SUESS Substance Use Education & Support Services

Whether you spend time with blood or chosen family members this holiday season, may these words be perceived with levity. Even in the presence of the holiday spirit, family dynamics are intricate and deep-rooted. For some, such occasions may elicit feelings of grief and loss. Wherever you find yourself on this spectrum, it is my hope that you approach yourself with gentleness, grace, and care. As 2023 nears its end, I would like to extend warmest wishes to all. Cheers to 2023 going out like a lamb because it surely came in like a lion.

From my perspective, these words epitomize the therapeutic process. Pinkett Smith also states, “We must be willing to take personal responsibility for bringing the past forward.” This recognition is often a pivotal moment in one’s healing journey. The assumption of responsibility does not excuse one’s experiences of harm, but rather empowers one to peer beyond the victim persona. Here, one steps into post-traumatic growth and wisdom. Wherever you find yourself on your healing journey, may you find some resonance in these insightful words. Hang in there, my friends.

Welcome back and .

Political scientists speak to the concept of internalized capitalism, a notion that one’s self-worth is directly linked to one’s productivity. As a frequenter of the mental health system, I have been incapable of adhering to “normative” standards of productivity. Even if not explicitly stated, outliers like me receive messages that we are defective and incompetent, entitled and fragile. Until recently, I was too entrenched in my own wounds to consider the shadow side of productivity. Please know that I do not share this perspective to malign the productive, but rather to encourage the critical evaluation of capitalistic appraisals of worth.

To my fellow outliers, I hope this message finds you well. Rest easy, my friends.

These wise words from Dr. Kennedy are timely, as there has been an exploration of the patterns surrounding the people I am drawn to. The trustworthiness of this attraction template can vary depending on the nature of the relationship. Those familiar with insecure attachment may view their attraction template as a warning sign. Those familiar with secure attachment may view their attraction template as intuitive and reliable. Regardless of the status of your indicator, may you find refuge in someone or some place. Don’t stop looking up, my friends.

pulls through in its sporadic fashion. I am not even certain that I know what these words mean, but I do know that they land deeply. Perhaps they speak to the resilient and eternal nature of our soul, of our spirit, of our consciousness. Whatever they convey to you, I hope they elicit the same tingle of vitality. On this day, my friends, may you connect with (even briefly) the seed of your soul.

I have been missing in action for a couple of months. Grad school has my turtle speed dial cranked to sprint. I could be working on an essay, or a group project, or a discussion forum post, but instead I am taking a few minutes to deliver this profound message (insert sarcastic expression here). It is my hope that it is received with playfulness and amusement. Without further ado, please pardon the interruption of your regular programming for this entertainment. Keep on keeping on, my friends.

returns with the commendable Jacqueline Novogratz. I post this as a reminder to myself, with the hope that it reaches others in need. Rejecting sociocultural notions of success necessitates conscious consideration. In my orbit, this summer has given way for pause and stabilization. The resulting calm has been met with judgements of self-worth, contrasting ideals of efforting and producing. Who are we if we are not doing?
I ascertain that our worth is inherent and need not be solely determined by our contribution. On this day, and many thereafter, it is my wish that others have the space to contend with such norms, discovering deeper levels of self.

I am knee-deep into ‘Bittersweet’ by Susan Cain, which I am pleased to report, confirms my bias of the path to light via the shadow/darkness. This Leonard Cohen quote happens to be Cain’s favourite and I tend to agree with her assessment. To my fellow contrarians, I hope these words hit you in the feels equally as profoundly. On this , may your biases be confirmed, allowing you to move through life with assuredness. Keep on keeping on my friends.

At long last, re-emerges. Why is it that activities from which we derive the most fulfillment are the first to be dropped? Are underlying sociocultural assumptions of responsibility and success leading us down a path of misery? "Inherent Worth" touches on the fundamental value of our humanness, rejecting the assertion that our value is equivalent to our contribution. May this post serve as a reminder of the annoyingly sticky L'Oreal campaign slogan, "Because you're worth it". But really, you are; no purchase necessary.

https://www.substanceuseeducationandsupportservices.com/post/inherent-worth

There is an inherent unpredictability to life and its circumstances, meaning that safety (whether this be physical or psychological) is never guaranteed. Through connection we find healing, often requiring a connection to self first. Yet, this happens in reverse, when connecting with other trusted beings secures our connection to self. Whatever the route, the through line is connection. On this , I wish all the experience of true connection, be it to the self or others. Oh, and in the presence of current events, hit punching bags, not people. Stay true my friends.

These words were shared with Florence by her mother in-law before she left this world. For Florence, witnessing Penny’s gracious passing was a lesson in living. On this , I leave you with the full sentiment:
“Know your centre, the centre of your being, and be from it. Be able to come back to it in the quietest of times, so when you do feel troubled or in doubt, you have a home to go to. It is right there within yourself.”
For this week, may Penny’s poetries guide you home. Home is always with you, inside yourself.

Sneaking in with this bomb near the tail end of . These words speak an undeniable truth. Life in and of itself is challenging, especially given the uncertainty and complexity brought forth by the pandemic. If you are concerned for the well-being of a friend, family member, partner, co-worker, or yourself, please know that I am accepting new clients. Feel free to private message me for contact details or further information, if you are so inclined. May we all find time this week to honour and nourish our souls. Sending warmth in all directions.