Life Is Sweet

I want to share something special with you today — a project that my dear friend Ashley is working on throughout the month of February: Life Is Sweet, Even in February.

Through this project Ashley is remembering her mother (who committed suicide 15 years ago) and raising awareness for mental illness.

In Ash’s words:

Over the month of February I will be hosting blog posts from friends, family and bloggers who will be sharing their personal accounts of experience with mental illness, depression, anxiety and loss. I am so proud of all of these people for sharing their stories, and believe that in the act of sharing we will truly confirm that no one is alone. I’ve utilized my network to also include posts from practitioners on strategies for dealing with mental illness, as well as posts on working through challenges in life and finding the light and love in all of it.

 

I don’t believe that there is one answer to dealing with the challenges we face in our lives, and I hope that through this month of guest posts I have covered a wide range of experiences, ideas and opinions. My guest bloggers range in age from early 20’s to late 60’s. They are men and women from all walks of life. Some will share their identities openly, while others will remain anonymous. All of them believe in the power of sharing their stories and perspectives, and I am so honoured to have them on my blog. I hope that you’ll visit the blog for their posts throughout February and share the content via your own networks and by using the hashtag #lifeissweet on the Twitter.

I love that Ash is creating a safe space for other people to share their stories. I’m honoured to be included in the event, and have a story of my own coming up on her blog. I hope you will check out these posts coming up on her blog for the rest of the month.

Along with the blog event, Ashley is also producing and performing in her first solo show — a cabaret evening to honour her mother and to raise awareness for mental illness. Proceeds are going to the CAMH Foundation (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, here in Toronto and serving all of Canada).

I know the show is going to be a moving and beautiful night. I’ll be there, hope you can make it too:

Life is Sweet, Even in February
Produced and performed by Ashley Gibson, Music Direction by Tara Litvack

February 22, 2013 – 9:30PM
The Flying Beaver Pubaret
488 Parliament Street – Toronto, ON
Tickets: $15 in advance / $20 at the door
Tickets are available at the Flying Beaver Pubaret or online

Photo Courtesy of MJS Photography