When all else fails, there’s always a bunny — “That one’s a turtle on a surfboard!” My mother and I are sitting on an old wooden bench on the boundary of a small park. If I were to look behind us, I would risk making eye contact with the observant and ever-watchful group of doctors, nurses, and social workers…

The strange beginning to a unique friendship — Thud. Thud. Thud. The unmistakable sound of closed fists banging against the solid metal door of the old warehouse. Each knock purposeful, echoing with an air of authority. It was a knock so particular that I needed neither the red-and-blue lights strobing through dirty windows that preceded it, nor the…

And left cookies for my demons — “There used to be a monster that lived under my bed, but I defeated him. I can teach you to beat yours too.” My older brother, Dylan, declared this with such sincerity it was almost impossible not to believe him. Almost. I was convinced that there were monsters and demons…

Why I never went ‘all in’ on toxic positivity — I am the queen of silver linings. For as long as I can remember, I have had a tendency to look for the good in difficult situations. …

A journey of self-acceptance — When I was sixteen, I had a reputation. As rumour had it, I was the embodiment of sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll. A real bad boy trapped in a scrawny teen girl's body. When meeting new people, I would often arrive to find that my reputation had preceded me…

This is going to sound weird, but hear me out… — “This is going to sound weird, but hear me out…” It was a statement that instantly drew curious smirks and sly glances among our small, ragtag group of friends. Mike was often the ringleader for general mischief and shenanigans, all of which had started with this very line. “This is…

Reflecting on food, friendship, and family — “From root, to stem, to flower, to table — it’s all important, they add their own elements.” — Sophia From Root “Psst…come on, Lottie” My brother, Dylan, is standing in his bedroom doorway, hurriedly waving me over. The safety of the warm light and the protection of my brothers sits…

The grief I don’t know how to navigate — “Mum!” The excited exclamation comes from my child, but it’s not directed at me. Lia and I are curled on the couch together, looking at photos on the tablet. The renovations on our home are almost complete, and our finances can’t stretch to extend the lease on my friend, Mike’s…

How a single act of kindness changed my life — It was the perfect kind of evening to go home and feel bad for myself for no good reason. There’s an odd comfort to indulging in miscellaneous melancholy from time to time. …