I’ve had the privilege of learning from various institutions and platforms that have fueled my passions. Here’s a snapshot of my educational journey:
Algonquin College: Photography, Office Administrator, and basic upgrading
Coursera: Creative Writing
Udemy: Reiki (including Grandmaster Teacher), Chi Ball Master, Universal Energy Spiritual Psychic Practitioner, Chakra Energy Healer, and Meditation Coach
These experiences have shaped my skills and deepened my love for learning and growth .
Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?
By Tracy Schruder
Do I play? Yes, I most definitely do. What says playtime to me is my kitty with his toy.
A group of people and a deck of cards.
A stack of board games and energetic opponents.
Outdoor games inside and outside the pool. Warm days or cold one’s there is always playing to do.
Creative play is where I excel – paint smocks and canvas are ready to go. Surrounded by nature, there’s always supplies for crafts; playing with my imagination is what I do best.
I imagine great stories, some fiction, some fact, and I have fun writing them out with integrity and tact.
My biggest challenge is trying to communicate with other people who have never put in the effort to grow and mature themselves. Because I’ve put forth so much effort into my own growth and understanding, I expect nothing less from people my own age or older.
This is a great challenge for me, so, being me, I go deeper.
I realized that most of my growth and maturity came from my suffering. It was born out of pain, loss, and the joy of overcoming and awakening. I did the work.
I took a full and honest account of those things that were my responsibility, that I needed to face and be accountable for. Not everyone does that. Nor does everyone go through loss or something challenging enough to bring them into accountability and awareness.
Before I could deem myself healed, I had to face this challenge head-on. Through the hot tears and emotional confusion, I had a breakthrough. I know how to navigate this challenge in the present; it’s part of my journey. That being true, and also that I know that I will face this challenge time and again as life moves forward, I felt the frustration and confusion to the fullest extent of its toxicity. I allowed it to be as it is, and I remained present to witness the root of this challenge.
What in me believes that everyone should be more mature than they are? It was a wound, an old gaping wound that surpassed my conscious healing. It was the wound of rejection. An old, ancient wound that all of us bring into this world with us – it’s the birthing wound – the wound caused by being separated from our mothers. We are pushed out from a warm, safe environment into a cold and unfamiliar world. Before modern birthing practices, we were often slapped on the bottom to expel fluids from our body. What an insult to injury. No wonder we carry a wound of rejection; in some sense, it’s our first experience of being alive.
I don’t believe that people will grow and mature via my expectations, and it will always be a challenge in accepting this mentality. However, now that I know the root cause, I’m certain that I will navigate it with even more maturity and awareness in the future.
“Flipping through old family photographs always brings a wave of nostalgia, especially when I’m with a family member who lived those moments with me.
There’s laughter, tears, and long talks about the precious memories we’ve made over fifty-something years.
My heart and mind reunite, and I’m right back to childhood – soggy boots from playing in the snow too long, building snow forts, dragging siblings and friends on sleds. I smell warm cocoa and cookies, see boots and mitts scattered on the foyer floor, feel red cheeks filled with laughter from long days skating on our local rink .
I still feel the cold snowy kisses from the boy who stole my heart. And those summer days – all us village kids, tanned and smiling, gathered in the sun… That nostalgic feeling warms my heart.”
As a writer, I’ve been fascinated by the capabilities and limitations of Artificial Intelligence. It’s almost like science fiction come to life – we create this technology, and it reflects back to us our own strengths and weaknesses. One theory suggests that AI keeps track of our conversations to understand our personalities and intentions, essentially acting as a mirror to our digital selves.
I’ve used AI for research and editing, appreciating its ability to streamline my workflow while staying true to my voice and intentions.
However, I’ve recently realized that there’s a cost to relying too heavily on this tool. I’ve started to crave the tactile experience of research – the feel of paper, the smell of old books, and the thrill of discovery.
There’s something special about immersing myself in the process, from reading and note-taking to watching videos and conducting interviews. It’s a holistic experience that sharpens my mind and makes me a better writer.
While AI is a valuable tool, it’s just that – a tool. I’m choosing to scale back my use, reserving it for grammar, spelling, and punctuation checks, if I use it at all.
My goal is to deliver honest, authentic work to my readers, and I feel that’s best achieved by getting my hands dirty in the research process. I’m not judging those who use AI – it’s a magnificent tool, after all – but for me, the journey is just as important as the destination.
Hey, fellow cat lovers! Have you ever noticed how cats and snakes seem to share a special bond? I’ve always thought it was just my imagination, but it turns out, there’s some fascinating science behind it.
According to an ancient tale, cats were designed from snakes by a great supernatural creator. Whether or not you believe that, one thing’s for sure – domesticated cats and snakes are the only creatures on the planet that hiss.
I mean, think about it – the way a cat arches its back and lets out a warning hiss is eerily similar to a snake’s defensive posture. It’s like they’re channeling their inner serpent! And it’s not just the hissing that’s similar – cats and snakes share some other fascinating traits.
For one, they both have those piercing vertical pupils that seem to see right through you. It’s like they’re sizing you up, deciding whether you’re worthy of their attention. And let’s not forget their stealthy hunting skills – both cats and snakes are masters of ambush, creeping up on their prey with ease.
The ancient Egyptians certainly thought there was something special about cats, revering them as protectors and associating them with the goddess Bastet.
I can see why – there’s something undeniably powerful and mysterious about a cat’s presence.
So, what do you think? Is the feline-serpent connection just a coincidence, or is there something more to it? Let me know in the comments.
Some fun facts about cats and snakes:
They both have vertical slit-shaped pupils, which help them gauge distance and adapt to low light conditions.
They’re both nocturnal, thriving in the cover of darkness to hunt and avoid predators.
They’re both expert hunters, relying on stealth and ambush tactics to catch their prey.
Whether you’re a cat person or a snake enthusiast, it’s clear that these two creatures share a special bond. And who knows – maybe our feline friends are just secretly snakes in disguise.
The relationships that have a positive impact on me are the ones that are nurturing.
A nurturing relationship feels like a warm hug for your soul. It’s the type of connection where you feel valued, supported, and encourages you to be your best self. Nurturing relationships include empathy, trust, and mutual growth.
To recognize nurturing relationships you need to look for these qualities:
-A partner who listens to you without judgment and celebrates your wins. –
-Friends who offer a shoulder to cry on and words of support encouragement.
-Family members who support your dreams and accept you for who you are.
-A therapist or mentor who guides you with kindness and understanding.
The best way to attract nurturing relationships that leave a positive impact on your life is to become nurturing yourself.
As you embody kindness, empathy, and compassion, you’ll witness others transform into nurturing individuals, reflecting the love and care you share.
It’s not about seeking change in others, but about becoming the catalyst for positive impact – and in doing so, you’ll find the nurturing connections you seek.
Relationships that have a positive impact on me are often those where I feel seen, heard, and valued. They inspire growth, spark joy, and leave you feeling uplifted. To attract more of these connections, I focus on cultivating self-love, empathy, and kindness. As I nurture myself , I find that others are drawn to my energy, and the relationships I’m building will reflect the love and care that I embody.
As a writer and advocate for women’s rights, I’ve always been passionate about equality and fairness. But it wasn’t until I saw the impact of men entering women’s spaces that my views really shifted. The disregard for boundaries and safety was a wake-up call.
I used to be more open to progressive ideas, but the speed and lack of consideration for women’s concerns caught me off guard.
It’s not about being anti-anything, it’s about protecting the vulnerable and respecting boundaries.
My views changed when I realized that some policies, though well-intentioned, weren’t considering the real-world impact on women. I’m not opposed to dialogue, but safety and respect should come first.
Now, I’m more vocal about women’s spaces and rights. It’s about finding balance and prioritizing those who’ve been marginalized for too long.
I’ve been untangling the threads of family – expectations, silence, love unspoken. And guess what I’ve sniffed out?
Freedom. Like rain on reclaimed cedar, it washes away what’s not meant to be. My nose leads me to now, where mountains whisper truths and kitties purr wisdom.
tracyschruderblogspot 