Going Against Your Grain

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What lies between our ears is nothing short of amazing. Our brains are unlike any other animals on the planet. Its ability to reason and problem-solve, create and dream are top of the intellectual pecking order. 


Our neurology and its intellectual powers have provided us with a lifestyle unimaginable to our ancestors.  In fact, some argue that this is the best time in human history to be alive. We live in a so-called golden age thanks to a few key things. Technology at our fingertips and our most prized possession, money! It is after all, what makes the world go round, right?

Yep, this is the life, technology at our fingertips, easy access to all the yummy treats we can get our hands-on and Netflix, can’t forget about Netflix. I have never known war, never felt the pain of starvation and have never had a park bench for a bed. I believe the majority of us who have all the necessities in life are grateful for them, Yet we seem to be sick and unhappy, why? In our case, we will focus on mental health.

So then, why is mental illness conditions on the rise? why aren’t we living the eutopia mass marketing is promising us? Well, I believe that mass marketing has re-defined us in such a way that tells us that we are nothing without the latest and greatest gadgets, the newest, in-season apparel and dictates what the definition of beautiful is. All of these things don’t make us who we are, but they sure have us convinced that they do. Mental illness can rise out of never being good enough.

The impact of mass marketing on society

The negative impact materialism has on society is undeniable, yet in my opinion, it is not the most impactful on our mental health; rather, its the way we set about to buy the things that exacerbate and or contribute to mental illnesses, it’s our occupations for most of us. We are but a cog in a large wheel that few of us have a desire to be participating in.  

Going Against Your Grain is the reason I think so many suffer from within. We all have a “pipe dream” that we would all rather be doing, but alas, we need to do what it takes to put clothes on our backs and food in our bellies. 

If all you want to do in life is be a writer, a stay at home parent or a scientist, yet you slug along in a profession that is the polar opposite of your passion, I believe that going against your grain will produce anxiety and depression. For many, it will blossom into a disorder. 


We are dreamers and our mental wellbeing suffers when we can not fulfill the passion that burns within us. Perhaps we need to re-define what our passions are in terms of how they play a roll in our lives. Can’t do it for a living? make it a hobby, become an unofficial expert on what you love and most importantly, don’t let your fears stand in your way; if opportunity knocks…… Answer.

benefits of doing what you love.


if you are suffering from PTSD or another mental illness, please reach out. I thank you for your service and you are still worthy and mean something. I believe in you!

If you are struggling please go here: Crisis Services Canada

Want help fund my book? donate: GOFundMe – The Road To Mental Wellness – The book


You may also enjoy: Slowly Walking My Way To Mental Wellness.

Contact me on my Facebook page: facebook.com/TRTMW


Check out my friend’s blog here: anewdawnaa.com



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John Arenburg

Mental Health Blogger, Writer and Advocate

roadtomentalwellness@gmail.com

Hi, I'm John Arenburg, welcome to The Road To Mental Wellness. Here, I tell my personal story battling Depression, Anxiety and PTSD. I am a mental health advocate hoping that by telling my story others can see that they are not alone in their own personal battle with mental illness. I seek to inspire others to get the help they need by facing stigma head-on. a contributing writer to the non-profit organization Sick Not Weak. Also, I am a contributing writer to my local paper, the segment is called Mental Health Talk an advocacy group for all things mental health-related. I have appeared on the Podcast A New Dawn, another advocate in the battle against the stigma. I have guest blogged on several other mental health blogs and have many other projects in the works. I have served in the capacity of a mental health advisor to effect change at the policy level. Meeting with people one on one, I attempt to give those who are suffering from mental illness a safe place to tell their own stories, real pain hidden away because of the very real fear of what others will think. Addictions counsellor by trade, I spent 15 years in the volunteer fire service and nearly 20 years working in long term care setting helping those with severe behavioural challenges, mental disabilities and mental illness. I grew up in small-town Nova Scotia, Canada. Today, I still reside in Nova Scotia with my incredibly supportive and beautiful partner where we share our home with two wonderful children. Well, that's enough about me, I hope you, not only enjoy The Road To Mental Wellness but I hope it helps lead you down the path of your own mental health journey. To get you started Below is the blog post that started it all. Birth Of A Healing Journey: Welcome to the road to mental wellness. For inquiries contact me at my facebook page facebook.com/TRTMW “ "Remember, you get to choose where you put your energy.” - John Arenburg.

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