sense of normalcy.

  • Letting go of guilt. I’m working to avoid feeling guilty about continuing my own creative and fulfilling work and play. Even thinking about what he’ll go through can bring feelings of fear, helplessness, and sadness.

  • Respecting boundaries. I want to share my feelings with friends and family to help process them, yet I’m mindful of his desire for privacy.

  • Holding hope and realism. I’m preparing myself for the hard possibilities of chemotherapy while wishing for the best outcome — and treasuring every moment we have together.

    This I know: our commitment, resourcefulness, and love has always carried us through challenging times.

    ❤️🐞

Uplifting Stuff

Mystic Moonlight Masquerade Gala & Ball + Award + Senior’s Day in Cold Lake & Lloyd

Earlier this month I attended the Mystic Moonlight Masquerade Gala and Ball—an event unlike any other I have experienced.

Organized by the visionary Lynea Robbestad Vaugeois Hetherington of Sol Ve’ Custom Events. This fundraiser supported ten local charities, all encompassing humanities with diversity, equity, inclusion gnad and embraced the spirit of community and philanthropy.

It was held at the Empire Banquet Hall in Calgary, and I chose the word, MAGNIFICENT to describe the experience. Many guests wore Rococo and Renaissance-inspired costumes and masquerade masks. We were treated to a gourmet dinner, fascinating and artistic performances ranging from Bollywood dance to drag queens, and a Chinese opera singer.

I was surprised and humbled to be recognized with a Community Advocacy Award, a hand crafted vase from Fascpple Glass Studio, an honor also given to inclusivity champion, Connie Jakab of Bravely Connected Communities. 

The actress Janna Cachola said, “Advocacy is empathy, compassion, and community at work.” The award criteria specified:

“. . . to individuals who have made an outstanding impact on marginalized communities—particularly within the underrepresented and diversity, equality, equity and inclusivity spectrum. Nominees should reflect the Gala’s values of inclusivity, creativity, collaboration, and equity and embody what it means to advocate through action, art, voice, or visibility.”

I appreciate Lynea and all the volunteers who organized a memorable and impactful evening that has touched me in many heart-filled ways.

Two other October highlights were the Seniors’ Day events in Cold Lake, followed the next day by my second year delivering a message on resilient aging at the Lloydminster Legacy Seniors Centre. I was touched by the warm welcome from friendly faces I met last year.

May you attend stunning experiences and celebrate acknowledgments that come your way.

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

TWO: Patricia’s Helpful Blogs/Articles

As a therapist, I’ve witnessed relationship killers—the quiet, everyday patterns that slowly damage intimacy, trust, and respect. I’ve also witnessed small, thoughtful acts that strengthen them. And, I’ve had my own fair share of relationship challenges.

One of my favorite podcasts is Esther Perel’s Where Shall We Begin? While her focus is often romantic partnerships, the same patterns apply to friendships. . . CLICK HERE

Why children lie is complicated! Our culture is filled with exaggeration, half-truths, and outright fiction. Oh! And conspiracy theories. Movies, television, advertising, and even our leaders tend to twist reality. So, it’s no surprise that children sometimes follow these influential role models.

But how can parents respond in a way that supports honesty rather . . .  CLICK HERE

THREE: Resiliency Research

A 2024 study found that self-guided mobile cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) apps can be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms among young adults. The research demonstrated that these digital interventions, regardless of the type of incentive strategy used to promote engagement, led to significant improvements in anxiety levels.

This finding highlights the potential of mobile technology in providing accessible mental health support, especially for populations with limited access to traditional therapy.

Published by JAMA Network Open

FOUR: Resiliency Video Picks

Patricia’s Videos

Five: Calgary Event about Death and Dying

Authentic, holistic conversations about death and dying, navigation of healthcare systems with focus on advocacy for informed choice.

Death Disrupted: Transforming the Conversation Around Death and Dying

This innovative event is dedicated to fostering open, authentic dialogue about death and dying. Led by experienced nurses, the program takes a holistic approach, aiming to normalize these important conversations and provide a safe, welcoming environment for attendees to learn and ask questions. Curiosity is encouraged, and participants are invited to explore the complexities of navigating healthcare systems and advocating for informed choice.

A key focus of the event is the importance of written medical directives as a vital component of comprehensive healthcare planning. Attendees will receive valuable information on topics including hospice care, the role of death doulas, death cafes, organ donation, legacy projects, discounted funeral planning, downsizing, and much more. Resources will include live demonstrations of relevant websites to support informed decision-making.

The event features a robust tradeshow, offering opportunities to engage directly with business owners who support families through the end-of-life journey—from accessible home renovation solutions to home care nursing services. The content is highly relevant for social workers, psychologists, and healthcare professionals, as well as members of the public interested in these topics. Legal professionals, including lawyers and legal assistants, are also encouraged to attend.

At Death Disrupted, we believe that meaningful conversation and compassion are essential—there is no substitute for human connection when navigating death and dying. The conference seeks to reframe discomfort and fear, inviting participants to consider: Is death an opportunity not to be wasted?

Please note: The subject matter may be sensitive for some individuals, and content may not be suitable for everyone.

To Learn More and Register CLICK HERE

SIX: OPPORTUNITIES with Patricia


FREE Online presentation based on the ebook by the same title.
11:00 a.m. MT — Saturday, October 25, 2025

“Lonely, I'm Mr. (Ms.) Lonely, I have nobody for my own. I am so lonely. I'm Mr. Lonely. Wish I had someone to call on the phone.” Bobby Vinton

Most of us feel lonely some of the time and others chronically feel lonely. Researcher, Julianne Holt-Lunstad, concluded that loneliness doubles the odds for increased mortality, obesity, and physical illness. In 2018 the World Health Organization announced loneliness a global pandemic.

The good news is, once we name a problem, it is half solved. Join us as we explore how to meaningfully relate to ourselves, our loved ones, and those we know who would benefit from an uplifting connection.

You will:

1. Gain clarity on the difference between isolation, being lonely, and being alone.

2. Understand who are the lonely.

3. Be reminded of the three forms of connection that fortify our sense of connection.

4. Have ways to better attend to your own and others’ mental wellness through meaningful connection.

🕚 11:00 a.m. MT — Saturday, October 25, 2025
FREE and Open to the Public
Part of the Microlearning Collective

📋Register at: https://forms.gle/xj5vtN2HkqDFbq9N7
📧For more information: [email protected]
💻Join via Zoom:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7646502286

Register HERE!


Thursday, November 13 ($40)
(Closing Keynote)

Join this annual Rural Women's Conference to learn, to laugh and to do life together!

Catered lunch, prizes, and presenters including Dr. Merle Massie, a farmer, award-winning author, western Canadian rural historian. Lisa Roper, an outdoor enthusiast, Tam Andersen of Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm, and Yours Truly! I will be the closing the event with a message about being a resilient woman. ❤️🐞

  • 9am - 4pm, Nov 13, 2025

  • Community Hall, Bold Centre, 8702 91 Ave, Lac la Biche, AB T0A 2C0

  • Learn more and register at Rural Women’s Conference

SIX: More Opportunities for Resilience

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

Presentation Skills: For those who want one-on-one time to develop a speaking business or simply a specific message and how to effectively deliver it. CLICK HERE.

Therapeutic Counselling: Can be delivered online globally and in person in Canada. CLICK HERE.

Publications: Reduced prices are available for quantity orders. To learn more about Patricia’s books CLICK HERE.

Please let me know how I might be of service at 403-830-6919 or [email protected] 

Your Spunky Patricia ❤️🐞