As May approaches, so do many requests from schools for our presentations to support their mental health initiatives that are often being done during this time. I am in awe at the amazing work that is being done in schools. From day/week-long events to ongoing projects where, not only our speakers are brought in to...
I have been collecting tools for coping with stress and life challenges since I was sixteen years old! I have always been drawn towards creating a positive mindset and building inner strength and resilience. This is not an easy endeavor or something that happens fast – it takes perseverance, optimism and a lot of getting...
One of the most courageous things that any of us can do today is to be genuinely honest about who we are – for “real”. Most of us present the “highlight reel” – those parts of our lives that we want everyone to see, while the true and whole self stays safely tucked away. This...
“There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” Leonard Cohen. One of my favourite quotes because even though we grow from them, how many of us welcome the experience of too many “cracks” in life just to let more light in! But they happen, and when they happen it helps to know that...
It must be human nature to have issues with change because, I think I am safe to say that most of us do. We tend to push for a change related to something that we really want, at the same time hold on to the habits, relationships or circumstances that resist that change. Fear plays...
Cantare, a concert fundraiser for YouthSpeak Performance Charity was held on August 30th, 2017 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Woodbridge. The brainchild behind this event was Sabrina Di Battista, a twenty-year-old soprano singer who is immensely talented. Sabrina has traveled all over the world to study music and has performed at various charitable galas....
As we approach the doorstep of September it brings the feeling of new growth and opportunities. This can trigger a range of emotions – excited anticipation, but also anxiety and overwhelm at what challenges may come. We live in a fast-paced, uncertain world where we are seeing an eruption of turmoil, while at the same...
We are absolutely thrilled to have O’Hara Technologies Inc. as a new sponsorship partner supporting the work of our youth speakers. “Young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders than any other age group.” Statistics Canada (2013). Canadian Community Health Survey – Mental Health Given the prevalence...
“Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something and has lost something.” This quote by Jackson Brown Jr. is one of my favorite because it breaks down walls and creates unity in our human experience. While reflecting back on successes and “yet-to-be” successes this past year, I recall a Speak Inspire Change challenge that we tried...
It is time for greater change. I believe it is time for all of humanity to step up and be true to ourselves – to be brave, experience genuine peace and have a voice of strength and compassion. We all have been playing it too small! What could it look like? Every child is free...
