Becoming Again: Navigating Life Transitions and Seasonal Change
Why Change Feels Exciting and Overwhelming
Change can hold two feelings at once. It can feel like growth and possibility while also bringing uncertainty.
Part of you may feel excited about what is coming next. Another part may feel unsure because change often means leaving what is familiar behind.
This mix is normal. It is not something you are doing wrong.
Change does not happen in a straight line. It stretches you, shifts you, and creates space for something new to form.
Identity Shifts Through Different Life Stages
At Third Space Charity, identity is seen as something that evolves.
Who you are at 18 will not look the same at 25, and that is not a loss. It is part of becoming.
Life transitions, relationships, work, and experience all shape identity over time.
Sometimes old versions of yourself no longer fit. Sometimes new parts of you are still forming.
That in between space is where growth happens.
Identity is not something you need to figure out all at once. It is something you are allowed to explore over time.
How Seasons Impact Our Mental State
At Third Space Charity, we recognize that mental health is influenced by the world around us.
Seasons can affect energy, mood, motivation, and focus. Some seasons feel lighter and more social while others feel slower or more reflective.
What Seasonal Shifts Can Look Like
Changes in sleep or energy
Feeling more withdrawn or more social
Changes in motivation or focus
Needing more rest
Emotional sensitivity during transitions
These shifts are normal. They are part of being human.
Welcoming New Energy: Summer, Growth, and Community
Summer brings a shift in pace and energy. Things feel more open, a little lighter, and sometimes more uncertain.
You might feel bursts of motivation or moments of reflection where you notice things you did not have space to think about before.
What This Season Can Feel Like
More energy or motivation
Feeling more social or connected
Wanting change but not fully knowing what that looks like
Noticing yourself more clearly in quiet moments
A mix of excitement and reflection
At Third Space Charity, summer is seen as a natural time of change. There is no pressure to have it all figured out.
Growth is allowed to happen in its own time.
As you evolve, so do we, and there is space for every version of you.
Where To Go Next
Learn about counselling and community support through Third Space Charity.
Who Holds Space for You Matters: Cultural Awareness in Mental Health Care
What Culturally Competent Care Looks Like
Culturally competent care means you are not expected to leave parts of yourself at the door.
It is care that understands your identity, background, values, and lived experience all shape how you see the world and process what you are going through.
It looks like being met with curiosity instead of assumptions. It means your culture, language, and experiences are part of the full picture, not extra details.
It also means your counsellor is aware of power, privilege, and difference, and is willing to learn rather than assume.
At its core, it feels respectful, grounded, and human.
How Third Space Prioritizes Inclusive Care
At Third Space Charity, inclusive care is not a statement. It is how care is delivered every day.
It starts with accessibility through a pay what you can model so cost is not a barrier. Support is available online or in person so it fits real life.
Clients are welcomed from all backgrounds without needing to justify who they are. The focus is on listening first.
Clinicians are also trained and supervised in cultural awareness, trauma informed care, and ethical practice so support continues to grow with the community.
What We Do at Third Space
Pay what you can counselling
Online and in person sessions
Inclusive intake and client centred care
Clinically supervised student clinicians
Ongoing training in cultural awareness and trauma informed practice
Inclusive and non judgemental environments for all identities
At Third Space, no one is asked to shrink themselves to receive care.
Questions to Ask a New Counsellor to See If They’re the Right Fit
How do you help someone feel comfortable at the start of counselling
What do you do if I do not know how to explain what I am feeling
How do you make space for my identity and background
How do you approach creating a trauma informed environment
What happens if something does not feel right for me in counselling
How do you support someone who finds it hard to trust people
Can I go at my own pace in sessions
How do you know if counselling is actually helping someone
When the answers feel right for you, there is usually a sense of ease. You might feel more relaxed, understood, and like you do not have to perform or over explain.
You deserve to feel seen, understood, and respected fully.
Where To Go Next
Learn about counselling and community support through Third Space Charity.
Finding the Right Fit: Why Client Centred Care Is Not One Size Fits All
What Client Centred Counselling Really Means
At Third Space Charity, client centred counselling means you are at the centre of everything.
It is not about being fixed or fitting into a system. It is about being met exactly where you are, with care that moves at your pace.
At its core, it looks like:
You lead the direction of your own healing journey
Your voice, story, and comfort guide every session
Counsellors meet you with empathy, not judgment or assumptions
There is space to try, pause, reflect, and adjust as you go
Support is shaped around your needs, not a rigid structure
At Third Space, this approach is what makes care feel human. It is not about doing counselling perfectly. It is about making sure the space actually fits you as you are right now.
Why It Is Okay If the First Counsellor Is Not the One
Not every counsellor is going to feel like the right fit, and that does not mean anything is wrong with you or the process.
Counselling is built on trust and connection, and that can take time to find.
Sometimes you might notice you are holding back more than expected. Other times you may feel misunderstood or unsure how to fully open up. That mismatch is more common than people think.
Counselling is not meant to be a one time experience. You are allowed to explore, switch, and try again until something feels right.
The goal is not to settle. The goal is to find a space where you feel comfortable enough to be yourself.
Student Clinicians — Congratulations On Your Graduation!
Signs You Have Found the Right Fit vs Signs to Keep Looking
At Third Space, we often remind people that counselling is a relationship. The right fit feels grounding, while the wrong fit can feel like you are translating yourself.
Signs you have found the right fit:
You feel heard and understood without over explaining
You can be honest even about uncomfortable things
Sessions feel steady rather than preformative
You leave feeling clearer or supported
Trust builds over time
Signs to keep looking:
You feel like you are holding back most of the time
You often feel misunderstood
Sessions feel disconnected or unsupported
You leave feeling confused or unseen
You dread sessions rather than feel supported
The goal is not to force a fit. It is to find a space where you can show up fully and feel supported while doing it.
Closing Message
Healing is not about fitting into a system. It is about finding a space that fits you.
Where To Go Next
Learn about counselling and community support through Third Space Charity.
Let’s Talk About It: Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health
Mental health should not feel like a secret. This article opens the door for real, normalized conversations across all genders, identities, and backgrounds.
Why Does Mental Health Stigma Exist
Mental health stigma did not just appear. It is something people learn over time.
A lot of it comes from not fully understanding mental health, which can make it feel uncomfortable or easy to judge. These ideas get passed down through families, culture, and the media people grow up with.
There is also pressure to seem fine all the time, which makes honesty feel risky. Even the words people use casually can add to that without them realizing it.
At the end of the day, stigma comes from misinformation, not truth. The more we talk about it, the less power it holds.
The Quiet Ways People Struggle and Why You Might Not See It
Not all struggles are obvious. Sometimes they are hidden in plain sight.
You might not notice it if someone is always showing up but seems constantly drained. Or if they are saying they are just tired a little too often. Some people stay busy to avoid slowing down, while others are social and laughing but slowly pulling back in small ways.
It can also show up as delayed replies, cancelled plans, or conversations staying very surface level.
People learn how to keep going even when they are overwhelmed. From the outside, everything can look fine.
The truth is, struggle does not always look like falling apart. Sometimes it looks like holding it together just enough that no one notices.
What Trauma Informed Support Looks Like in Practice
At Third Space Charity, trauma informed support is not just a phrase. It is something people experience through care that is grounded, respectful, and centred around individual needs.
It means being met without judgment. There is no pressure to have everything figured out, and no expectation to explain yourself perfectly. Just space to be honest at your own pace.
At Third Space, this looks like:
Counselling that meets you where you are, not where you should be
Pay what you can access so support is not limited by finances
Student clinicians who are trained, supervised, and present
Inclusive care for all identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences
The option to show up online or in person depending on what feels most supportive for you
This is where the double impact comes to life. While young adults receive accessible support, future counsellors are learning how to hold space with intention, empathy, and skill.
It is not just about talking. It is about being seen, heard, and supported in a way that feels real.
Because supportive care is not something you are told. It is something you experience.
You do not need to have it all figured out to start. You do not need perfect words, a perfect story, or a perfect moment.
Just a willingness to be real is enough.
Where To Go Next
Learn about counselling and community support through Third Space Charity.
Support That Continues Over Time
As April comes to a close, it can be helpful to reflect on what support looks like over time. Not just in one moment, but across weeks, months, and seasons.
At Third Space Charity, support is ongoing. Through accessible counselling and the work of student clinicians under licensed supervision, care is provided while future practitioners are also being trained. This creates a steady, community-rooted system of support.
Support is not always immediate or visible. Often, it builds gradually.
Your Third Space Toolbox
Quick Quiz
How do you view support in your life
Something I return to regularly
Something I access when needed
Something I am unsure how to find
One Small Step
Reach out to someone you trust, even just to check in.
Kelowna Connection
Spend time in a familiar place that feels comfortable and grounding.
🌿 This Week in Kelowna
April 27 to 30
Take a slow walk and check in with how you are feeling
Spend quiet time alone without distractions to reset
Journal or note what has felt heavy or steady this month
Do one calming activity like reading, stretching, or sketching
Reach out to someone you trust just to connect or talk
Create a small moment of rest in your day without multitasking
💛 Choose one small way to check in with yourself this week.
What support do I want to carry forward?
This question helps you consider what feels worth continuing beyond this month.
By reflecting on this you can
Identify what has been helpful
Recognize patterns of support
Make intentional choices moving forward
Create consistency in your routines
How to do it
Take a few minutes to think about what has supported you this month. Consider what you would like to keep.
Support can grow quietly over time.
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Where To Go Next
Learn about counselling and community support through Third Space Charity.
Care for Yourself, Care for What Surrounds You
Around Earth Day, there is often more attention on care. Care for the environment, for community spaces, and for the future. This can also be a moment to consider how care shows up in your own life.
At Third Space Charity, we see care as something that grows over time. Just like the environment, mental health requires attention, patience, and consistency. Accessible support creates space for that care to exist.
There is no single way to care for yourself. It can begin with noticing what you need.
Your Third Space Toolbox
This or That
When it comes to care right now, what feels closer to what you need.
🌿 Step Outside
Spend time in nature, even briefly, and let your surroundings support a sense of calm and connection.
🕯 Stay In and Reset
Create a quiet moment indoors to rest, reflect, or slow things down in your own space.
One Small Step
Pick up or care for one small space around you today.
Kelowna Connection
Spend time near the water or in nature and take in your surroundings without rushing.
🌎 This Week in Kelowna
April 23 to 26 — Earth Day Week
Bring a bag on your walk and pick up a few pieces of litter along the way
Go for a no waste coffee date using reusable cups and skipping extras
Walk or bike somewhere you would normally drive
Spend time outside and gently care for the space by tidying or respecting trails
Do a quick closet clean out and set aside items to donate or reuse
Cook a simple meal together using what you already have at home
Refill a water bottle instead of buying plastic while you are out
💛 Choose one small action you can do on your own or with someone this week.
What does care look like for me right now…
This question allows you to define care in a way that fits your current season.
By reflecting on this you can
Understand your current needs
Recognize how care shows up in small ways
Build a more personal approach to well being
Stay connected to what feels supportive
How to do it
Take a few minutes to think about what care looks like for you today, not what it should look
like.
Care can be simple and still meaningful.
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Where To Go Next
Learn more about Third Space Charity’s approach to accessible care.
Moving Toward Early Support
As the month moves forward, it can be helpful to check in with how things are actually feeling. Not everything needs to reach a breaking point before support becomes an option.
At Third Space Charity, we offer a 7-session early intervention model designed to meet people earlier in their experience. Support can begin while things are still taking shape, offering clarity and direction without pressure.
Care does not need to wait until things feel overwhelming. It can begin in quieter moments too.
Your Third Space Toolbox
Choose Your Path ... If something feels slightly off, where do you feel drawn to begin
🌱 Pause and Notice
Take a quiet moment to check in with yourself. Nothing needs to be solved right away, just gently acknowledged.
🍃 Let It Unfold
Give yourself space and time. Some things become clearer when you allow them to settle naturally.
🌿 Reach Toward Support
Consider opening up to someone you trust or exploring support options. You don’t have to carry it on your own.
One Small Step: Write down one thing that has been on your mind lately.
Kelowna Connection: Sit in a quiet space like a café or park and take a few minutes to check in with yourself.
🌿 This Week in Kelowna
April 19 to 22
Open a window and let in fresh air while you work
Bring a small plant or natural element into your space
Take a few minutes to tidy and reset your environment
Step outside for a short break instead of staying indoors
Turn off unnecessary lights or screens when not in use
Use a reusable water bottle or mug throughout your day
Take a moment to notice how your space feels and what might support it
💛 Choose one small thing that feels intentional.
Try This Online: Watch a video focused on early support tools.
What have I been putting off addressing
This question is about noticing what may need attention before it grows heavier.
By reflecting on this you can
Recognize early signs of stress or overwhelm
Create space to respond rather than react
Build a habit of checking in with yourself
Move toward support in a timely way
Author: Taylor Cook
How to do it
Take a few minutes to gently ask yourself what has been lingering in your mind. No need to solve it, just notice it.
Small awareness can shift how you move forward.
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Where To Go Next
Learn about accessible counselling through Third Space Charity.
Returning to the Outdoors This Spring
As April continues in Kelowna, the shift into spring becomes more noticeable. The air feels softer, the days stretch a little longer, and being outside begins to feel more inviting again. This time of year can gently encourage us to step out of routine and reconnect with what feels steady.
At Third Space Charity, we understand that support does not always begin in big moments. Often, it starts with something simple. A walk, a pause, a quiet check-in with yourself. Accessible mental health care exists to meet you within these moments, not outside of them.
You do not need a plan to begin. Sometimes it is enough to notice what feels supportive today.
Your Third Space Toolbox
Check-In Circle
One Small Step: Spend a few minutes outside and notice one thing you can see, hear, and feel.
Kelowna Connection: Take a slow walk along a familiar path and notice what has changed with the season.
🌿 This Week in Kelowna:
Take a slow walk and notice five things you can see, hear, and feel
Sit outside for a few minutes and check in with how your body feels
Find a quiet spot in nature and take a few steady breaths without distractions
Walk without music or your phone and notice your thoughts as they come and go
Sit near the water or in a green space and let yourself pause without needing to do anything
Bring a journal outside and write down whatever feels present for you
Spend time outside at your own pace, without a plan or expectation
💛 Choose one small thing that feels steady.
Try This Online: Explore a video for a simple grounding practice.
What helps me feel steady right now
This question invites you to notice what brings a sense of calm or support into your day. It may be something small or something you already do without thinking.
By reflecting on this you can
Recognize supportive moments in your routine
Understand what helps regulate your mood
Build awareness around your needs
Create space for more of what feels steady
How to do it
Take a few quiet minutes and ask yourself where you feel most at ease right now. You can write it down or simply notice it.
The goal is not to change anything immediately. It is to begin noticing what already supports you.
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Where To Go Next
Learn about supportive counselling through Third Space Charity.
What Counseling Really Looks Like
Many people feel unsure about counseling because they do not know what to expect. Supportive care counseling is simply a safe space to talk through life’s challenges with support and guidance.
Third Space Charity offers supportive counseling for Central Okanagan residents aged 18 to 29. Sessions are available online and in person in Kelowna’s Landmark District. Through our pay what you can model, accessibility always comes first.
Your Third Space Toolbox
Quick Quiz
What might be holding you back from reaching out
Author Taylor Cook
One Small Step
Visit our intake page and read through it without pressure to apply.
Kelowna Connection: 🌿 This Week’s Reflection Challenge
Your Safe Space Photo Challenge
This week we invite you to take a moment for yourself and notice the spaces where you feel calm, grounded, and most like yourself. It could be your bedroom, a quiet corner in your home, your favourite reading spot, or even a park bench outside.
Here’s how to participate:
Take a photo of your safe space or a place that makes you feel calm.
Reflect for a moment: what about this space helps you feel grounded?
If you feel comfortable, share your photo on social media or in the comments and tell us what makes it special. Use our hashtag #ThirdSpaceKelowna so others in the community can see and be inspired.
💛 This is a gentle way to connect with yourself and with others in the community. Even if you don’t share your photo, taking a moment to notice your safe space can boost your sense of calm and awareness this week.
Extra Tip: Try spending 5-10 minutes in this space every day this week. Bring a notebook, listen to music, or just sit quietly and notice how it feels.
Try This Online
Read our counseling FAQ
Reflection Prompt
What would feeling supported look like for me
✍️ This Week’s Journal Prompt
What Would Feeling Supported Look Like for Me
Take a quiet moment this week to think about support in your life. You might ask yourself:
• Who do I feel safest sharing my thoughts and feelings with?
• What actions, words, or gestures make me feel understood and cared for?
• Are there times when I feel supported even if I am alone?
Write down your thoughts in a journal or on a piece of paper. You can use sketches, doodles, or colours if that helps you express yourself.
💛 Extra Reflection: Try to notice one small moment this week when you feel supported. It could be a friend checking in, a kind word from someone, or even taking care of yourself in a way that feels nurturing. Record it and celebrate it.
This exercise helps you recognize the ways support can show up in your life and encourages you to actively notice it, even in small moments.
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Where To Go Next
Learn about supportive counselling through Third Space Charity.
Why Connection Matters for Mental Health
Connection is one of the strongest protective factors for mental wellness. When we feel seen and heard, we are reminded that we are not alone.
Through our OPEN SPACE Event Series, Third Space Charity creates opportunities for honest conversations about mental health. These gatherings combine professional insight, lived experience, and anonymous audience participation so everyone can engage in a way that feels safe.
Your Third Space Toolbox
Quick Quiz
How do you recharge best
Author: Taylor Cook
One Small Step
Start one honest conversation this week, even if it feels small.
Kelowna Connection : 🌿 Feeling Connected in Kelowna – Fresh Ideas
Sometimes it can feel hard to know how to connect with others or even just with yourself. We created this list to give you practical, free, and local ideas so you can feel grounded, supported, and inspired. Whether you want to spend time with friends, go on a solo adventure, or have a day of self-care at home, these suggestions can help you build meaningful connection in your week.
Connect with Others – Free Local Fun
• Outdoor yoga in a park: grab a mat and meet a friend at City Park or Stuart Park
• Volunteer together: check out opportunities with Kelowna Food Bank or local community gardens
• Free music or cultural events: keep an eye on Okanagan College or Downtown Kelowna event boards
• Photography walk with a friend: explore neighbourhoods and take photos of interesting spots
• Sunset watch meet-up: gather friends at Knox Mountain Park or Kettle Valley Lookout and enjoy the view
Solo Adventures – Free Ways to Recharge
• Geocaching in Kelowna: a fun way to explore parks, trails, and hidden spots around the city
• Meditative nature sketching: pick a quiet spot at Mission Creek Greenway and draw what you see
• Walking tour of murals and street art: create a self-guided art adventure downtown
• Star gazing at night: head to a quiet hill like Knox Mountain Park after sunset and observe the sky
• Free online workshops: sites like Kelowna Library digital programs or YouTube tutorials can provide learning and creativity
Home Ideas – Fun and Meaningful
• Plant a small indoor garden: herbs or succulents can brighten your space
• Creative journaling prompts: make a comic, write a short story, or do a gratitude exercise
• Virtual hangout with friends: play a board game, watch a movie, or do a creative challenge online
• DIY wellness day: listen to music, stretch, and enjoy tea or a relaxing bath
• Photo scavenger hunt at home: pick a theme and capture it creatively around your space
💛 The goal is to give you simple ways to feel connected and supported this week. Small moments of connection, whether with yourself, friends, or your community, can make a big difference in your mental wellbeing.
Try This Online
Watch highlights from our OPEN SPACE conversations.
✍️ Journal Prompt for This Week
Take a few quiet minutes to reflect and write:
Think back to the last time you felt truly heard. Where were you? Who were you with? What did it feel like to have your thoughts, feelings, or experiences fully acknowledged? How did it affect your mood, confidence, or sense of connection?
Use this reflection to notice moments this week when you feel listened to or when you can give someone else your full attention. Write down any thoughts, feelings, or insights that come up.
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Where To Go Next
Learn about supportive counselling through Third Space Charity.
Small Habits That Support Mental Wellness
As routines pick up again after winter, it can be easy to overlook our mental wellbeing. Many people believe change needs to be big to matter, but in reality, small habits build strong foundations.
Third Space Charity focuses on a proactive and preventative approach to mental health. Wellness grows through consistent care, not perfection.
Your Third Space Toolbox
Quick Quiz
Which habit feels most realistic for you this week
Author Taylor Cook
One Small Step
Choose one habit and commit to it for the next three days.
Kelowna Connection: 🌿 Free Self-Care Day in Kelowna
Fun Saturday Routine
Morning: Fresh Air and Movement
• Take a morning walk along the Waterfront Boardwalk or Mission Creek Greenway
• Notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you – try to take three deep breaths and really feel present
Late Morning: Creative Pause
• Head to the Kelowna Library or find a quiet spot in a local park
• Bring a notebook or sketchpad and journal, doodle, or write down thoughts for 15–20 minutes
Lunch: Simple Nourishment
• Pack a homemade lunch or grab something affordable at a local café like Bean Scene Coffee Works
• Sit outside or at a window and enjoy your meal mindfully
Afternoon: Explore and Discover
• Take a free walking tour of public art downtown or visit Kelowna Art Gallery on a free-admission day
• Snap photos, notice colours and patterns, or simply take time to observe
Evening: Reflection and Calm
• Find a peaceful spot at Knox Mountain Park or in your backyard
• Reflect on your day: What did you enjoy most? What helped you feel calm or happy?
• Try gentle stretches, breathing exercises, or a short mindfulness practice before bed
💛 Take this day slowly, focus on small moments of joy, and notice how even simple activities can lift your mood
Reflection Prompt
What helps me feel calm when life feels busy
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Where To Go Next
Learn about supportive counselling through Third Space Charity.
Finding Your Third Space This Spring
As March begins in Kelowna, the season slowly shifts. The days feel longer, the air feels lighter, and many of us start thinking about fresh starts. Spring often invites reflection, especially around how connected we feel to ourselves and to others.
At Third Space Charity, we believe everyone needs a third space. A place between home and work where connection, healing, and growth can happen naturally. Since 2012, our mission has been to provide accessible mental health supports for young people as they grow into thriving and healthy adults.
You do not need to have everything figured out to begin. Sometimes the first step is simply finding a space where you feel safe to be yourself.
Your Third Space Toolbox
Quick Quiz
Author Taylor Cook
One Small Step
Spend ten minutes outdoors without your phone and simply notice your surroundings.
Kelowna Connection
Take a slow walk along the waterfront or sit in a local café and practice being present.
🌿 This Week in Kelowna
March 1 to 7
• Take a peaceful walk along the waterfront and enjoy the fresh spring air
• Visit a local café and spend a quiet moment journaling or reading
• Try a fun activity like bowling with friends or family
• Stop by a local flower shop to bring some colour into your space
• Explore a local art gallery or creative space
• Check out community events or small gatherings happening this week
💛 Choose one small thing that feels good for you.
Reflection Prompt
Where do I feel most like myself?
🪞 Reflection Prompt
Where do I feel most like myself?
This question is about checking in with yourself and noticing where you feel safe, grounded, and authentic. Our lives are full of pressures such as school, work, relationships, and social media and it is easy to get lost in what we should be doing instead of tuning into what actually feels right for us.
By reflecting on where you feel most like yourself you can
Recognize safe spaces: identify environments, people, or activities that make you feel comfortable and supported
Notice patterns: see when and where your mental wellness thrives so you can make more space for those moments
Build self-awareness: understand your needs and feelings better which is a key part of healthy coping and decision-making
Make intentional choices: once you know what helps you feel grounded you can prioritize those spaces and activities in your weekly routines
How to do it
Take a few minutes this week to quietly reflect.
Ask yourself: Am I most like myself at home, at a café, with friends, or doing something creative?
You can journal about it, sketch, or simply sit with the thought.
The goal is not to find a perfect place… it is to notice what naturally helps you feel authentic and alive. Small moments of awareness like this can have a big impact on your mental well being over time
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Where To Go Next
Learn about supportive counselling through Third Space Charity.