Your Next Steps Coaching & Counselling

I have thought a lot about those last 6 words in this verse after hearing it talked about on a recent podcast.. “Do you want to be healed?” It seems obvious—of course he would. And yet, the question goes deeper than physical healing. It exposes the reality that healing always comes with a cost: letting go of excuses, familiar patterns, and even identities built around our pain.

In recovery, that question still echoes. Do I truly want to be healed—not just from the consequences, but from the behaviors, the beliefs, and the comforts that keep me stuck? Sometimes we’re given the opportunity to change, but hesitate because healing means surrender. It means responsibility. It means stepping into the unknown.

Jesus doesn’t force healing; He invites it. And that invitation requires a choice. Recovery begins not just when help is offered, but when we are willing to say yes even when we’re unsure what it will cost us.
Stat tuned for some exciting new developments which I will share soon!!

There is more to this photo than just a beautiful November sunset in Sault Ste. Marie. Honestly, before this was taken I was trying to rush and get my kids in the van to get home and start our evening of activities. I was frustrated in the moment not liking being delayed as we needed to be somewhere. Then I saw this, was awestruck by its beauty, and then took the picture. Then this came to mind. Sometimes life slows us down or places delays in our path, and it’s easy to feel frustrated or discouraged. But patience, trust, and faith have a way of revealing what we couldn’t see before. When we lean into those pauses instead of resisting them, we often discover unexpected beauty—moments of clarity, growth, and pleasant surprises we never would have experienced otherwise. Slowdowns aren’t always setbacks; sometimes they are just tests and circumstances creating the perfect space for something better to unfold. It’s all about our perception. Have an amazing day!!!

World Mental Health Day reminds us that our minds need care just as much as our bodies do. It’s a day to pause, reflect, and remind ourselves—and others—that it’s okay to not be okay. No one should struggle in silence. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a counsellor, or a support line, there is always someone willing to listen and walk with you through the hard days. You are not alone—healing begins when you take that first step and reach out. Remember

My last training module for this past week’s training focused on this phrase. Broken Crayons Still Colour. This phrase is a beautiful reminder for anyone on the journey of recovery. Just like a crayon that’s been broken can still create something beautiful, our lives—though marked by pain, mistakes, and struggles—still hold purpose and potential. In recovery, we learn that our brokenness doesn’t disqualify us; it becomes part of the masterpiece God is creating through us. Every scar, every setback, and every moment of surrender adds depth and colour to our story. You are not defined by what broke but you are defined by the beauty God can bring from it.

Sometimes something as simple as this phrase can be lost in the craziness that life brings, especially when you are in recovery. This was taken from a book and course that I have the pleasure of revisiting this week in a weeklong training session. When you lose your gratitude by thinking you deserve more or better, you become resentful. Out of your resentfulness, you try to control and manipulate life to make it come out the way you think it should, which in turn causes anxiety and stress. Anxiety and stress cause exhaustion. When you get tired, you overreact and create a crisis. You become unable to cope, and you relapse. Remember, you need to keep gratitude in the front and centre of your everyday life.

I’m excited to share that today I have started the Compass Program through the Tim Fletcher Company. This five-month training will equip me to lead and run programs specifically focused on complex trauma which is offered through the Tim Fletcher Company. Once completed, Your Next Steps Coaching and Counselling will be able to offer the LIfT Program here in Sault Ste. Marie—providing valuable support and resources for those navigating the effects of complex trauma. I am excited to eventually be able to share a program that has given me true freedom from things and lies that I left unresolved over many years of my life Stay tuned for more exciting news in the near future!!

September often feels like a fresh start. The change in season brings a natural shift in rhythm—kids head back to school, routines are reestablished, and life seems to reset after the slower or for some faster pace of summer. For many, this sense of renewal makes September feel like the true start of a new year. In recovery, this is especially powerful: it’s a reminder that we don’t have to wait for next year to start establishing good habits and choosing to leave old and destructive habits behind. September is an opportunity to form new habits, recommit to growth, and step forward with clarity and purpose—proof that any day, or any season, can mark the beginning of lasting change. Remember you have the choice and chance to make your next step your best step!!

Recovery is not about having it all figured out—it’s about having the courage to begin. The journey can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring at how far you think you have to go. That’s why this particular
quote, resonates so deeply in the recovery process and it really stood out when I saw this. Healing and transformation does not happen all at once—they happen one honest step at a time. Whether you’re overcoming addiction, emotional pain, or past trauma, the first step is the most powerful: it says, “I’m willing to change.” You don’t need all the answers today. You just need to move forward, trusting that each step will bring you closer to freedom, restoration, and purpose. Like the motto I choose for this organization - “Make your next step, your best step”

Something that has been on my heart a lot lately and something everyone who is in recovery must truly do. Why do we need to surrender? Here is some excellent information I read recently. We need to fully surrender in recovery because true healing requires letting go of denial, control, and resistance. When we try to manage addiction on our own terms, we remain trapped in destructive patterns. Surrendering means accepting help, embracing change, and trusting the process. It allows us to move from self-will to a place of openness, growth, and lasting transformation. Without full surrender, we risk relapse and remain stuck in the cycle of addiction. Complete surrender means letting go of all, no matter how hard and no matter the cost.

Our stories and life experiences are indeed incredibly powerful. Sharing them can impact others in profound ways, often beyond what we can imagine. Here’s why they matter so much. I found this picture online today and remember reading about it as well so I want to share this with you today.

1. Sharing personal stories helps us find common ground with others, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of connection. When we open up, we invite others to see us more fully and allow them to feel seen too. This shared vulnerability builds trust and understanding.
2. Our life experiences, especially the challenges and struggles, can serve as a beacon of hope for someone else who may be facing similar obstacles. Hearing that someone else has overcome a similar struggle can inspire others to keep going.
3. Personal stories can motivate people to make changes in their own lives. When they see how someone transformed a difficult situation, it can spark their own courage to grow, take risks, or let go of limiting beliefs.
4. For the storyteller, sharing experiences can also be a form of healing. It allows us to reflect, find meaning, and come to terms with our past. By owning our story, we move toward self-acceptance and empowerment.

When people feel seen, inspired, or encouraged through the experiences of others, it creates a ripple effect that can truly transform lives.