Sign up for our newsletter
What's New?
The Phoenix Attitude Blog
To Record or Not to Record - That is the Question!
2015-06-29 Posted By Jenna
Since I don’t know the specifics of each of your individual cases, let’s talk about how I approach this conversation with new practitioners and see if any of it resonates with you.
#PhoenixAttitudeSchoolTools - Surviving Bullying
2015-06-19 Posted By Jenna
I truly believe that we don’t start off life wanting to question other people’s abilities. Buying into society’s expectations of us and how we’re supposed to meet them is what does us in. Trying to feel like you belong can come with such intense pressure, because the alternative is just plain awful - feeling like you don’t (a scary thought for children and adults alike). If we don’t create opportunities to discuss how we’re seeing the world around us (and the people in it) with people who will s
#PhoenixAttitudeSchoolTools - When I Realized I Could Let People In
2015-06-10 Posted By Jenna
But back to me and when I FINALLY realized I could let people into my life without feeling like a victim or a burden. I was fighting a very bad common infection, a UTI (urinary tract infection), over Easter weekend 2010 when this little…bugger… would. not. let. go. I was in my dorm room trying to appreciate the rare silence of nobody being around to try and sleep, not having kept a thing down for three days straight and my temperature RISING - I was into trouble. The most obvious solution took a
Phoenix Attitude - School Tools
2015-06-08 Posted By Jenna
Parents and kids alike - another school year is coming to a close! And yet Phoenix Attitude wants you to know that we’re here to help make the next year better!
Life Is Like A Box Chocolates - Are You Going To Let Yourself Eat Them?
2015-06-03 Posted By Jenna
We all have something - you’re not alone. We all struggle - cut yourself some slack. Whether it’s obvious like being in a wheelchair, or invisible like depression - life isn’t going to let you off scot-free! But you know what, the tough times in life - they’re what make it interesting; they’re what make us stronger!
Attention all Humans!
2015-05-31 Posted By Phoenix
Gather round, sit, stay! I have a tail…sorry, tale, to share with you about my first week in my new home and learning an important lesson about my health - for my sake and my family’s sanity.
Above and Beyond
2015-04-30 Posted By Anika
Let me back up and introduce myself. My name is Anika and I am a Healthcare Social Worker. I'm someone who has used the healthcare system and I am a friend of Phoenix Attitude's Medical & Motivation account creator, Jenna. I have lived in Canada, Rwanda and England and for various reasons, needed to access the healthcare systems in each place. In Canada I was diagnosed with Cancer and underwent chemotherapy and an amputation.
SideStix - Ain't No Mountain High Enough
2015-03-13 Posted By Sarah Doherty
Asking questions can help us to see things from a different perspective. Often, with a new perspective we can come up with practical and creative solutions that have been right in front of our eyes, just waiting to be recognized. In the book, A More Beautiful Question, Warren Berger gives insight into the fact that our height of questioning occurs at our 4 year old self and as we age, we ask less and less questions, and become satisfied with the status quo.
Traveling at the Speed of Light
2015-03-11 Posted By Jenna
I’ll admit, this was essentially my reality from about 10-19ish. Then, very slowly, I started drawing people in that saw the potential in me - patiently waiting for me to see it in myself, drowning the doubt. I started owning my unique experiences and skills, learning how to utilize them to help me stand out from the crowd (my way). All of the sudden (ok, not as suddenly as that) I found myself having essentially come full circle - prepared to be more open without shame, more focused on what wor
Your Medical & Motivation Account in the “Care vs. Cure” Debate
2015-03-08 Posted By Jenna
Well, I learned a lot from that video from Bucky! Among other things, whether you believe money should be spent on care or a cure, (in most cases) the cure’s not here yet and you need to take care of your body (if you want to be the best candidate for that cure when it comes)! Taking care of yourself (physically, emotionally, mentally & psychologically) can help you get ready for a potential cure (if that’s your goal).
Accessibility Hits the Web
2015-02-27 Posted By Kim Phillips
To be honest, online accessibility wasn’t something I had thought much about until quite recently. I always knew our sites were up to standards, complying with “best practice” programming, but there is always room for improvement. What I didn’t realize was that some of our sites could be alienating people trying to view them. Knowing what I know now, I see this as a big obstacle that must be addressed by all website owners and creators.
What I Want You To Know
2015-02-23 Posted By Jenna
Our last blog, “Scars - What Story Does Yours Tell?” got a lot of great feedback, and it started an awesome dialogue. We can get so consumed by what others think of us, and their perception of what we go through; but when do we take the opportunity to stop and think about how we truly feel about ourselves, what we’ve been through, and what we can accomplish? How often does this happen, honestly? And when it does happen, are you giving yourself credit or tearing yourself down?
Scars - What Story Does Yours Tell?
2015-02-10 Posted By Jenna
I know that there are people worse off than I am in the scar department, and, of course, in life, but I’ve become fascinated by the psychology of the scar. I’ve become fascinated as to how we come to terms with this mark on our body that can tell the world of a great tragedy, an epic battle, or even bringing new life into the world. There’s a lot our scars have to say. And just like in life, there may be more than one side to the story.
I’m a healthy teen - hence, I know everything - so Phoenix Attitude has nothing to offer me. (Or does it?)
2015-02-09 Posted By Lia
As a basically healthy and strong person, I’ve had it made for eighteen years - and that’s not just compared to my sister, Jenna, who’s had to deal with Spina Bifida for twenty-four years. When you look at the history of my health, regardless of the yardstick you’re using, I’ve had it made. Sure, like everybody, I’ve had the occasional cold, but the biggest health problem I’ve ever had to deal with was getting my tonsils and adenoids removed at the age of sixteen.
The Icing on the Cake - Updates!
2015-01-31 Posted By Jenna
I’m sure updates will keep on happening based on important feedback from you, and our continued dedication to keeping the Medical & Motivation account a dream tool for navigating the medical system - mind, body & spirit. If there’s a feature you want to see added to your account, send us a note (info@phoenixattitude.com) or give us a call (604-428-9530).
Can A Medical & Motivation Account Work For You?
2015-01-31 Posted By Jenna
I remember thinking at the beginning of this venture that if no one else found it useful, I’ll at least have created a dream tool for ME to use while navigating the medical system. But we’re our own worst critics, as I was happy to find out as soon as it launched.
Punishment or Potential?
2015-01-29 Posted By Jenna
But seriously, if I’m really being honest with you about how I learn my lessons, it’s that it usually has to be done the hard way to really learn them meaningfully. And maybe that’s the same for you, and that’s ok. Except for learning not to eat the yellow snow, when you’re told that - you listen!
Share the Strength
2015-01-28 Posted By Jenna
We first introduced the "Share the Strength" campaign in November, as it seemed to be a tough time on a lot of people, wanting to encourage turning adversity into opportunity (not to mention reminding ourselves of the power of inner strength). It was such a success that the Phoenix Attitude team has created video versions of the "Share the Strength" posters on our YouTube channel
From my head to yours
2015-01-26 Posted By Jenna
But in all seriousness, it’s been 8 years since my last shunt surgery, and I don’t know if it’s the feeling of security that I’ll probably never have another one (did I just jinx myself?), my work at the hospital and hospice, or that fact that I’ve grown up, but 3 years ago I made the decision that I was going to donate my hair.
#ShareTheAware
2015-01-12 Posted By Jenna
"I write because I know there will come a day when I’ll be unable to write anymore — a day when I won’t be around to explain Ceci’s disability to others. And when that day comes, I write this to ask a favor or two of you: Please accept, encourage and support her. Please tell her how much potential she possesses — how much beauty and good she has to give to the rest of the world. And above all else, please love her.” - Ali Cummins
An Open Letter on the State of Health Care - My Perspective
2015-01-09 Posted By Jenna
We’ve probably all had a hard day at the doctor’s office or hospital (patients/family members/nurses/doctors/technicians/assistants/clerks…you get my drift) - we all have. And on those hard days, we can probably come up with a thing or two we could’ve said, done or behaved better. Or is it just me? Oh wait, there’s someone nodding their head in agreement, phew! So, yes, we’ve screwed up. But in our calmer, wiser, and hungry-for-a-change state, we need to realize something - today is a better day
Medical & Motivational Tutorials
2014-12-27 Posted By Jenna
It became clear how important it was to make details about your Medical & Motivation account available to you quickly, efficiently, effectively and meaningfully. I wanted you to be able to learn more about the sections that mattered to you, and give you a sense of why I designed them the way that I did. Having access to the tutorials doesn’t mean you can’t play around, and get to know your account in a way different from how I’ve explained it; I’ve just given you some tips, tricks and a sprinkle
Thanks for Changing My Perspective
2014-12-05 Posted By Jenna
I see a pretty awesome car parked next to mine. I make a point of noticing it because I want to make sure I don’t ding it putting my chair into the car. And, of course, if the pressure isn’t already on, I see the driver come out of the gas station, standing and staring at me as I start taking my chair apart. Oy! So, more carefully than usual, I take the wheels off my wheelchair, recline the driver’s seat, lift the body of my wheelchair over me and into the passenger’s seat, and throw the wheels
Mission: FREEDOM (finally…)
2014-12-04 Posted By Jenna
A picture is worth a thousand words, but this one just needs one: “stubborn.” Ya, I’m going to go with “stubborn.” I’ve been stubborn my whole life, and sometimes it has helped me persevere, while other times it has forced me to learn lessons the hard way. Enjoy one such…lesson!
Hot Wheelz
2014-11-28 Posted By Jenna
“Why are you trying so hard to fit in when you were born to stand out?” - Ian Wallace
It Made a Difference to THAT One!
2014-11-18 Posted By Jenna
It means embracing the fact that we are all unique, and that there is more than one way to make a meaningful difference in this world. And not only that, every difference we make (big or small) does have an impact. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.
You've Got a Friend in Me
2014-11-05 Posted By Jenna
Believe it or not, even at 20 and having a congenital condition (from birth) - I had never ridden in an ambulance. So I thought, I’m sick and DEFINITELY need to go to the hospital so I’m gonna ride… in style, I deserve it! And let me tell you, what service! There was a bed back there that was WAY comfier than the one in my dorm, they were giving me as many blankets as I wanted (no charge), they knew how to fold my wheelchair without instruction or breaking it, and they got me there quickly with
A Push in the ... Direction
2014-10-27 Posted By Jenna Reed-Cote
I’ve been pushed a lot in my life. I’ve been pushed by people who want me to become the best possible person I can be. I’ve been pushed around (figuratively) by people who want to get a rise out of me (for reasons I can contemplate until the cows come home). And finally, some people just plain push me - literally.
.jpg)
What’s With “What’s Next?”
2014-10-15 Posted By Jenna
One thing that I always strive for is balance. Now, I won’t lie and say that I achieve it all the time, or most of the time…but I do see its unbelievable value and try and get closer to it every day. That still counts, right?...
.jpg)
Phoenix Attitude is born
2014-10-14 Posted By Jenna
Ahhhh, the AHA! moments in life! I have luckily found myself in the nirvana of an AHA! moment once or twice (apparently, you don’t have to be Oprah to have one), and I wish you the same opportunity. What I’ve found, in order to have one, is that it helps to be open to putting yourself out of your comfort zone with the intention of personal growth or to help someone else. You also have to be willing to hear some hard truths (rats!), learning to see them as tools to help you and not hold you back.
