Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends and family. It is one of my favourite holidays. Some people don't understand considering my Thanksgiving in Canada is the second Monday in October. I always take these 2 days off. I watch NFL games on Thursday and a wide assortment of college, NBA and NHL games on Friday.

Today was a little different, I was sharing my story at a middle school. Each time I do this I come away feeling empowered and inspired. The future of our society is in good hands.

An inner city school with a cross section of ethnicities. It is part of a week long understanding and education about mental health called Speak Up. On the 4rth day volunteers like myself come in to share their story. I wish when I was in grade school this type of program was offered.

In my story I share how high school for me was tough after my parents seperated. I was not the smartest student and was very shy and introverted. I would skip class and serve lots of detention.

If it wasn't for my involvement as student manager of the high school basketball team, I might have fallen in with the wrong crowd or become a high school dropout. School was that bad for me.

Every time I speak to school students I understand how hard it can be for some students. After my speech the students are encouraged to write out questions and comments which I answer and comment on. I am always impressed at the insightful questions being asked. My story resonates with these students and touches some nerves.

Some of the questions reveal that some of the students are dealing with mental health issues. I share from what has worked for me. My positive support network, my wonderful sweetheart, my amazing 2 year old grandson. My openness and education with and about depression. This blog and how therapeutic it is for me. I am also actively involved in many and varied activities.

Do I still have lapses. You bet. Dealing with depression is a daily reality. I give thanks daily for how far I have come and I look forward positively to what the next chapters of my life will bring.