Arianna Merritt, MEd | Health Educator & Digital Creator

Assertiveness: The Power of Expressing Your Thoughts

In past years, I have been silent about important issues because I lacked the belief that my point of view mattered or was valid. Even though I knew deep down that I was of value, I was too insecure around others to tell them my honest thoughts and opinions.

What helped me speak was the presence of a supportive community who lifted me up. I truly encourage you to find positive role models in your life as social learning is such a valuable tool for your personal growth. When you surround yourself with individuals who model healthy behaviours, you observe them and want to apply their behaviours yourself.

Rise & Shine Interview: Scott Vannatter

Scott L Vannatter is the oldest of two children, having one sister. He was born in New Castle, Indiana and lives in Middletown, IN in his grandmother's home with his cat, Tamika. Scott is a published author of 7 short horror stories, 4 of which are currently in print and on sale with Amazon in both anthologies (paperback) and on Kindle. Scott has 2 Master's degrees, worked in computers for nearly 23 years and nearly 6 years as a special education teacher. A massive hemorrhagic stroke in May of 2010 made him stop teaching and start writing. He is, currently, an Independent Marketing Director for Team National. He has been divorced twice and has two wonderful children, one male and one female both 30 years or older. He is happy with life and believes that "all things work together in the end; if it hasn't worked out, it isn't the end."

Coping With Anger

How do you deal with anger?

You may be reading this question, afraid to admit that some occasions in your life have made you feel angry. But, you needn’t be wary of acknowledging your anger. Everyone experiences anger at some time in their lives; anger is a normal human emotion. What we do with our anger is when problems can arise.

Rise & Shine Interview: Reece Sims

Reece Sims is a passionate advocate for the professional development of Generation Y women. I'm a Personal Branding Strategist, Host of The Lovenoteworthy Show (listed as the #1 Business podcast in the New & Noteworthy on iTunes Canada) and Host for Behind the Brand which airs on Novus Television's Community Channel. I had the pleasure of being interviewed on The Gold Zebra and had to ask Reece to be involved in this series. Reece has really inspired me on my journey. I connected with her earlier this year as we both live on the West Coast. I look forward to meeting her in person one day. Reece speaks from her heart and empowers others on their journey!

Rise & Shine Interview: Jesse Ruben about Writing

Ever wondered how a singer/songwriter develops the courage to speak from their heart? I'm excited that today, Jesse Ruben, is “Speaking From the Heart” and sharing his experiences with all of us.

I had to ask Jesse to be part of this series after reading an article in a local paper about his visit to Vancouver Island to encourage children to persevere. As an educator, I know how much of an impact he made by connecting with these young people in person. Read an article about his visit here or check out his blog post about the visit. I was so touched by his generosity that I had to reach out to Jesse as I wanted to help spread his message further.

Rise & Shine Interview: Gabriello Pitman

Ever wondered how writing can inspire the journey of a professional performer? I'm excited that today my friend, Gabriello Pitman, is “Speaking From the Heart” and sharing his experiences with all of us.

Gabriello is a performer, an entrepreneur, and a professional coach based in Toronto, Canada. I met Gabriello before he became an entrepreneur and was pursuing his PhD in Physics at the University of Toronto. We met and became friends as we were both residents of Wycliffe College's graduate residence. You can check out the story in his own words on how he discovered his calling here. Gab used to come in the television room at the residence and perform card tricks for us. I had to ask Gabriello to be involved in this series as he continually inspires and encourages me on my journey. Plus, he is a fun guy to be around, and has quite the range of facial expressions (as do I :)).

"Sitting Disease": How do we prevent it?

Does convenience come with a price? These days you really don't have to do much exercise if you don't want to. You can have almost anything delivered to your house (i.e. food and supplies). Also, if you commute to a desk job or are a student there is a lot of sitting involved there too. Think about it, many individuals get up and take either the bus or drive to school/work, they then sit in lecture or at a computer doing their work. Then they come home. The setup isn't designed to include much physical activity. There is so much sitting that researchers have labelled in the "Sitting Disease".

Never Give Up: A Lesson Learned From Silken Laumann

I was looking for something this morning and I found a portfolio that I made for my grade nine Skills for Success class. The teacher had asked us to put in the portfolio written work from each of your classes. I found this essay I wrote for my grade nine English class and I had to share as she still inspires me to not give up.

A hero is a man or woman admired for achievements and noble qualities. The following essay is about Silken Laumann. This essay will discuss how Silken's been recognized as a sports hero, how she was able to change society by her special characteristics, and how she fits the the definition of a hero.

"I AM ENOUGH": Brene Brown's talk on vulnerability

I just finished watching 'Brene Brown: The Power of Vulnerability" on Ted Talks. She said things that really resonated with me and how I think people should live their lives. Watch it!

"I want to know you, like I know myself": The Value of Authenticity in Relationships

When you are introduced to someone, have you ever noticed that the most common phrases are always about your job and the role you play in society? For example, as a child/teenager you will be asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” or as an adult, “What do you do for a living?", or as a student, "What are you studying?” It seems the occupation label primarily defines who you are. However, if you meet two doctors, for example, they share the label their job entails; but, their personal lives will be far from identical.

Ladies watch out for "Prince Harming"

Since I'm doing work in bullying and reducing victimization, I thought it was appropriate that I put an article about this issue, emotional/psychological abuse.

I have heard of many emotionally abusive situations and some people are in relationships where this is occurring right now. Women do this too but this article is to help other women stand up for themselves if they are in an abusive relationship. Emotional abuse is hard to quantify but it can be extremely hurtful to the victim and hence why I'm bringing it up.

Bathing Suit Shopping

I went shopping the other day for a new bathing suit that I can use to go swimming in every morning. I'm a fish; I am truly happy when I am in or on the water. That is why two of my favourite activities are: rowing and swimming. I am getting back into my routine of going to the pool early in the morning and swimming laps.

As I was shopping the other day, I realized how much putting on a swimsuit instills insecurity and fear in many people. You want a suit that shapes your body and makes you look your best. We are all raised with media telling us how we should look. In a sense, wearing a swimsuit out in public makes you extremely vulnerable as many people see the shape of your body. We get self-conscious as sometimes the shape of our body may not fit the "ideal stereotype". For some this can be terrifying. I remember when I was in my early teens and self-conscious of my new curves; I would wear a t-shirt over my suit when I was at the cottage as I didn't want anyone to look at my body and possibly judge me. I grew out of that phase and am just wear bathing suits into the pool now. I realized that people will judge you regardless but you cannot let that control/prevent you from having fun and pursuing the activities you enjoy.

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