#thestrangerproject2014

[thestrangerproject2014]

"What are your hopes for health care?" 

This Wednesday, March 01st, 7pm, I'll join a group of speakers, each sharing our hopes for healthcare. We'll be using the 20x20 format; 20 photos and each photo is displayed for exactly 20 seconds before automatically advancing to the next one!

The evening will be streamed LIVE via #FacebookLive at facebook.com/bcpsqc

Thanks to the BC Patient Safety & Quality Council for this great honour and privilege! #notastranger

[thestrangerproject2014]

January 06, 2017 - Reflection. "The opposite of depression is not happiness, but vitality." Andrew Solomon

Three years ago today, I posted my first five stories to my personal Facebook page. Just a little thing I was going to try in order to dig myself out of isolation. If only just to get outside, every, single, day.

I could never, ever have begun to imagine all the magic and comfort that would come my way. In abundance, unexpected, unconditional and authentic I've made friends with so many wonderful supporters of TSP2014, some digitally, and some in-person, all equally genuine. I'm even looking after Day 269's fig tree, while Adam is off on a journey.

Today, as I sat on the proverbial couch, settling in for an afternoon nap, i was snapped wide-awake in realizing that in some ways, I've come full circle. Albeit with a vastly different perspective and experience base.

I live with depression. For me personally, the last year was a rollercoaster, and once again, a life changing ride. I'm still not sure I've stopped spinning. I know for sure, I'm nowhere near done unpacking all the lessons that come from embracing vulnerability, speaking my truth, and living out loud.

There's always work to be done. Our wellbeing, in part, comes from connection and community. In no small manner, the connections I've made here, with you, reading this here, have been a staple in my growth and reflection.

I'm in a deep reflection right now. I'm being as present as I can. It's good, it's natural and it's how I process and grow. These last three years have changed me in ways that are profound, ethereal and sometimes overwhelming. All thoroughly permeated with gratitude. Eventually.

This project isn't over, not by a long shot. It will continue and will be informed by my observations, lessons, and learns. And listening. Truly, listening. My wish for all is goodness, peace, and love. Connection and community. Grace and generosity. Stillness, happiness, contentment. Boldness, bravery and intention. Strength, character and heart. Love. So much love.

Thank you. #notastranger

[thestrangerproject2014]

'crows know love' Vancouver, December 25, 2016

2016, has been such a powerful year. Filled with ups and downs, lessons, love and losses. For me, and the essence of TSP2014, has always been about connection and conversation, ultimately leading to growth.

Throughout these past fews years, I've been blessed to share my experiences here. Whether chatting with strangers, or just me, thinking out loud, this 'project' has been a gift beyond anything I could have ever even imagined. I look froward to the next chapters; the still untold stories, and those I keep threatening to write!

Whatever you may or may not celebrate, today, and every day; celebrate each other. Connection and community are vital to our well-being.

For that, we are each responsible.

be well, Colin #notastranger

[thestrangerproject2014]

Self-care moment: Butterfly Vancouver, July 29, 2016

Yesterday, I woke up intent on fulfilling someone else's bucket list. One I had created. In the expression of many days can happen in one day, after another at least seven days yesterday, my lesson, or reminder, my learn, was it was time for me to come home.

I'm confident that I've done the right thing, and in my heart I am so at peace. Tom and I have had (mostly me, he'd be first to say) many very, painfully difficult conversations. We learned a new language, and I accept that it is a one-time gift, intimate, engrained upon my heart and soul.

I've moved through so many stages of learning in the past six weeks. The walking isn't complete. For me, the YOU ARE HERE checkin point, is being mindful that this isn't my own final walk.

I may be the honoured story-teller, I'm not the author. My words feebly string together someone else's tapestry. That tapestry is interwoven within my own life story.

In continuing to honour my friend, the one I've grown to know dearly in the last two-and-a-half years, and the one that developed in the last six weeks, and has brought us to where we are now. Tom, like myself, has always enjoyed his own space.

When helping others, I'm more keenly aware than ever, that it's difficult to see this experience unselfishly, and objectively, through someone else's experience and unspoken desires. I've had many, many longs hours immersed in deep, personal introspective thought, reflection, gratitude, and profound sadness, equalled only with the unimagined beauty of this deep personal and intimate experience.

So many thoughts, so many of my own learns, so many of my own observations and even incredible connections with new friends because of Tom. There are some of the funniest, silent, meditative moments that I'll cherish forever, as the memories of a good friend.

I'm keenly aware too, that in his typically generous heart, Tom allowed me to share parts his story, including this chapter, while acknowledging the pieces I've written have always been submitted for consideration when, as I've always sought permission to share, before even having these shared chats.

Out of respect of my hero, moving forward, I will be writing a limited number of essays about this final chapter. I do have Tom's permission, and through this, have grown to know and care for Tom's family. I also have always choosen to not share the details that I gleen as a close personal friend. I've always had the ability with all of the 'strangers' I've met to establish trust, and sometimes an unspoken one of what is shared personally, as opposed to conversation shared that comes from 'updates' or 'follow-up' stories.

For the next few days, I intend to enjoy my space, process so much information, switch off and maybe even see how much of the 98% full of content PVR I can binge through. I also intend to be mostly offline, and truly quiet and still.

This is a complete stream of thought, and as such, my final ask is that rather than send me responses of support (I can so feel you all, trust that - you know me. I do. I am loved and love). I ask that instead, and the choice is yours, no obligation, whatsoever...

Consider the notion of planting seeds of love, kindness and compassion freely, without ever telling anyone, and without ever feeling a need or expectation of seeing the end results. It's a new kind of peace.

There are ripples that connect, like an underground current of energy and love. Tap into it. Explore. Be uncomfortable. Love. Be loved.

Thank you.

#DayTenTom #notastranger #SelfCare