Fundamentally Human

If you told me that I would be driving again (and owning a car) nine years ago, I would be laughing in disbelief. But...here we are! This episode documents some of the thoughts and feelings after driving again and how I've been doing my own version of self-imposed exposure therapy. It's a monumental moment in my life to be behind a wheel and I'm glad I can share this with you all!

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

Many of us have probably heard the term "new normal" being used in the last couple of years to describe how the pandemic has shifted our lives. It has changed our expectations and understanding of the world as well as our routines and structure, inadvertently adding even more uncertainties. I explore what "normal" means in this episode to help ground you and develop your empathy muscles even more. Let's put them into practice!

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

Growing up first-generation Chinese-Canadian was quite confusing for my younger self. Between the strict traditions my parents upheld and navigating the Western world, I was constantly conflicted with my identity. As I got older, I became more aware of what happened to my parents when they were younger and the lessons they learned to shape who they are today. Hollie Ha and I explore these generational gaps in this episode.

Check out Hollie here: https://holdingheritage.com/

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

My first four months as a psychotherapist intern are almost over and this episode explores the common themes I've heard from clients and a reflection of my work. 

Check out the blog here: https://shirvin.ca/blog/reflections_first_months_psychotherapist/

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

Have you noticed how the fall and wintertime have impacted your mood? Perhaps you've felt dread waking up to darkness to go to work or school and knowing that you'll be leaving for home in the dark, too. In this episode, I explain the psychological and biological behind-the-scenes of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and explore strategies on what you could do to move through the darker months. 

Check out the blog here: https://shirvin.ca/blog/seasonal_affective_disorder/

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

When we think about staying balanced, we might picture a balance beam and trying to stand on our tiptoes but always live in the constant fear of falling or toppling over. In this episode, I share about what I've been up to and how I've been trying to stay balanced through self-regulation, mindfulness, being disciplined, setting boundaries, and listening to your body and mind.

Check out the blog here: https://shirvin.ca/blog/staying_balanced/

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

Trauma affects everyone in a different way and often has long-lasting effects that can be visible and invisible. Ovey extends her bravery in this episode by sharing her experience after a car accident and what it means to recover.

Ovey's TEDTalk on embracing the unknown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puEJGMeQ6EA

Ovey's webinar with Brain Injury Canada: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6qhH5IHbAU

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

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Perfectionism is defined as the need to be or appear to be perfect or even to believe that it’s possible to achieve perfection. It’s usually considered or viewed as a positive trait instead of a flaw. Endlessly and tirelessly striving for perfection can be damaging and self-stabotaging. I explore my own journey with perfectionism and how my OCD and anxiety play a role in this.

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

For many Asian communities and households, mental health was on the bottom of the priority list and is usually surrounded by negative stigma and a sign of weakness. Mari lends his knowledge as a Master of Public Health candidate and we explore our own experiences with how mental health looked like in our families.

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music

How many times have you asked yourself, "Why am I doing this?" KoDoRiN, one of the world's top Marth Melee players, explores his why, how he measures and evaluates his growth, and how he overcomes challenges that comes with performing at high levels.

Follow KoDoRiN here: https://twitter.com/KoDoRiNSSB

Read the blog here: https://shirvin.ca/blog/know_your_why/

shirvin.ca | @helloshirvin

Music: Faithful Mission by Artificial.Music