We are born whole, thriving beings. Many of us learn early on that we are not good enough as we are and believe this to be true. We learn to identify with our roles, actions, and outcomes and are told repeatedly that the things we DO are what makes us whole, and worthy of love and belonging. Doing = Worth. To survive, we look to others for how to act and present ourselves, ensuring we secure the love and approval we need. After trading in enough pieces of ourselves to attain the approval of others, we eventually lose connection with who we are – our very spirit or being – that fuels our passion for life. Our body then sends distress signals, to alert us we are out of tune with our real selves. These signals often manifest as anxiety and depression.

Geraldine Manson, an honoured Snuneymuxw First Nation Elder, refers to the essence of who we are, as our pilot light. To tend this pilot light, we must be rooted deeply in the belief that we are indeed worthy, just as we are. The Roots the Thrive journey is not learning to be human, it is remembering our inherent wholeness.