Elita Paterson
 I co-authored "The Smiling Mask" at the lovely age of 37 with some of the most courageous women I've had the pleasure to create with!   Fortunately, my current home of Regina, Saskatchewan is abundant with just as many fabulous friends as I have in Castlegar, BC, where I was born and raised.  

For the past 10 years, I have worked at the University of Regina with an incredibly talented and respectful group of people who make my life that much more rich and enjoyable, five days a week!  I am also now a member on the Regina Qu'Appelle Health region for the Saskatchewan Maternal Mental Health Strategy, after serving two years on the provincial committee that was created to act on the most comprehensive screening and treatment program, for all pregnant and postpartum mothers.  This action is known as the MotherFirst Report and may be found here for download! 

I found that not only do I want to be the fabulous person I can be for myself and my family, I also have this innate urge to share the hope and courage to families who are going through postpartum distress.   As for myself, I went through two years of intense anxiety and depression until I took the baby steps to become that much more self-aware and responsible for my health and choices!  Through my healing journey, I realized how much I normalized my depression since Junior High ~ Postpartum Depression did not just happen to me.  My healing journey began when Ella was eight months old and Ward asked if I would accept help, otherwise, he was about to have his own nervous breakdown.  I woke up!  It became apparent that I NEEDED to accept the fact that I was struggling and ask for and receive the help that was surrounding me.  Ward needed support, too!!  Another thought that was important for me to understand was that asking for help was not a weakness, but me using my power to take responsibility for my own health!  So...I accepted my Mom's wishes to visit for three weeks, went to individual and marriage counselling sessions, read and applied the ideas from The Secret, took a homeopathic remedy that finally released the anxiety in my chest and chronic cough of SIX YEARS (!), joined forces with Tania, Carla and Peggy, underwent several sessions of Angel Therapy, and the rest is history!! 

Aside from educating people on parenthood difficulties, I am an Awakening Practitioner ~ www.intagreat.ca!  I am honoured to provide the same love, acceptance and forgiveness techniques that took me to my next level of living...for you!  I also am an Independent OnlyGreen EcoAdvisor as it is my passion to continue supporting people with all levels of their well-being ~ www.onlygreen.com/elita!   Every baby step counts.  Ella and I are also humbled members of the Guardian Angel Moms, Minis and Men group ~ www.guardianangelmoms.com!

With these experiences, I rose up with Carla and Tania and used our voices to help others realize their power, too!  Each of our stories of struggle may be different, but the feelings are all the same.  The same goes for the healing.  There is most definitely relief once you choose to see and accept the support that is surrounding you at all times; it's a matter of living these actions baby steps at a time!  Our family is living proof!!  Ella has been quite the addition to our couple-hood.  We've never been so stretched and as a result have grown immensely as a couple and individually.  For this experience; this gift...we are exceptionally grateful as Ella has provided us a richer purpose to our lives ~ we are better people for being her parents! 

And...after four years, I made the well thought-out choice to resign from the team, as I need a rest!  I don't need to get sick to realize this option ;)  I feel we have fulfilled our vision to educate people from many backgrounds to create empathy, encouragement and empowerment for families.  Ella is also five years old and we want to spend more time, together, and have more fun!  Thankfully, PPD is a thing that one DOES move away from!  I am also exceptionally grateful for the legacy that we have left for our children and remain energized when I think about all the valuable friendships created along the way of growing as an author, inspirational speaker,  and wellness advocate; especially as a mom and woman using my voice!

If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to send an email message to [email protected] ~ I'm still here for you :)

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The Silent Prayer

In my heart, I accept my perfect Being.
I accept that the joy that I have intended is already in my life.
I accept that the love I have prayed for is already within me.
I accept that the peace I have asked for is already my reality.
I accept that the abundance I have sought already fills my life.

In my truth, I accept my perfect Being.
I take responsibility for my own creations,
And all things that are within my life.
I acknowledge the power of Spirit that is within me,
And know that all things are as they should be.

In my wisdom, I accept my perfect Being.
My lessons have been carefully chosen by my Self,
And now I walk through them in full experience.
My path takes me on a sacred journey with divine purpose.
My experiences become part of All That Is.

In my knowingness, I accept my perfect Being.
In this moment, I sit in my golden chair
And know that I Am an angel of light.
I look upon the golden tray - the gift of Spirit -
And know that all of my desires already have been fulfilled.

In love for my Self, I accept my perfect Being.
I cast no judgment or burdens upon my Self.
I accept that everything in my past was given in love.
I accept that everything in this moment comes from love.
I accept that everything in my future will result in greater love.

In my Being, I accept my perfection.
And so it is.

May we live in peace without weeping. May our joy outline the lives we touch without ceasing. And may our love fill the world, angel wings tenderly beating.