Growing up on a family farm taught me exactly what I didn’t want to do as an adult, as well as instilling the values of hard work. Entering university, I enrolled in the Business Administration program because that felt like a practical thing to do. Education is about job training, right?

There were only two business courses I was required to take, but it was the three electives courses, that I got to freely choose, that shaped the trajectory of my life – English Literature, Psychology and Religious Studies.

I was always a reader as a child, and studying literature introduced me to so many new writers. I became fascinated how words on a piece of paper, when used effectively, could transfer knowledge and affect me intellectually and emotionally.

Creative fiction is an art form, and journalism is a skill. Blogs are a perfect combination of the two.

In my third year of university, I took a Creative Writing course, and later was named Writer of the Year at St. Thomas University, in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

The joy of writing caused me to walk away from university, and enrol in a community college journalism program. The instructors there said I had tunnel vision. I wasn’t interested in the radio and television components. All I cared about was print journalism.

I went on to work at three different small town papers, where I got the opportunity to report on all types of news – sports, politics and even features.

I’m comfortable with interviewing people, online research and editing.

My writing has also been featured in Ageless NB, and I have written for three newspapers – The Observer, Carleton Free Press and The River Valley Sun.

Following years of struggle with Addiction and Mental Health, I created an eBook called Our Healing Journey: A Snapshot, The Step & a Great Big Warning. I wanted to put into words some of the things that I had to learn the hard way, hoping someone’s journey can be easier than mine.

After working for the Canadian Mental Health Association, and spending years as a Human Services Counsellor, I have returned to my original passion – writing.

I’ve always been fascinated why people believe the things they do. My interest in spirituality and consciousness, along with my studies in psychology and mental health has led me down many rabbit holes, and presented many opportunities for growth.

Words are more powerful than we are aware of. Take a bunch of sounds or corresponding symbols, place them in the right order, and a life can be forever changed.