Chapter 1: This is us.

Hey! Welcome to my newest endeavour – where I hope to share my deep dark secrets (well, the ones that I CAN share anyways).

I live in small bungalow in Barrie, Ontario, love all of our seasons, have a sweet golden doodle named Loki, a beautiful 14 year old son named Zach, and my very own Highlander with a bushy beard named Derek (he’s the guy all babies and older ladies drool over).

I’m a pretty open book when it comes to my mental health. I was officially diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder when I was twenty-one, but showed many symptoms starting from the age of 5. I’ve let the yellow of hospital walls invade my sanity several times, tried many medications, had dozens of ECT (shock therapy) treatments and been a guinea pig for multiple studies for rTMS. So far, I’m surviving – I’ll even venture to say that there are moments where I’m THRIVING. It hasn’t always been easy. Relationships, career choices, health – there’s been some pretty heavy, horrible moments. I’m letting go of the bitterness, even for the years of memories I’ve lost due to side effects. I thought I’d never be a great parent, but here I go parenting a 14 year old boy who is turning out to be someone that I’m very proud of (I’ll even share how he raised over $125,000 for our local hospital’s new youth mental health unit soon!).  I look forward to baring it all in hopes that we can connect over this living, loving and parenting stuff.

“And every day, the world will drag you by the hand, yelling, “This is important! And this is important! And this is important! You need to worry about this! And this! And this!” And each day, it’s up to you to yank your hand back, put it on your heart and say, “No. This is what’s important.”  ~ Iain Thomas

I’m a work in progress, just like YOU, and I do my best to stay positive, but many of my stories include moments that might cause a trigger, so wade carefully, respond kindly and read with an open mind. My musings might not be for everyone, but I’m willing to hear your’s too.

Grab your tea, take a deep breath, and let’s start at the beginning…

Be kind,

Shelley