Revive counseling with Shirley

04/26/2026

Families of those who struggle with substance use need to believe the 3 Cs you cannot cause it, you cannot control it, and you cannot cure it. Watch film 2018 Beautiful Boy. You are not alone. Supports are available.

04/25/2026

Let’s learn from otters.

04/22/2026

finding your spark again isn’t about suddenly becoming who you were before. it’s about staying with yourself long enough to rediscover what still exists within you. and that’s something you don’t have to rush.

04/19/2026

Substance Abuse: the emotional impact on the family

Living with or caring for a loved one with addiction often comes with a heavy emotional toll. Family members may find themselves grappling with a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from fear and anger to guilt and self-blame.
Aspect Impact
Emotional Burden - Fear, anger, guilt, & frustration
Family Dynamics and Relationship - Tension, breakdown in communication, and strained relationships
Mental Health Challenges - Anxiety, depression, and chronic stress

The emotional burden of dealing with a loved one’s addiction: Feelings of fear and worry are natural when a loved one is struggling with addiction. Will they be okay? What if something happens to them? Alongside these fears, family members fight with feelings of anger and frustration. Why won’t they stop using it? Why do they keep hurting themselves and others? And amid all of this, it’s not uncommon for them to feel guilty, wondering if they’ve done enough to help or if they’re somehow to blame.
The impact of addiction on family dynamics and relationships: Addiction can be a source of tension and strain within families, causing disruptions to daily routines, increased conflict, and breakdowns in communication. Trust can be eroded as the person may engage in dishonest or secretive behaviors to sustain their substance use. Relationships that were once rooted in love and support may become fraught with frustration and distance.
Mental health challenges faced by family members: The stress of coping with a close one’s addiction can take a significant toll on the mental health issues of family members. Anxiety, depression, and chronic stress are common, and loved ones may find themselves feeling isolated and alone in their struggles.
Focusing on self care is what is in your control. Contact rgathespacewithin.ca for support today.

04/10/2026

Find joy in the little things ✨

There’s something really beautiful about realizing how much joy already exists in the smallest parts of your day. The moments that feel warm, familiar, and quietly comforting in a way that just makes life feel good.
Fresh sheets, slow mornings, laughing a little too hard, rediscovering a song you forgot you loved, those little routines and moments that somehow stay with you longer than anything else.

It’s these moments that shape your days in the most meaningful way. The ones that simply happen when you’re present enough to notice them and allow yourself to really take them in.

There is so much to feel good about in your life right now when you allow yourself to notice it, one small moment at a time, choosing to pause and really take it all in.

What little things have been bringing you joy lately?

Save as a reminder, share, and follow for more inspiring and motivational content.

Quote credit Vex King

04/05/2026

04/03/2026

Proud sponsor of girls hockey. Go Wildcats!!

04/03/2026

Therapy can support a heightened awareness of emotional triggers and builds strength to implement coping strategies. You matter!

04/02/2026

There are multiple reasons grief can be experienced. Be kind to yourself ❤️

04/02/2026

Walk when:
- you’re having a difficult conversation
- you just got bad news
- you’re with a child who’s having a tantrum or a huge reaction “ok let’s walk together” get them moving
- you’re having therapy (if using telehealth or by phone especially)
- you’re feeling irritable and don’t know why
- you have to give someone bad news
- you wake up groggy
- you have brain fog or feel like your brain is “shut off”
- you want to text something you might regret
- you have to make a big decision
- your brain won’t stop replaying the conversation
- you want to connect with consciousness, god, or the universe
- you want to forgive yourself

03/31/2026

A practical relationship tool see below. Knowing when to address issues and when generosity has a role is a critical element.

03/29/2026

I Don't Call My Parents for Permission Anymore

There was a time I had to ask them before deciding anything. Curfews. Plans. Big choices. Now I don't call to be told what to do. I call because I want to hear their voice before I decide.

Some Habits Just Grow With You

Growing up didn't erase the instinct to reach for my phone and dial home. It just changed the reason. It's not about approval now. It's about comfort. About knowing I'm not alone in figuring things out. Some habits don't disappear. They just take a softer form.