Specialists share the no holds barred ramifications of a toxic relationship. — I remember my first boyfriend, he was the love of my life. My entire life revolved around him, and inadvertently my family’s lives revolved around our turbulent relationship. I put my family through hell and feel bad to this day. I couldn’t imagine my adult children going through such toxicity. …

The skill I studied and learned to develop to help survive difficult times — I like to think I was always prepared. My mother would tell me; Don’t sweat the small stuff, or you’ll have nothing left for the big stuff. I took this advice literally, and have spent my life trying not to ‘sweat the small stuff. This was her way of teaching…

A curious wondering of why we can’t go against social norms — I was walking along the seawall with my 10-year-old daughter one day. The sun was shining and it was an 8 km walk along the exterior of a beautiful west coast park surrounded by ocean. It was a perfect day, we were holding hands as per usual in those days…

A cathartic confession of how quickly things can go wrong — I stood there on the seawall watching the waves crashing into the boardwalk. The rough water was slamming into the tall wooden beams with the spray from the waves glowing under the streetlights of this expensive city. I stood there, my stomach twisting in nervous pain internally; frustration and panic…

The true story of a simple day that changed my life — I was walking in the downtown area of a small island town. I just returned from a lawyer's office issued to me from legal aid. I heard a line once on TV, just because they’re a lawyer… doesn’t mean they’re a good one. …

A writer's cathartic confession. — There was nothing out of the ordinary on this particular day. I had been working at the airport for a few years now and each day was pretty much the same. Walking from the furthest gate at International to Domestic check-in several times a day was also nothing new. I…

How to know if you’re in danger of becoming the next victim. — Have you ever met someone who will step on others, and seem capable of doing anything to get ahead? Have you ever dated someone like this? I have a friend whose ex-partner is capable of saying or doing anything to get his way. And I mean anything. …

It’s time to ditch the biological clock, run to the nearest fair and jump back on that metaphoric roller-coaster known as life — I remember joking with my mother asking if she’ll “Ever act her age”. Her answer was always the same… “Why? That’s boring…”. She was a firecracker, a force-to-be-reckoned-with and everyone knew it. She was a fierce protector of those who needed it. If you met her… you would want her…

From beginning to end, writing and publishing your own ebook has never been easier — Your first book can be overwhelming. I would look at my screen, and wonder okay… what next? I have my funky coffee cup; my favourite plain ol’ black tea with just a little milk and my Pinterest pretty desk in the corner of my shoebox apartment. I’ve read countless tips…