December Reflection: A Year of Planting Seeds
As I sit in December’s quiet, my heart feels full reflecting on this past year. There is something deeply meaningful about witnessing seeds planted with hope and intention begin to take root and flourish in ways I could never have predicted.
This has been an incredible year for Shift Change, not only in growth, but in the depth of connection and the authenticity of the partnerships that have emerged. I have been planting seeds near and far, and some of the most meaningful growth has unfolded in places I never expected.
One year ago, I met Dr. Lisa Kitt, Lead Psychologist at Surrey Police Services. I still vividly remember how that conversation unfolded. What began as a simple sharing of the Shift Change vision quickly became a journey I never could have scripted.
Dr. Lisa Kitt did not just listen. She acted with intention. She brought together people she trusted, guided by a shared hope for real change. That is where the momentum began. Sgt. Andrea Martens joined that first session, and from that moment on, everything shifted.
Sgt. Andrea Martens did not just observe the work. She experienced it. She saw firsthand how anonymous, group based EMDR could function without the barriers that so often keep people stuck.
One year later, Sgt. Andrea Martens called me to share the news that Surrey Police Services will be integrating weekly sessions in 2026, a moment I will remember forever. It was a powerful day. Knowing how much unseen work it takes to introduce something new into a system like this, both Dr. Lisa Kitt and Sgt. Andrea Martens continued to push the boulder up the mountain. The advocacy they bring for the people they serve is extraordinary. Being part of this has been deeply meaningful.
What followed was the kind of organic growth you cannot manufacture. Sessions offered after critical incidents. Feedback that truly mattered. Word spreading naturally throughout the department.
The lived experience of those sessions is captured best in the words of participants themselves:
“In the hour long session, the first time I brought up my image I shuddered and felt sick to my stomach. By the end, I had no reaction and could process it.”
— Anonymous
“I really recommend this type of reset for first responders. The results are same day, and that is invaluable in my line of work.”
— Anonymous
Starting January 2026, we will be running weekly sessions for Surrey Police Services. From one experimental session to integrated weekly support, this is what real, lasting change looks like. I am deeply honoured to be part of it
Speaking of Sgt. Andrea Martens
We're working on our spotlight series, and I am BURSTING with excitement to share more about Sgt. Andrea Martens and her incredible leadership in transforming the first responder mental health culture. Her story is going to inspire so many people. Stay tuned!
Celebrating Our First Hybrid Success
Our first Breath Between hybrid event exceeded every expectation. Eighteen (18) people joined us in person and fifteen (15) online for a total of thirty-three (33) humans, coming together in a shared experience that felt grounded, connected, and alive.
The energy was palpable, and the feedback speaks for itself:
“Kara offers a gentle journey to reset the parts of ourselves we may have yet to meet. Through breath, tapping, and support, she guided me out of my cave just a little more.”
— Anonymous
“This event was exactly what I needed right now. Two hours to process, feel safe and supported, and leave with less weight than when I arrived.”
— Anonymous
This gathering affirmed what becomes possible when people are given space to slow down, feel safe, and reconnect with themselves.
Mark Your Calendars!
Our next Breath Between is January 4th from 2-4pm, virtual only this time, while we locate a space that can accommodate more beautiful humans like you!
Honouring the Pause: Holiday Closure & Upcoming Session Schedule
As the year winds down, we’re intentionally creating space to pause, reflect, and reset. Just like the work we do together, this season invites a gentle slowing — a chance to let the nervous system settle before we step into what’s next.
Our team will be taking a brief holiday pause as we gear up for the new year, allowing time to reflect on the seeds planted this year and the growth ahead. During this time, our office will be closed Dec 17-Jan 4, but we are still offering a limited number of sessions for those who feel called to end the year with support and intention.
Upcoming December Sessions:
December 29 — 10:00am & 1:00pm PST
December 30 — 12:00pm PST
December 31 — 9:00am PST
If you’d like to join us before the year closes, you can book your session below! We’ll be back refreshed, grounded, and ready to step into 2026 with clarity, care, and continued commitment to this work.
The Ripple Effect Continues
As we enter more spaces, our team is working hard on getting our partnerships page launched. Each connection, each conversation, each person willing to try something different, it all matters so much.
This Month’s Recommendations
Book of the Month
“The Comfort Book” by Matt Haig
Honest, bite-sized perspectives that don't pretend life is simple but offer genuine insight.
Podcast Suggestion
"Unf*ck Your Brain" with Kara Loewentheil
Direct talk about how your brain works when trauma and stress are running the show.
Looking Ahead
The winter solstice reminds us that even in the longest nights, light returns. Not through force, but through natural cycles. That's how nervous system reset works too, not overnight transformation, but consistent, authentic shifts.
Whatever this December brings for you, remember that small changes compound. Every session, every moment of choosing differently, every time you prioritize your nervous system, it all adds up to something beautiful.
From our heart to yours,
Kara Kalin & the Shift Change team