Absence Makes The Heart Grow Stronger

My Grandma always used to say "absence makes the heart grow stronger" when I would come home for summer holidays convinced my life was over because I would not be able to see my friends for the WHOLE summer. Well I survived as you may have guessed and now the thought of a summer away camping makes my spirits soar.  I am just floating on air today as I pack up my crafty things and get ready to head out into the wild yonder. I consider it wild because I will be without internet for the entire time (minus the times I sneak on with my cell phone to check my facebook). Come on, that would be barbaric not to have facebook for 9 whole weeks.  So I am off tomorrow as soon as my babies get off the bus. I am starting to pack my car tonight.  I will try to upload the odd post over the summer if I am back at the house (gotta have clean clothes sometime) but it will be sporadic at best.  I will be thinking of you all summer and hoping that you are enjoying good friends and good weather somewhere with a lovely view!

Look what bloomed beside my deck

This was an amazing suprise when I arrived at my trailer last night. We moved our trailer here last July and just missed seeing this lovely sight. This picture does not even do it justice. It  smells lovelmy too.

Surviving the 401: Panic Attacks, Perspective, and the Power of Mercy

Ok, so perhaps this will not be my most uplifting post, but I have to get it off my chest. We’ve all had those weeks where the triggers seem to come out of nowhere, leaving us feeling overtired and raw. Last night, against my better judgment, I conceded to taking Highway 401 to drop off some items at my Mom's. Those of you who follow me know the 401 is a hard sell for me—and for good reason.

"We no sooner got off the on-ramp and over the little knoll and we were at a dead stop. All the transports and cars started compressing in on us. I could feel my heartbeat race and my hand took on a life of its own as it crushed down on my poor devoted husband's free hand. I was fighting every instinct to open the door and run through the traffic, fleeing in absolute panic."

The Trap: When Anxiety Takes the Wheel

The experience that followed was a nightmare for anyone with social anxiety or agoraphobic tendencies. We tried to maneuver backwards to an exit, only to find a huge accident blocking our escape. Re-entering that aggressive, jockeying line of traffic while in a full-blown panic attack is one of the most depleting things I’ve ever experienced. The noise, the glares from other drivers, and the sheer hostility of the road felt like a physical assault.

But then, the perspective hit. Someone died on that highway last night. Right there, just a few feet from where our car sat. The "what ifs" started spinning—the realization that if things had timed out differently, it could have been us.

2026 Expansion: Choosing Mercy Over "The What-Ifs"

Looking back at this incident from 2026, I realize how much those "what-ifs" used to run my life. For years, I let the memory of that night shape my fear of the road. But lately, I’ve been practicing a different kind of Tactile Rebellion. When I feel that "trapped" sensation beginning to rise, I reach for a grounding stone in my console or a specific scent of lavender to bring me back to the world outside my window.

The most important lesson, however, wasn't about the panic—it was about the mercy. I used to get so ticked off at people trying to jump ahead in traffic. Now, I try to remember that woman in the car, shaking like crazy, fighting the urge to run. Maybe they aren't being "impatient." Maybe they are sick, or pregnant, or in the middle of a mental health crisis they can't explain.

Building a Sanctuary on the Road

My prayer for you today is that you find that same mercy—for others, and especially for yourself. If you are struggling with "driving anxiety" or that claustrophobic feeling of being stuck, know that you are not alone. You can survive the knoll, you can survive the traffic, and you can find your way back to a place of standing up again.

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A Small Tool for the Journey

In my "arsenal of tools" for anxiety, I've found that sensory resets are the fastest way out of a panic loop. I'll be sharing a full review soon of the grounding tools I now keep in my car to prevent these "depleting" nights. Stay tuned for the unboxing!

Have you ever had a "trapped" moment that changed your perspective? How do you find mercy in the middle of the chaos? Let's talk in the comments.

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William Shakespeare                                                                             

“The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest. It becomes
The thronèd monarch better than his crown.
His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings,
But mercy is above this sceptered sway.
It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings.
It is an attribute to God himself.
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew, Though justice be thy plea, consider this-
That in the course of justice none of us
Should see salvation. We do pray for mercy,
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea,
Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.”

― William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice

Small Business Milestones: Overcoming Social Anxiety and Building a Home-Based Career

Well, I am quite content to just put my feet up now and consider today a great success. If I accomplish nothing else today, I will still be content. You are simply not going to believe what I did today! I went to an actual meeting in an actual government office... face to face... and remained for the duration of my time. Ooohhh whooo me!

I know I won't be expecting anyone knocking down my door to offer me a mental health achievement award (though if you have one, it would be pretty great). But for those of us navigating these waters, we know that these "small" steps are actually mountains.

The Plan: Productivity on My Own Terms

Let me fill you in on my plan. I have applied to become involved with a career counsellor to hook me into online courses for small business management. Some of you may have already seen links or feeds about my little venture. I have decided firmly that even though I can go out and work in a regular brick-and-mortar business, I can still be semi-productive by working from home.

Thanks to online shopping, I can have all the supplies I need to produce my product shipped to my door. (Ok, the post office around the corner, but at least I won't have to go to an actual store if I don't feel well!) I will be able to sell my product online and communicate with customers via my online store so that no one will be able to tell that I am shaking like crazy or about to run out of a room. Pretty clever, huh?

A New Beginning

Today it has begun for me. That phone just has to ring for me and I will be on my way to becoming a productive member of society once again. Not bad for a Tuesday.

I hope you are making progress on your dreams today. Don't let your illness shape your life. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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2026 Update: Where We Are Now

Looking back at this post, I am reminded that every empire starts with a single, shaky step. Today, those online courses and that "little venture" have grown into a content empire focusing on mental health and tactile creativity. If you are in that "shaking like crazy" phase right now, please know: it gets better, and you can build a life you love from the comfort of your own home.

Reclaiming Joy: Building Your Wellness Toolbox Through Creative Rebellion

So, yesterday we were talking about all this "Pollyanna" type stuff (I mean... crap, but let's be nice!) and how there is actually scientific research now to back up the fact that it really does improve the chemical reaction in the brain. The feedback has been incredible—posts, Facebook messages, emails, Google alerts... I forgot how many social media things I was hooked into!

Everyone is essentially saying the same thing: "Yeah, that’s all well and good, but what specifically should we try?"

Well, in my humble opinion, the best place to start is an inventory of your own happiness. I’m reminded of a line from the VeggieTales movie The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. A gourd is faced with being eaten by cheese doodles and, reflecting on his life, admits it wasn't great, but there was that "one day in 1976 between the hours of..." you get the point! Even if you have struggled with anxiety and depression your whole life, there have been moments—short flashes—where you experienced joy. What were you doing then?

The Trap of the "Catch-22"

For me, my most joyful events have always been steeped in family life. But for those of us with anxiety, that can be a catch-22. It reinforces the fear of "what if I lose them?" To move forward, I had to inventory what brought me happiness outside of that fear. I’ve always loved being creative, but for years, I had a major hang-up. Every tool I picked up and every piece of paper reminded me of a loss. The embellishments I used for my dad's funeral, the pictures from my son's baptism... they were all harsh reminders of what I had lost.

Step by step, I cleared through it all. I separated the memories from the stuff so that I could return to the things that brought me happiness. I still get misty sometimes, I won’t lie, but being able to spend some time every day creating something makes all the difference to my level of anxiety and depression.

2026 Expansion: Creating Your Wellness Toolbox

Looking back at this post from 2026, I can see that this was the foundational moment for the Tactile Rebellion. It’s where I realized that we don't just "get better"—we build a toolbox. If you’re ready to kick-start your own positive activity list, here is the original Wellness Toolbox I began developing back then:

Your Initial Wellness Toolbox

• Spend time in nature: Even five minutes outside your window can reset your nervous system.
• List what you like about yourself: No matter how small, write it down.
• Read a good book: (I’ve got some recommendations for you!)
• Watch a funny movie or TV show: An occupational therapist once told me her patients need 30 minutes of comedy every day. That’s therapy I can get behind!
• Take care of a few small tasks: Cross one tiny thing off your list for an instant win.
• Write in your journal: Get the "what-ifs" out of your head and onto the paper.

I know I’m not going to be out anywhere (you know how it is!), so I’m usually right here if you need to chat. Of course, my therapist's advice about "20 minutes of vigorous exercise daily" still falls on deaf ears over here—sign me up for the sleepy time instead! But the comedy and the crafting? That is where the healing happens.

What is one "tool" in your box that never fails to give you a quick mood boost? Share it in the comments below.

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Help Guide: For more ideas on positive activities, check out our growing archive of wellness reviews and unboxings.

Looking at the Sunny Side of Life

Man don't you hate people that say that. The glass is half full, count your blessings, the sun will come out tomorrow...tomorrow...tomorrow..I love you tomorrow...ha..just kidding I won't do that to you.  Sorry if it catches in your head.  Realistically there is a reason for all these all too chipper statements.  Those folks out there that are so drippy with optimism are really onto something.  Medically I mean, though socially annoying as they are they seem to make out okay too.  Ok, Ok...I am a closet optimist....I can spin sunshine as well as the next girl, except in my own head.  Do you ever experience this phenomenon? You are so sweet to the rest of the world but in your own head you are constantly criticising yourself and preparing for the worst. That's me.  All the time.  Sometimes I just need solitude because the chaos of people talking around me plus the nagging of the inner me overwhelms me.  I was reading an article on the Mayo clinic site and another on the Live Science site and they were talking about research that has been conducted into the effects of positive thinking on depression.  To me this seemed counterintuitive as if we were thinking positively we would likely not be depressed. That in fact is their point.  The study focused on mildly depressed folks, not like us hiding under the covers peeps. The results showed that they were able to stimulate the amygdala by positive thoughts and it counteracted the usual overreaction we experience. By no way do they suggest it will work in all instances and they say it would be most effective in conjunction with medication.  I am very fortunate and not only do I live in an area that provides excellent support but also I am married to a hard working guy with a nice medical package. Write that one down single ladies...make sure your man has a job and benefit plan!! So sexist I know. Regardless, the positive activity interactions (PAIs) can be used by people that are unable to access additional support.  Its one of those "what do you have to lose kind of things".  

Here are a few examples of Positive Activity Interactions:

Intentional positive behaviors and thoughts, such as performing acts of kindness, expressing gratitude, meditating on positive feelings  toward others and using one's strengths. Gratitude journals, thank you cards, putting a quarter in someone's metre. 

It all seems so easy! When you think about it though, in those moments when we are outside our own brain and we are doing something nice for someone else don't you just get that sort of sunny buzz inside. Just in those few moments you forget that you are depressed, anxious, panic stricken or obsessive compulsive.  Maybe thats the seed of wisdom in it all.  A happy distraction from our pain.  I say lets go for it guys! Are you with me? I am going to shut down this computer and go read an extra bedtime story to my kidlets, just to remind them how much they are loved and to steal a little sunny buzz moment.  My thoughts and prayers are with you as always.

Guest Blogger This Friday!

Sometimes the most crucial part of our recovery is to learn to be positive. I can  already hear that little voice saying "Yah, I'm positive. Positive life sucks!". Life is hard. That's just the way it is. How we interpret our circumstances can make all the difference in how we experience life though. This week I hope to get in a few posts on the value of being positive when dealing with mental health issues. We will cap off the week with a guest post by fellow blogger Jamie Clark from Being Positive With A Depressive Soul. I am so excited to share her words of wisdom. Jamie has suffered from a depressive disorder for more than two decades. Make sure to check out her post Friday or better yet visit her blog and get to know her before she visits us. Thanks for sharing your story Jamie. You are a true champion of the mental health awareness movement. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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