Synapspark

08/29/2026

08/17/2026

Everybody carries a bag.

We all pack differently.

We are all trying to figure out how to carry our bag to the best of our ability.

Some travel lightly.

Some are carrying an immense weight.

One day, we will need to sit down to unpack our bag.

Perhaps a family member, a friend, a co-worker or a professional can help us empty the bag and lay everything out...but ultimately, what to keep and what to leave behind is a decision only we can make.

Be Fearless

Steve

08/16/2026

I am honoured to announce that I have won the Diamond level Reader's Choice award for Best Mental Health Consultant in both Oshawa and Ajax.

I am so grateful that my work is making a difference in helping people on their mental wellbeing journey.

Be Well, Be Fearless

Steve

08/12/2026

I am thrilled to announce that I have joined the Board of Directors of
Mosaic Non-Profit Housing.

Mosaic Non-Profit Housing has a proud history that began in 1980. It emerged as an initiative from the founders of the Oshawa Seniors Community Centre with a mission to enhance the lives of seniors in our community by providing affordable housing.

Their first building, Parkview Place, was opened in 1982. It is a seven storey building with 115 apartments located at 25 John Street West in Oshawa.

The founding Board of Directors included six current or retired members of Oshawa Council, the president of the Canadian Auto Workers Union, the City’s Parks and Recreation Director, and the Regional Social Services Commissioner.

Their collaborative spirit laid the groundwork for a vital resource in affordable housing for seniors. For more than 40 years, they operated as Parkview Place Seniors Residence, dedicated to providing quality housing and support.

In 2023, they embraced an exciting new chapter by expanding their mission. The Board of Directors made the strategic decision to evolve from solely managing Parkview Place to becoming a builder and operator of non-profit housing throughout the Oshawa-Whitby-Courtice area.

This transformation led to a rebrand as Mosaic Non-Profit Housing, reflecting their broader commitment to community enrichment.

At Mosaic, we pride ourselves on our proven track record of delivering affordable housing solutions for seniors, backed by a passionate staff and a dedicated Board of Directors. We invite you to join us on this journey as we continue to grow, innovate, and make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. Housing is our product: community is our asset!

08/11/2026

United Nations International Youth Day..

During my career as a high school teacher in the public and private school systems in Ontario and abroad, I connected with youth from all corners of the globe. Many of them came with their families to Canada from war torn and politically unstable countries where their voices were not heard at all.

August 12 is International Youth Day established to raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing young people around the world and to celebrates their role as essential partners in achieving sustainable development.

The observance provides a platform for governments, youth organizations, United Nations entities, civil society, academia, and other stakeholders to promote dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and showcase youth-led initiatives that contribute to more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable societies.

International Youth Day 2026 recognizes that while young people’s lives are shaped by different national and local realities, their aspirations are remarkably similar. Across countries and communities, young people seek dignity, opportunity, meaningful participation, decent work, quality education, and a sustainable future.

At the same time, these young people continue to demonstrate resilience, leadership, and innovation in advancing sustainable development within their communities and beyond.
Although young people experience different realities depending on where they live, many of today's most pressing challenges transcend borders.

Limited access to quality education, barriers to decent work, unequal digital connectivity, climate change, social exclusion, and concerns about mental well-being affect millions of young people worldwide.

The 2026 theme emphasizes that recognizing different contexts should strengthen - not diminish - global solidarity. By investing in youth everywhere and supporting those facing the greatest barriers, the international community can help ensure that no young person is left behind.

Be Well

Steve

08/07/2026

August is National Wellness Month in Canada..

Our wellbeing is shaped not only by our individual choices and habits, but also by the people in our personal and professional environments.

We constantly move through interconnected circles that influence how we think, how we feel, and how we behave. In return, we influence people and situations within these circles.

The Circles That Shape Us

Think about the circles that make up your life. At the centre is self - your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

But our overall wellness is both personal and collective, and seemingly insignificant interactions can have large impacts.

Support from a coworker can make our difficult day feel a little more manageable. Our volunteer group can bring us a sense of belonging to our community. Challenges at home can follow us to work. Encouragement from family and friends can help us navigate stress.

This August, carefully reflect not only what supports your wellbeing, but also how you believe you are influencing the wellbeing of the people around you.

Sometimes wellbeing is strengthened through simple actions such as checking in, listening, offering support, expressing appreciation, or making space for honest conversation.

Ask yourself:

Which circle is currently having the greatest impact on my wellbeing right now?

Which one - or two or three - circles could use more attention?

What impact am I having on the wellbeing of others, both positive and negative?

Be Well

Steve

08/01/2026

Often people who have Concurrent Disorders - co-occurring addiction and mental health problems - are judged to be be weak, they lack self discipline and willpower, and their disorders are a product of their own choices and personal irresponsibility.

What society does not always see - or cares to see - are the biological, psychological and social factors at play.

It is easy to "blame the victim".

Addiction is a means of adapting , learning to survive in complex situations that often involve past or current trauma.

In a Learning Model, with help from professionals, community supports, family and possibly friends, addicts learn to manage and empower themselves, and they play an active part in their treatment plan.

We need to respect a person who is trying to recover.

Respect them for being a survivor.

Be Fearless

Steve

07/28/2026

I did this thing...

In preparing and researching for writing my next book, I particpated in this self paced course...and I have to tell you, it provided an absolute treasure trove of information and practical applications!

Check out Efficient Coach courses, they are well worth the investment..

Be Well

Steve

07/24/2026

Today is International Self-Care Day..
International Self-Care Day is celebrated annually in Canada and globally on July 24.
The date itself - July 24 (7/24) - was deliberately chosen by the International Self-Care Foundation to symbolize that the benefits of self-care should be practiced 7 days a week, 24 hours a day!

In Canada, the day is heavily supported by health organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA - of which I am a member of the education arm at Peel-Dufferin), the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and Health Canada.

The Canadian healthcare sector utilizes this day to emphasize that self-care is a crucial component of prevention. Canadian advocates use the day to shift the conversation away from the idea that self-care is a luxurious reward. Instead, they focus on self-preservation and protecting one's daily capacity.

Organizations like the Canadian Women's Foundation use this day to highlight that access to wellness is not equal. Factors like unpaid caregiving, the gender pay gap, and systemic barriers frequently prevent women from finding time to rest.🧘‍♂️

According to Canadian health guidelines, true self-care functions like interconnected puzzle pieces. It spans across multiple domains such as...

Physical: Consistently getting proper sleep, eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, and using basics like sunscreen.

Mental & Emotional: Setting healthy boundaries, pausing for sensory grounding, and intentionally shifting negative self-talk.

Social & Spiritual: Connecting with a real friend, spending time outdoors in nature, or engaging in personal reflection.

Practical: Attending required medical appointments, organizing important personal documents, or managing financial security.⏱️

How to Participate

You do not need a complicated or expensive routine. Health agencies suggest realistic, sustainable practices such as...

Take 15 Minutes: Take just 15 minutes of uninterrupted time for a walk, a meditation, or a creative outlet.

Practice Green Exercise: Participate in local community initiatives to safely navigate anxiety and depression through such things as nature hikes.

Say No: Reclaim autonomy over your personal schedule by setting boundaries on tasks - and people - that drain your energy.

Offer Help: Support full-time caregivers in your life by offering them a break or taking them out for coffee.

Take care of yourself in whichever way suits you best!

Steve

07/16/2026

7 of 19 newly trained Applied Su***de Intervention Skills Training [ASIST] participants..they were a lot of fun..as you can see from the goofy picture...me being the biggest of the goofs!

Thank you Tammy Whelen for training with me, and thank you to Idea Training Collaborative for hosting!

Be Su***de Aware

Steve