Meadowinds Counselling
2034 Nineteenth Avenue, Suite 203 T0M 0W0 Didsbury, AB, Canada

I love how Penn Holderness celebrates his ADHD in this 'Under the Sea' parody, and even shares some great tips!

"You see, sometimes sunshine tastes like sour chalk and has to be washed down with water. Sometimes God’s biggest miracles come in orange cylindrical bottles." So true, Mary Katherine Backstrom!

Have you ever wondered why you feel so exhausted even if you "haven't done anything all day", or why you feel a bit lost and on edge these days? We're creatures of habit, and COVID has thrown all our usual rituals and traditions out the window. Knowing what to expect gives us a sense of order and peace. This article explains why, and what you can do to create new rituals during this time. What new rhythm will you begin?... "The good news is that much of what we miss about our routines and customs, and what makes them beneficial to us as a species, has more to do with their comforting regularity than the actual behaviors. The key to coping during this, or any, time of upheaval is to quickly establish new routines so that, even if the world is uncertain, there are still things you can count on." https://www.nytimes.com//pandemic-habits-routine-brain.html

It was a joy to share with Bethel Church this week on mental health & COVID, looking at the struggles we're experiencing now and some practical ways to cope. You'll find my clip just after the beautiful Christmas carols by my dear friend Kim and her husband Kevin of Son Picked, around the 16 min mark. Thanks so much to Pastor Kelly and Bethel for all the ways you support the work of Meadowinds! It's so important to be having these conversations in the church.... https://youtu.be/kKNyfXso8RM

"It's important to get the message out that shelters are adapting their services to meet the physical distancing, disinfecting and isolation rules set out by public health officials so they can continue to help the women, children and seniors who need it. Advocates also want people to know that you don't have to stay in a shelter to get help from one. "Our members are trained to help women assess their danger levels and create safety plans. We encourage anyone experiencing vi...olence or abuse to call their local women's shelter," the report says. You can connect with a shelter near you by calling 1-866-331-3933. If you are in immediate danger, call 911." https://www.cbc.ca//womens-shelters-domestic-violence-albe

One of the most valuable things I've seen in days!

Yes! Baking pumpkin muffins (focusing on simple steps and creating something delicious!) and doing some intense tidying up (clearing the overstimulating visual clutter for a calmer environment) were my go-to coping tools this week. What have you found helpful lately? What's something new you want to try?

Yes to all of this! Show up. Say their name (you dont have to worry about reminding them of their loved one). There is no time limit for grief, so there is no limit on when to support a grieving friend.

Yes to all of this! Show up. Say their name (you don't have to worry about 'reminding them' of their loved one). There is no time limit for grief, so there is no limit on when to support a grieving friend.

Ive found this analogy really helpful in my own grieving, and hope it helps you in your experiences of grief or as you support others in their journey.

I've found this analogy really helpful in my own grieving, and hope it helps you in your experiences of grief or as you support others in their journey.

For couples and families facing overwhelming challenges such as disability, illness, or loss, life coach Heather Morgan offers practical wisdom from her own experiences.

Who else can relate to this?! What have you found helps?

Some creative ideas for feeling safe while wearing a mask.

*Trigger warning* DAndre Campbell, 26 years old. Regis Korchinski-Paquet, 29 years old. Chantel Moore, 26 years old. ... Rodney Levi, 48 years old. Ejaz Ahmed Choudry, 62 years old. These are the names of five BIPOC Canadians who died during police mental health wellness checks this past spring. Experiencing struggles with our mental health is not a crime and must not be a death sentence. We need to do better, Canada.

*Trigger warning* D'Andre Campbell, 26 years old. Regis Korchinski-Paquet, 29 years old. Chantel Moore, 26 years old. ... Rodney Levi, 48 years old. Ejaz Ahmed Choudry, 62 years old. These are the names of five BIPOC Canadians who died during police mental health wellness checks this past spring. Experiencing struggles with our mental health is not a crime and must not be a death sentence. We need to do better, Canada.

For BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour), the racial trauma that youve been enduring for centuries is finally being talked about on a broader scale (at least for the moment). However, all too often you have to endure ignorance, denial, and outright racist responses, on top of the trauma of your own experiences of discrimination and witnessing too many brothers and sisters of colour murdered. Jasmine Banks offers helpful thoughts on Self Care for People of Colour... after Psychological Trauma. Pursuing racial justice is exhausting work, so I echo her encouragement to disconnect as needed, lean into community, reach out for help in spaces where you can be authentic, and take good care of your own well-being. You matter. We need you! http://www.justjasmineblog.com//self-care-for-people-of-c/

For BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour), the racial trauma that you've been enduring for centuries is finally being talked about on a broader scale (at least for the moment). However, all too often you have to endure ignorance, denial, and outright racist responses, on top of the trauma of your own experiences of discrimination and witnessing too many brothers and sisters of colour murdered. Jasmine Banks offers helpful thoughts on Self Care for People of Colour... after Psychological Trauma. Pursuing racial justice is exhausting work, so I echo her encouragement to disconnect as needed, lean into community, reach out for help in spaces where you can be authentic, and take good care of your own well-being. You matter. We need you! http://www.justjasmineblog.com//self-care-for-people-of-c/

If you have thirty minutes, it's worth watching this practical and timely (and free!) webcast with world-renowned trauma therapist, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. He addresses potential threats and helpful strategies for our mental health as we journey through uncharted territory in light of COVID-19.

If you have thirty minutes, its worth watching this practical and timely (and free!) webcast with world-renowned trauma therapist, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. He addresses potential threats and helpful strategies for our mental health as we journey through uncharted territory in light of COVID-19.

Important to remember...

PSA: Remember to give yourself (and others!) extra grace this week! https://youtu.be/FOdlVE8xxvU

Thank you for your kind words, Michelle de Groot! Im so grateful for the opportunity to share with the Crossfield MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) this morning, and am encouraged by their enthusiastic responses! If youre looking for a speaker for your next event, lets talk!

Im excited to share with my local Crossfield MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) group this week on "Walking Your Child Through Anxiety", but just had to share this article here too. Its such a great resource, full of simple, practical ways to respond when you notice your child may be feeling anxious. Which response do you find helpful?

Our feelings are messengers; we simply need to learn to listen to them.

Will you be joining me tomorrow? This evening seminar will provide you with greater clarity about the anxiety your child is facing, and will equip you with the tools and confidence to walk them through this difficult season. Registration is FREE, and if you need childcare it is available at just $5/child or $10/family, if you register your children today by 4pm! ... Go to https://child-anxiety.eventbrite.ca for all the details. I hope to see you there!

I so appreciate how this comic explains our shared need for multiple forms of care: self-soothing, self-care, community care, and structural care. We all have ways we can contribute to one anothers well-being!

Thank you for your kind words, Michelle de Groot! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to share with the Crossfield MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) this morning, and am encouraged by their enthusiastic responses! If you're looking for a speaker for your next event, let's talk!

The beautiful part is how healthy CONNECTION actually rewires our brains after trauma!

I'm excited to share with my local Crossfield MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) group this week on "Walking Your Child Through Anxiety", but just had to share this article here too. It's such a great resource, full of simple, practical ways to respond when you notice your child may be feeling anxious. Which response do you find helpful?

Just two weeks until I get to speak to parents and caregivers at Airdrie Christian Academy on Walking Your Child Through Anxiety! Get your ticket for free at https://child-anxiety.eventbrite.ca

My kids love Ms. D and her therapy dogs! Im grateful for Crossfield Elementarys focus on training our children to be kind, compassionate, and resilient. #thisiscrossfield

"As the late poet Mary Oliver wrote, attention is the beginning of devotion. Its also at the core of everything that makes us thrive. Its the bridge between us and the rest of humanity. And its in our families where attention most needs to be safeguarded."

Im looking forward to this valuable event next week in Crossfield, AB! Hope to see you there!

Im honoured and excited to speak at Airdrie Christian Academys seminar for parents on Walking Your Child Through Anxiety! I hope you can join me November 21st in Airdire! Get your free ticket at the link below.

Photo credit: Teresa Scott https://www.thsphotography.ca/

This reflection highlights why Im so passionate about supporting pastors and people in ministry! Despite the focus on serving other people, it ends up being one of the most isolating jobs. If you are a pastor, I encourage you to pay attention to what youre experiencing internally, and consider reaching out to a counsellor for a safe space to process, heal, and grow. You carry a heavy burden, and so as you take time to be restored, youll be better equipped to be in ministry (and thrive!) for the long-run. And if you have a pastor, please find a way to support and encourage them today!

Im excited to share with you a new page on my website chock-full of resources and tools to help you on your healing journey! After youve taken a look, be sure to let me know in the comments which books youve read and what resources youd add! www.meadowindscounselling.ca/recommended-resources/

"About 45% of farmers across Canada have high stress, while 58% meet the threshold for anxiety and 35% meet the standard for depression, exceeding levels in the general population." There is a mental health crisis happening on our farms, and together we need to do something about it. Lets start by having vulnerable conversations and encouraging one another to see a doctor and seek out counselling. It takes courage to ask for help, but it is worth it.

My kids love Ms. D and her therapy dogs! I'm grateful for Crossfield Elementary's focus on training our children to be kind, compassionate, and resilient. #thisiscrossfield

This is so true! To learn more how to care for little ones in a way that maintains connection through their chaos, look for an Empowered to Connect simulcast near you at https://showhope.org//empower/empowered-connect-simulcast/. For those in the Didsbury, Alberta area, Zion Church is hosting on April 5 & 6!

You can be both

I'm looking forward to this valuable event next week in Crossfield, AB! Hope to see you there!

As we begin a new year, let these ideas inspire and guide you in living whole-heartedly!

I'm honoured and excited to speak at Airdrie Christian Academy's seminar for parents on Walking Your Child Through Anxiety! I hope you can join me November 21st in Airdire! Get your free ticket at the link below.

Regulating counselling in Alberta serves to protect people when they are at their most vulnerable. Im proud that my association, the Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists, is at the forefront of making this happen!

This reflection highlights why I'm so passionate about supporting pastors and people in ministry! Despite the focus on serving other people, it ends up being one of the most isolating jobs. If you are a pastor, I encourage you to pay attention to what you're experiencing internally, and consider reaching out to a counsellor for a safe space to process, heal, and grow. You carry a heavy burden, and so as you take time to be restored, you'll be better equipped to be in ministry (and thrive!) for the long-run. And if you have a pastor, please find a way to support and encourage them today!

You know Gods made you for a purpose, but sometimes we all feel anxious, overwhelmed, or discouraged and start to shrink back or give up. Im Meredith Mpinga, and Im here to come alongside you on your journey. Together well work toward your healing while equipping and strengthening you at your core to be more effective and confident in fulfilling your unique purpose. Lets get started! For more info visit www.meadowindscounselling.ca

I'm excited to share with you a new page on my website chock-full of resources and tools to help you on your healing journey! After you've taken a look, be sure to let me know in the comments which books you've read and what resources you'd add! www.meadowindscounselling.ca/recommended-resources/

A helpful overview of stims for people who are autistic and neurodiverse, and how they can be beneficial and necessary.

You know God's made you for a purpose, but sometimes we all feel anxious, overwhelmed, or discouraged and start to shrink back or give up. I'm Meredith Mpinga, and I'm here to come alongside you on your journey. Together we'll work toward your healing while equipping and strengthening you at your core to be more effective and confident in fulfilling your unique purpose. Let's get started! For more info visit www.meadowindscounselling.ca