Shannon

04/29/2025

New post: "The Silent Erosion: When Love Costs You Yourself"
Have you ever watched someone slowly disappear while trying to hold onto a relationship that was never right for them? The dimming eyes. The fading smile. The quieter laugh.

In my latest Substack piece, I explore how we lose ourselves in tiny increments—not through dramatic heartbreak, but through daily compromises that slowly chip away at our essence.

This isn't just about relationships—it's about remembering that your light, your joy, and your peace should never be the currency you pay just to be loved.

For anyone feeling lost in someone else's shadow or questioning their worth—this one's for you. Link here

https://open.substack.com/pub/shannonmurree/p/when-love-costs-you-yourself

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04/25/2025

Suggested reading "Adult Survivors of Toxic Family members". Remember, let’s be clear: forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing, forgetting, or allowing continued harm. It doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t affect you or that the relationship was healthy.

Forgiveness is about releasing yourself from the grip of anger or resentment, so it doesn’t control your life. It’s for your peace—not to make others comfortable or to keep up appearances. And sometimes, forgiveness includes setting boundaries or walking away completely.

You can honour the complexity of your past while still protecting your future. Healing is messy, but you’re allowed to feel everything that comes with it. Keep choosing you.

More info and links where to get book in the comments

04/03/2025

When Luxury Meets Disconnect: Meghan Markle’s Response to the Le Creuset Controversy

Disclaimer: This is not a judgment, but rather an observation on the disconnect between Meghan's past and present, and the responsibility that comes with using her platform.

Meghan Markle’s recent response to the backlash over her use of Le Creuset cookware has been disappointing, especially in the context of “Inspiring Change.” While luxury items like Le Creuset aren’t the problem, the bigger issue is the disconnect between her past and present. It’s about staying connected to where you came from and understanding the struggles others are still facing. True change doesn’t just come from what we say; it’s about how we engage with others—especially those who might not have the same privileges.

Instead of using her platform to acknowledge the concerns raised about her extravagant lifestyle, Meghan came across as defensive and tone-deaf. She questioned why this was a “thing” in 2025, almost dismissing the real issues her audience faces. Her response, “Don’t they know my life hasn’t always been like this?” missed the mark. It’s frustrating when people who’ve come from humble beginnings forget where they came from, especially when they’ve built their success on understanding those struggles.

When you’ve risen from hardship, there’s a responsibility to stay grounded, to uplift others, and to use your platform to connect, not alienate. It’s about remembering your journey and acknowledging that many people are still fighting the same battles. Instead of showing humility or connecting with her audience, Meghan’s reaction felt like a defense of her luxury lifestyle, ignoring the very people who’ve supported her.

Some have compared Meghan to Martha Stewart and Ina Garten, pointing out that no one criticizes them for their expensive cookware. But here’s the difference: Martha and Ina have long built their brands around aspirational luxury. They’ve created a narrative around their wealth, while Meghan has positioned herself as someone who understands everyday struggles. That’s where the contradiction lies.

People who’ve experienced hardship often have a unique ability to empathize with others in similar situations. So when someone forgets that, it feels like a betrayal. It's not just about the cookware or the wealth—it’s about staying connected and understanding the responsibility that comes with your platform. Meghan had the chance to reflect on this moment and show that she still understands the struggles of others, but sadly, she missed that opportunity.

03/22/2025

Learned today:

R.I.S.E. – Reignite. Inspire. Strengthen. Elevate

R.I.S.E. – Reignite. Inspire. Strengthen. Elevate.
• Reignite your passion and purpose
• Inspire others through your story and strength
• Strengthen your community through connection
• Elevate to your highest potential—together

Dr Esther Graham

Send a message to learn more

01/28/2025

Tired of the social media noise? ✨

Join My Safe Space—a growing community where stories heal, voices rise, and change begins. 🌱 Together, we’re creating a space for empowerment, growth, and genuine connection.

🔗 Click the link below to join us on Substack and be part of something extraordinary. Let’s inspire change together!

Your voice matters. Your story belongs. Let’s build this community together. 💛

👉 Subscribe Now https://shannonmurree.substack.com/p/my-safe-space-a-journey-of-empowerment

01/12/2025

At Women’s Shelters Canada, we’ve been following the news about Meta’s changes this week to third-party fact-checking and its hateful conduct policy. Online, women and gender-diverse people, particularly racialized, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQ+ people, experience higher incidents of trolling and hate speech. Gender-based violence thrives on a foundation of misogyny. These changes embolden abusers to post their discriminatory and hateful thoughts. Women, gender-diverse people, and survivors are more likely to remove themselves from online spaces to keep themselves safe. We will continue to monitor these changes to Meta as they affect our work.

12/20/2024

Can you relate to this in your own life? How to Recognize a Narcissistic Apology: Breaking Down Manipulative Language

Let's break down this "apology" from Dennis Rodman. Recently in the news, Dennis Rodman issued a public apology to his estranged daughter Trinity Rodman after the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team star opened up about their relationship on a podcast, saying her NBA father is “not a dad” and that his relationship with her is “by blood but nothing else.”

Breaking it down:

Sometimes, apologies don’t feel like apologies at all. They can leave you confused, guilty, or even more frustrated than before. These types of statements often come from individuals who may unintentionally (or intentionally) centre themselves in the conversation. Let’s break down a real-world example and learn how to spot the signs of a narcissistic apology so you can protect your emotional boundaries.

The Example:
"Sorry I wasn’t the Dad you wanted me to be, but either way, I still tried and I still try and never will stop. I will keep trying even when you’re being told as an adult not to respond to my phone calls. I always had one wish and it was I wish my kids would call me and come see me. Hopefully, one day I can get that. Pick up the phone, you have my number. You see me calling, I’m still here."

Why This Feels Off:
This apology may seem heartfelt at first glance, but a closer look reveals red flags of emotional manipulation. Instead of taking responsibility or validating the other person’s feelings, it focuses on the speaker's experience, using guilt and victimhood to demand attention. Here’s how:

1. False Accountability
"Sorry I wasn’t the Dad you wanted me to be, but either way, I still tried and I still try."
The speaker starts with an apology but quickly deflects by justifying their actions. This diminishes the sincerity of the statement, turning the focus from their shortcomings to how much effort they’ve put in.

What to Watch For:
Look for a quick pivot from acknowledging harm to self-praise or justification.

2. Victim Narrative
"I will keep trying even when you’re being told as an adult not to respond to my phone calls."
By blaming external forces (e.g., "someone told you not to respond"), the speaker avoids addressing why the recipient might not want to communicate. This reframing casts the speaker as the victim instead of acknowledging the recipient’s autonomy.

What to Watch For:
Statements that paint the speaker as powerless against "unfair" circumstances while ignoring their role in the conflict.

3. Guilt-Tripping
"I always had one wish, and it was I wish my kids would call me and come see me."
While it sounds like a simple wish, this phrasing shifts the emotional burden onto the recipient. The implication is that their lack of action is withholding the speaker’s happiness.

What to Watch For:
Statements that make you feel responsible for someone else’s emotional well-being, especially when tied to their "suffering."

4. Centre of Attention
"I’m still here, I’m still trying, pick up the phone."
Rather than focusing on how the recipient feels or why boundaries exist, the speaker repeatedly highlights their own efforts. This makes the apology feel more like a demand for recognition than an acknowledgment of harm.

What to Watch For:
Repetition of “I” and “me,” with little or no attention to your feelings.

5. Martyr Complex
"I actually flew in to watch you play… so I watched from my hotel balcony just to make everybody happy."
The speaker portrays themselves as self-sacrificing, using this example to elicit pity. Instead of addressing why their presence might have caused discomfort, they paint themselves as misunderstood or unfairly treated.

What to Watch For:
References to grand gestures, sacrifices, or “noble” efforts meant to guilt you into reconsidering their intentions.

6. Performative Love
"I love all my kids."
While love is important, repeatedly emphasising it in an apology can feel performative, as though the speaker is trying to bypass accountability. It suggests their love should outweigh any mistakes or hurt they’ve caused.

What to Watch For:
Statements that attempt to overshadow valid grievances with declarations of affection.

How to Respond:
If you receive a message like this, it’s important to hold your boundaries. An effective response might look like this:

Acknowledge their feelings but redirect the focus.

Example: "I appreciate your efforts, but I need us to address what caused this distance in the first place. Let’s have an honest conversation when you’re ready to listen."

➔Stay firm in your boundaries.
Example: "I’m not ready to reconnect right now, but I’ll reach out when I feel ready."

Key Takeaways:
A narcissistic apology often focuses more on the speaker’s emotions and struggles than on genuine accountability. Look for these signs:

➔Justification of actions rather than full acceptance of fault.
➔Shifting blame to external factors or others.
➔Emotional manipulation through guilt, pity, or demands for recognition.

Empower Yourself:
Recognising these patterns allows you to step back and protect your emotional well-being. Remember, a true apology:

➔Centres your feelings, not theirs.
➔Accepts responsibility without justification.
➔Focuses on actions to repair the relationship, not demands for recognition.

By learning to spot the difference, you can respond with clarity and maintain healthy boundaries.

11/29/2024

Celebrating Boldness: PWHL Season 2 is Here! 🏒

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is back for its second season, and it’s bigger and bolder than ever! With the campaign "Here’s to the Bold," the PWHL is spotlighting the incredible talent of its players, the passion of its fans, and the exciting energy that women’s hockey brings to the sport.

This season, fans of all ages can make a difference by supporting women’s hockey. Whether cheering live at the rink, tuning in from home, or spreading the word online, every voice helps grow the game and inspire future generations.

Can’t make it to a game in person? No worries! Here’s how to catch the action:

TSN: 57 regular-season games on TV, TSN.ca, TSN+, and the TSN app.
CBC: 17 Saturday afternoon games on CBC TV, CBC Gem, and cbcsports.ca.
Prime Video: 16 Tuesday night games, exclusively.
French coverage: 18 games on RDS, 6 games on Radio-Canada (ICI TÉLÉ and ICI TOU.TV), and 5 on Prime Video.
YouTube (US): Select games streaming online.
And don’t miss the playoffs! One semifinal series will air on TSN and RDS, the other on Prime Video, with the PWHL Finals exclusively on TSN and RDS.

Women’s hockey is about more than the game—it’s about breaking barriers, redefining possibilities, and uniting communities worldwide. So, grab your jerseys, tune in, and join the celebration of this incredible league.

Here’s to the bold. 🏆 Let’s make this season unforgettable!



Check out theirfull schedule ➡️ bit.ly/2425PWHLSchedule

10/23/2024

Well done players! Some incredible PWHL players here to represent us. Congratulations on this recognition by the incredible management and leaders. Go Canada Go!

Here;s part of their press release:

National Women’s Team roster unveiled for first leg of Rivalry Series
Team Canada to face United States starting Nov. 6 in San Jose, California
NR.072.24|October 23, 2024

2024-25 National Women’s Team

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the 25 players who will wear the Maple Leaf with Canada’s National Women’s Team for the first three games of the 2024-25 Rivalry Series, starting Nov. 6 in San Jose, California.

Three goaltenders, eight defence and 14 forwards were selected by general manager Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda, QC/Toronto, PWHL), head coach Troy Ryan (Spryfield, NS/Toronto, PWHL) and Cherie Piper (Scarborough, ON), senior manager of player development and scouting. Assistant coaches Kori Cheverie (New Glasgow, NS/Montréal, PWHL), Caroline Ouellette (Montréal, QC/Concordia University, RSEQ) and Britni Smith (Port Perry, ON/Syracuse University, CHA), along with goaltending consultant Brad Kirkwood (Calgary, AB/Toronto, PWHL), also provided input.

“The 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship is only six months away, and getting a look at our team and roster depth begins with these first three games,” said Kingsbury. “These teams know each other very well, but we still have an opportunity to build on what we worked on at September camp as we evaluate ourselves now and throughout the season.”

The roster includes 21 players who helped Canada win its 13th gold medal at the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship (Ambrose, Bell, Bourbonnais, Campbell, Clark, Desbiens, Fast, Fillier, J. Gosling, Jenner, Larocque, Maltais, Maschmeyer, Nurse, O’Neill, Poulin, Rattray, Serdachny, Shelton, Stacey, Turnbull).

Canada has won the Rivalry Series in back-to-back seasons, winning the final four games in 2023 and 2024 to secure victory in seven games. Since the start of the Rivalry Series during the 2018-19 season, Canada holds a 15-13 advantage over the Americans.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.