Comments on: My Wellness Story Part 1: A Story of Survival & Transformation

By: Em

Em — Sun, 22 May 2022 01:03:45 +0000

Thanks for sharing .

By: Kanan

Kanan — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 20:18:03 +0000

Monique — I have loved the few recipes of yours I have tried (and your beautiful fun-loving personality that comes through your posts). And today, as I was making my way through your website for inspiration, I stumbled upon this post. I just want to say thank you for opening up your heart and sharing this with the world. Your writing is so beautiful; your father’s essence comes through so beautifully despite all the pain and the impacts of that pain. We are so powerful — we are always the key to our healing, and yet we don’t actually realize until we do. Until we have to. I am sending you so much love and light as we round out this year and hope 2022 (!) brings lots of love, laughter, and adventures. xx

By: Molly

Molly — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 22:43:10 +0000

Hi. Came across this while looking for a great gravy recipe for Thanksgiving.
I’m so so sorry for the loss of your father. As I move towards examining my own childhood trauma with an alcoholic mother and an abusive father, I understand how confusing our emotions with our parents can be. I still love them deeply, but I feel so betrayed by them, and also so afraid for when they’re gone.
Your story hit me hard, in a way that helped me feel connected and less alone in my struggles. Thank you for your vulnerability, and bless you and your family.

By: Monique

Monique — Tue, 26 May 2020 18:40:06 +0000

In reply to Ally Lavoie. Thank you, Ally! That means so much to me.

By: Ally Lavoie

Ally Lavoie — Tue, 26 May 2020 02:48:26 +0000

This is the most moving post I have ever read. I feel like I just touched a peice of your soul. Thank you so much for sharing. You are strong, you are loved and you are safe.

By: Jess Thames

Jess Thames — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 21:44:35 +0000

Monique, I just read this post about your past for the very first time, after admiring all of your recipes for months. I cannot imagine the guts that it took to write this, but BLESS YOU for being so honest and vulnerable. I know cooking and writing is cathartic, but man does it take bravery to be real! I appreciate so much all the creativity and love you pour into your work. It is so flippin inspiring! May God bless you for your perseverance and sincerity!

By: Richard

Richard — Wed, 09 May 2018 18:07:15 +0000

In reply to Richard. Meant Monique! Sorry!

By: Richard

Richard — Wed, 09 May 2018 17:43:10 +0000

Thanks for sharing your story Sharon. I can relate to your pain and glad that you found a path to healthy living and favorite times, that is great!

By: Monique

Monique — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 15:53:37 +0000

In reply to Sharon. Hi Sharon - thank you so much for your note. I'm so glad you found some hope in reading this, and sending you all of the positive vibes on your wellness journey! <3

By: Sharon

Sharon — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 08:57:52 +0000

Thank you for sharing your story. I related to it on many levels. I am on my own journey of recovering from my own relationship with food. I’ve been in my very low recently. But hearing your story gives me hope that I may too find reconciliation with my past hurts, embrace my emotions and weaknesses, and love and be loved just the way I am. So, thank you. May God bless you.

By: Bella

Bella — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 02:42:18 +0000

Monique thanks so much for sharing. I was so touched and it was such an inspirational read. You have been through a really traumatic experience that caused you to become more sensitive thus it could explain why you didn't want to share your father's death with anyone for fear of others feeling the pain or their judgement that may bring you rejection. I can relate to parents neglect I had 2 who were mainly emotionally absent. I blamed it on myself as I thought at the time perhaps I was an annoying boring child. Our parents always love us unconditionally it's their disease as an addict that cause them to become addicted more and more to other things to cover their pain, so their lives become unmanageable thus they neglect their health as well as their loved ones/children. The fact you had such a great time when you were with your father proves he really wanted to make you happy because of his love for you - he felt bad he hadn't been there when he was needed so afterwards, to make up for it, the times he shared with you were with his whole heart. Your recovery, is amazing, it has broken the pattern of these types of behaviours continuing in your family. Recovery is a lifelong process, nevertheless our lives become really meaningful and fulfilling as we get stronger, become more empowered and see progress and give over what we learnt to others. Best wishes

By: Monique

Monique — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 23:46:35 +0000

In reply to John. Thanks so much for your note, John! I'm always hopeful that my story will help support others.