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Inclusion, Compassion, Strength and Change

Let’s imagine a group of individuals competing in a hurdles race. To be fair, each lane has the same number of hurdles to jump, right? Sounds equal, but are we truly equal, is life truly fair? What about extra hurdles for some of us who identify with visual minorities, different religious beliefs, mobility differences, economic considerations, mental wellness and other differences? Is the journey still equal or fair?

In everyday life and within psychological care, various groups have unique sets of benefits and challenges. There are barriers present at all levels: systemic, community, and self, which can expand and limit personal development and empowerment. Fatigue and loss of hope caused by systemic injustice or trauma can manifest as irritability, withdrawal, burnout, addictions and other changes. Experiencing this may cause us to feel as though we are alone, cannot cope and that the world seems dark and bleak.

At Catalyst Counselling, we offer inclusive and supportive therapy. Although starting to talk about issues can be daunting, especially when we feel heavy or low. Stigma and mistrust for certain professional practices could also make it difficult for us to openly share our experiences, thoughts and feelings.

However, collaborative and kind counselling (individually, family, couples or groups) can lighten the load, calm the mind and help a return to self, compassion and resilience. Confidential and personalized strategies, coping skills, communication tools and other therapeutic supports can empower positive change. Personal peace, empathy, advocacy, and systemic change can help to realize healthy environments and success. On a larger scale, it often takes a community to remove unwanted, or unnecessary, hurdles in our world.

Let’s make compassionate changes and support each other today!

Sincerely,

Tasha and Maria

March 13, 2026

Triggers and Glimmers of Hope and Joy

Everyday life can flow well with routines and predictability, month after month, year after year following a plan towards a goal, the days evolve into a path with expectations of security and comfort, right? At times, we can also experience triggers that set off a surprisingly strong emotional response or physical reaction. For example: Why did I get so upset? How did that happen? Such strong anger! Intense physical pain! Anxiety threw the roof! Waves of heavy sadness. Maybe there is a need to isolated in grief or fear, which could include body shakes, unusually cold or tired feelings and then we curl up in bed. What is happening and what can I do?

Sometimes, strong emotions are connected to past experiences or something difficult that we witnessed around us. At other times, it could be an increased sensitivity to a thing, place or person that motivates us to avoid more. If you are triggered in this way, you might notice physical or emotional signs like feeling anxious, upset, tense, sick, or a racing heartbeat. Could your trigger be: Feeling betrayed? Being criticized? Getting rejected? Dealing with an illness? Loud noises? Making a mistake? Changing plans? Losing something? Feeling trapped? Worried about the future? Conflicts with others?

If you are unsure of what might be triggers for you, pay close attention over the next few days or weeks to understand the cause, the response, and related behaviours. Some people benefit from typing a note on their phone, charting information on a physical calendar, journalling in a book, or posting a sticky note. The more we give attention and reflect on our physical and emotional reactions, the more we can be aware, plan a change, get support, and develop a new way.

Glimmers are the opposite of triggers. Glimmers spark hope, happiness, joy and awe. They are brief moments or things that can help lift us out of a negative mood or tough time. These glimmers signal to the nervous system that we are safe and that life is going to be okay, which allows us to relax more, breathe deeper, feel sure and proceed with the day. Glimmers could be watching the sunrise or sunset, enjoying a hug from someone close, laughing with friends, taking a nap, smiling at a pet, drawing or writing, watching funny videos, playing a musical instrument or listening to calm music. Please take a moment to notice glimmers in your life and see how they affect you. These could be helpful ways to unwind, gather energy, find direction and build strength.

How does all of this work for you? Send a comment if you like, and together we can boost glimmers and multiply successes in many good ways :)

Best wishes,

Maria

December 10, 2025