I'm very excited about this conversation. My guests Leanne Macdonald and Julie Brown are blazing the trail with their My Mental Health Rocks initiative. Leanne and Julie both work in the area of mental health and wellbeing. Their passion is evident and the difference they make in the lives of others is admirable.  

In this episode we talk about:

• What the ‘My Mental Health Rocks’ initiative is;
• Raising awareness about mental health takes a village; 
• Teaching versus exploring with children and youth; and
• Children are never broken and don’t need to be fixed.  

My mental health rocks initiative really drives home the point that it takes a village and when that perspective is embraced amazing things can happen.  

Here are a few thought bomb takeaways:

• Teachers already have so many demands placed upon them. Adding the responsibility of emotional learning is neither reasonable nor fair. Of course, there is so much emotional learning that already goes on in day to day life at school. Children are constantly learning and growing in all their interactions and through all their relationships;
• There is a difference between teaching versus exploring. Teachers have a set curriculum they have to follow. This initiative focuses on exploration - which is so fun, insightful and life-changing;
• Teachers have an incredible impact and responsibility. As Julie mentioned, everyone can remember a teacher, whether that be because of a negative or a life-changing experience. Teachers are definitely a crucial part of creating the future of our children; and
• This message is one every person needs to hear: you are not broken, life is limitless when it comes to potential and a reminder when you are struggling, whatever you are going through is a temporary experience. Knowing this makes life flow in a much more natural and less stressful way. 

 Until next time: Be well. Be inspired. Be You.