Many Shades of Strength
November brings Movember — a global movement where men grow mustaches to raise awareness for men’s health, including mental well-being, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
It’s an invitation to look beyond appearances and talk about what strength really means — emotionally, mentally, and socially.
This month, I found myself reflecting on a conversation I listened to with Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of The Harvard Study of Adult Development — the world’s longest-running study on happiness and longevity. His biggest takeaway?
“Good relationships keep us healthier and happier. Period.”
For many men and women, the challenge isn’t
knowing this truth — it’s living it.
Dr. Waldinger points out that friendships are one of the strongest predictors of long life, yet so many of men lose touch with close friends as life responsibilities grow.
Then I came across a brilliant metaphor from Jason Wilson, shared on The Mel Robbins Podcast, that captures the emotional gap beautifully:
“Women often use all 64 crayons — every shade of emotion and nuance. Men have the
same box, but they’ve only been encouraged to use eight… and most only feel safe using four.”
“It’s not that men don’t have the full spectrum. They do. But culture has often limited
the colours they feel allowed to show.”
To honour the men in my life — my father, husband, sons, and brother-in-law — I’m inviting a few more crayons into play.
That means reaching for a shade of listening to understand, quiet strength and compassion I haven’t fully explored yet.
When we dare to colour with new shades, we give everyone around us permission to do the same.
Elevated Moment
“The opposite of loneliness isn’t
company — it’s connection.”
— Dr. Robert Waldinger
“We’re living performance-based
lives. You want to become a human
being, not a human doing.”
— Jason Wilson
On relationship advantages – “The questions to ask ourselves is do I have enough connection in my life or even too much?”
— Dr. Robert Waldinger
Want more?
Click link for Further Explorations.
Elevated Insight
“For many men and women, the message has been clear:
“What you do defines you; provide, achieve, dominate, be ‘strong’, Do!”
But what if the greater freedom lies in simply being — in allowing the full palette of our emotions to show up without judgment and without an agenda?
Our value isn’t found in what gets done — it’s found in presence, in authenticity, in the courage to live from the heart.”
Adapted from Jason Wilson’s work.
Elevated Awareness
Notice when you limit your emotional “palette.”
Label what you are feeling, not just good, bad or sad but disappointed, hopeful, restless, proud. Use the whole palette.
Listen fully, to yourself and others. A 2-3 minute moment of genuine attention makes a difference.
Further Explorations
Because curiosity deepens awareness.
Each month, I share a few favourite resources for anyone who wants to dive a little deeper — articles, podcasts, books, and research that build on what we’ve been exploring together around the mind, body, and conscious living.
Just click the links below to read, listen, or save them for later. Follow your curiosity — and see what new insights show up along the way.
🎧 Podcast — The Mel Robbins Podcast: Jason Wilson on Emotional Freedom (1 hr 14 min)
A conversation about how men can reclaim their emotional lives, step out of survival mode, and embrace their full humanity
📺 TED Talk — Dr. Robert Waldinger: What Makes a Good Life? (~12 min)
A timeless talk on how relationships and connection keep us healthier and happier.
📖 Book — The Man the Moment Demands: Master the 10 Characteristics of the Comprehensive Man by Jason Wilson (6–8 hr read / ongoing reflection)
A transformative guide for men learning to live beyond fear and performance — integrating strength, compassion, and emotional fluency.
Entry Points
When you’ve tried to think your way through something but nothing seems to stick.
Private sessions help you uncover the root cause behind what’s holding you back.
Using the guided approach of Rapid Transformational Therapy® (RTT), Conversational Tranceformation™, and Mental Fitness Coaching, we work beneath the surface challenge to create meaningful emotional and behavioral change — helping you step into deep, lasting transformation.
Workshops: Tools for the Mind is a monthly 60-minute, in-person coaching workshops explore how your mind works to create harmony between thought, emotion, and body. You’ll deepen self-understanding, strengthen emotional awareness, and leave with clarity you can feel right away. Come for one topic or return each month to keep expanding your toolkit for mindful living.
| December 2025 | No workshop, pausing for the holiday season |
| January 2026 | Habit Shift: Small Steps, Real Change |
| February 2026 | Confidence from the Inside Out |
Wellness Walks: Step outside and reconnect.
These guided Walks help you slow down, engage with the land, and explore how the mind works in nature. Each walk includes a 15-minute pause for deep listening to support integration and reflection.
Available for individuals or groups from February through November, just outside Kimberley, BC on 270 acres of private land.
Understanding Anxiety Online Coaching (Coming 2026)
💻 Live online
Anxiety doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It means your system is working hard to keep you safe—sometimes too hard.
This course helps you understand what anxiety really is, why it shows up, and how to calm your mind and body using tools that work.
Over four weeks, you’ll build awareness, emotional regulation, and the confidence to respond differently—one small shift at a time.
✨ Science-backed strategies
✨ Weekly coaching sessions via Google Meet
✨ Practical tools you’ll actually use
Join from anywhere and learn to train your mind like a muscle. 💪💜
🕓 1 hour weekly for 4 weeks
📅 Starts: Early 2026
Join the interest list for updates.
The Elevated Day Journal
This is more than a planner — it’s a guided diary for habit-stacking, emotional clarity, nervous system support, with intentional living.
✨ Now available in printable digital format on Etsy for $9.95CA
Tracks & Courses on Insight Timer
If you enjoy learning through audio, you’ll find guided practices that help you feel calmer, clearer, and more connected to yourself.
My work on Insight Timer includes mental rehearsals, visualizations, and practical tools designed to support emotional awareness, stress relief, and everyday mental fitness.
Download the #1 Free Meditation app to get started.