Thankful for Skills: A Life-Changing Journey

Canadian Thanksgiving is one of my favourite times of the year, filled with warmth, family, and gratitude. One of our traditions is going around the table to share what we are thankful for. While the usual answers include health, family, friends, and faith,

this year, I added one more to the list: SKILLS!

🎢Before DBT: The Emotional Rollercoaster🥺😒😁😡

Before I learned Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills in 2018, my emotions often controlled my life. Let me take you through some of those feelings:

• Stressed? I felt overwhelmed and incompetent, often berating myself for falling short.

• Sad? I wanted to hide and withdraw, feeling isolated even in a crowd.

• Excited? I would enthusiastically bombard everyone with a flood of ideas, often overwhelming those around me.

• Angry? I lashed out or let bitterness about my circumstances seep into my interactions.

These reactions led to regret—a painful emotion that lingered long after the day was over. I often reflected on how my words and actions affected my friends, family, or co-workers.

💡A Lightbulb Moment💡

In January 2018, I was introduced to DBT skills, and everything changed. It was like a lightbulb moment!

I learned why my emotions were so intense and how to notice my reactions to the world around me.

I vividly remember one situation where I felt anxiety before a big presentation. Instead of succumbing to panic, I utilized mindfulness techniques I had learned. I took a moment to breathe, focused on the present, and reminded myself of my preparation. This shift in response calmed my nerves and transformed a potentially stressful experience into a successful one. Now I love speaking before groups of any size about the power of these skills!

🙌Gratitude for Growth🙌

This journey has been nothing short of transformative. I am immensely grateful for the practical tools and strategies that help me respond skillfully rather than react ineffectively.

Each day is an opportunity to learn and grow, and I am eager to share these skills with others.

👉Your Journey Awaits👈

Do you see your own experiences reflected in my story? Would you like to incorporate these skills into your life to be more effective at work and home?

That’s what SILA Skills is all about—empowering YOU to be more skillful in your everyday life.

These SKILLS work, and I am living proof!