Expression Wellness Group

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is about promoting the rights and well-being of people with disabilities at every level of society and development, and raising awareness of the situation of disabled people in all aspects of life.

We are grateful for the work and advocacy that has been done by disability activists and organizers over the years and we recognize that there is still a long way to go to truly combat ableism in our society and all throughout the world. We work with many clients with visible and invisible disabilities and frequently see the impact that systemic barriers and lack of accessible and affordable disability support have on their wellbeing and quality of life.

We encourage you to reflect and learn more about the disability justice movement today and to think deeply about how you can advocate for more change and accessibility in the places where you have power and influence.

Life can be as chaotic and crazy as we let it. We can say yes to everything despite not wanting to and allow it to deplete our energy, patience and sanity. When we openly invite the chaos in without boundaries or limits, it becomes more difficult to take on the unexpected chaotic moments of life.

As we enter into the holiday season, protect your quiet moments, understand that saying “no” is okay, leave the guilt behind and listen to your inner voice when it wants a break from it all. Remind yourself that limits are there to protect you, and that you are worth protecting. So, join the chaos and fun when you want, but decline it when it all feels too much. Balance is the key to keeping chaos in check.

Today we remember. We remember those who have sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of peace. We remember the families impacted by war; the loss of lives, livelihoods and life as they know it.

Today we remember how we are collectively impacted by war around the world. We remember so that we can continue to seek peace within ourselves and in our relationships with others.

Words of wisdom from Yoko ❤️

Where I live, it’s like we skipped fall altogether and went straight into winter. It’s been cold, my child has been home sick all week, and I hear half of the school is sick. When we are sick or physically injured, I can feel more compassionate toward others (or myself) for whatever legitimate reason they are sick/injured with. And yet, so much of our human experiences - the painful ones particularly - are invisible. Our emotions, invisible disabilities, mental health struggles… the list goes on. Are these “legitimate” enough to deserve compassion? When nobody else sees your pain, does your invisible pain deserve kindness? Absolutely. A wise client of mine shared with me the other day, “playing [sports] with [emotional] pain is the same as playing [sports] injured.” How can we tend to our inner experiences in the same way that we can with visible, physical pain/injuries? Kristin Neff , the Self Compassion guru, has easy short phrases to support you in any moment. I invite you to say these words to yourself with me today. 🧡