Still Melissa
Inspiring To Aspire
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UPDATED August 2025
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xoxo Melissa
My goal of this website is that you find a story or tip will help make your life better.
I created this website for you, but it turns out it was for me too. Typing out each word has been therapeutic in itself- a ‘tap on the shoulder’ to fact check, be honest with myself and give the raw truth. Express to digest! Just like I did in my book Day By Day (2014)
Since 2011, as soon as the words “I had a brain tumour” leave my lips, I’ve got your undivided attention. If I add after surgery, I had to learn to walk again, I’m called ‘inspiring’. In addition, the type is only a 2% rarity, AND only 7 people in the WORLD had it disseminate down my spine and slowly started to grow (cue the next words, “Wow!” or “holy crap!”). I know. I know.
But the brain tumour was a gift. My disability was instantly turned into a powerful ability to have a bigger impact! I wouldn’t have been able to write a book, raise thousands of dollars for charity, OH! and be the keynote for the Activity Professionals of Canada convention! (see more. under ‘Standing back up’.
In a nutshell: I am a strong, proud & independent-ish woman who loves to make others laugh. I’m about lifelong learning, a stickler for integrity & love engaging in meaningful conversations.
The inspiration to create this website to help fellow ‘survivors’ navigate their journey was also met with my inner my resentment not wanting to share my truth because of the constant ‘confused punishment’ I get. (Confused punishment: when being treated poorly based on false assumptions). No, I’m not drunk, stop with the dirty looks and staring! (walk with a limp). Why are you talking to me like I’m incompetent? (My BT affected my mobility, not my cognition).
Life isn’t happening TO you- it’s happening FOR you.
It took me years to chisel my inner peace; to know that no matter what, everything is going to be ok…. “‘Cause every little thing, is gonna be alright” (cue Bob Marley’s song “3 Little Birds”.
I continue to create (and jump) into opportunities that not only helps others, but also helps me as well. These 3 categories in yellow (Musical Muses, Public Speaking & Inspired Echoes) shows 9 stories in how I found the inspiration AND aspiration to stand back up (figuratively, and emotionally!).
(July 2025): I’m currently busy designing something for those who are navigating ……. Shhhh! Patent Pending. Since still in the planning stages, I’m not up for sharing more until done! TBA NEW: CREATIONS