I’m Marie Well, as in healthy well. At least, that’s my aim—to get well and make you well. We all have woes, from breakups to cancer to hoarder houses. I’m here to fix those woes—with tips mixed with my own tales.
Why read me? I’ve got a track record of fixin’ stuff. I’ve cured myself of anxiety. For a decade, I had anxiety attacks that struck almost daily. When not stricken, I’d write Voice articles, mostly on how to combat stress.
And then my world changed. One week went by with no attacks. A month. A year. Two years. And counting.
Now, I want to skyrocket our health—and bolster our creativity. After all, nothing soothes better than strokes of paint or tones of music or reps in a gym.
So, let’s get fit, creative, and well with Marie Well.
Dr. Eric Strikwerda is an AU assistant professor in the Center for Humanities. He teaches a number of courses, including this article’s focus: History 338: History of the Canadian West. This is the first of a two part look into the course. What is History 338 : History of the Canadian West about? Dr. Strikwerda:… Read more »
Even if you don’t see yourself as an optimist, you might do so after a read of Southwick and Charney’s book Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life’s Greatest Challenges. Southwick and Charney show that you can look to life with optimism even while facing challenges. And optimism provides many benefits, from goal achievement to better… Read more »
The following is the second part of our interview with Dr. Tony Simmons, a self-defined Hysterical Materialist. Dr. Simmons is a member of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and, as his self-written AU faculty listing says, he “has pursued a troubled and an undistinguished career at Athabasca University since 1981.” What is your… Read more »
Become a genius. Or, if you already are one, develop genius status in some other untapped passion of yours. So, how do you ignite your inner genius? First, consider that you might not end up the best chess master, the best mathematician, or the best gymnast, even if you start learning today. After all, the… Read more »
The following is an interview with Dr. Tony Simmons, a self-defined Hysterical Materialist. Dr. Simmons is a member of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and, as his self-written AU faculty listing says, he “has pursued a troubled and an undistinguished career at Athabasca University since 1981.” What are some of your most memorable… Read more »
Want to consider yourself an expert? Than do something that K. Anders Ericsson, author of Peak, calls “purposeful practice.” Purposeful practice leads to better results than mindless repetitive practice. In fact, according to Ericsson, long-term, repetitive practice can sometimes deteriorate rather than improve skills. Ericsson says no known limitation to human potential has been discovered…. Read more »
Dr. Angie Abdou, the tutor and course coordinator of English 384, provides us a look at what’s involved in English 384, and the type of people who succeed at it. What is the course English 384: Writing Creative Non-fiction about? In English 384, students learn the theory and craft of Creative Nonfiction (CNF). CNF is… Read more »
Toughen up the fun way: through happy friends, bubble baths, and big dreams. And if these things also make you more productive, then the wind just tugged your sail. Gail Wagnild, in her book True Resilience, reveals how friends, rest, and goals make you a better?more resilient?person. Find Fulfilling Friends Friendships strengthen you. Happy friends… Read more »
Dr. Angie Abdou is an assistant professor in the English department, specializing in creative writing. Her creative writing has won various awards and media recognition. What pedagogical standpoint is most reflective of your way of teaching? Dr. Abdou: Again, that comes back to the pedagogy of me seeing myself as a mentor and a partner…. Read more »
What is self-reliance? Well, the ability to rely on yourself. Self-reliant people have the advantage of always having themselves to turn to when life’s troubles hit or even when life’s highlights shake things up. While relying on others can help us with coping, I used to rely on others for comfort, for decision-making, and for… Read more »