We recently sat down with Denard Fenaud, one of our rock star facilitators at Circles. We know you’ll enjoy getting to know Denard and learning about the power of gratitude and fuzzy friends!
1. Tell us about yourself and why you’re passionate about mental health and Circles.
I am of Haitian descent from Fort Pierce, Florida, and I am a husband to my wonderful wife, Ollda, and a father to two beautiful sons, Canaan and Zion.
I am passionate about mental health and Circles because I believe that one of the most fleeting things in the world is the sense of hope and belonging. I believe that when we have a mental illness, it can be stigmatized and isolating. Circles is a platform that can help people feel connected, supported, and hopeful.
I am inspired by the mission of Circles to eradicate loneliness and help people heal from mental illness. I believe that Circles has the potential to make a real difference in the world, and I am proud to be a part of it.
2. One of your recent sessions was called “Practicing gratitude as a way of dealing with life challenges.” Can you share some thoughts on why gratitude is so powerful?
In our last audio room discussion, we highlighted three main points about the relationship between pets and gratitude:
- Pets bring joy and love into our lives. They can provide us with companionship, unconditional love, and support. They can also help us to relax and de-stress.
- Gratitude for our pets motivates us to take care of them. We are more likely to feed them healthy food, take them for walks, and get the necessary medical care. We are also more likely to notice when they are feeling unwell or stressed, and we can take steps to help them feel better.
- Pets can help us to notice when we need help. If we are feeling down or stressed, our pets can help remind us of the good things in our lives.
We also talked about how gratitude can help us to cope with life challenges. When we focus on the things we are grateful for, it can help us to feel more optimistic. It can also help to feel more connected to others and our community.
3. Can you share a little bit about your personal journey and the role gratitude has played in your life?
I’ve always been a connector. I love to connect with people and have meaningful conversations. But in 2008, I hit a low point in my life. I struggled with suicidal ideation, and I felt no one loved or cared about me. I was hopeless and ungrateful for what led me to that point.
I’m from a Haitian background, and mental health issues are often taboo in our culture. So I didn’t feel like I could talk to anyone about what I was going through. I felt isolated and alone.
But then, something happened that changed my life. My family came to me in an emergency. They drove 5 hours to be with me, and my aunt flew in from Haiti. They were there for me when I needed them most, and they showed me how much they loved and cared about me.
That experience taught me the importance of gratitude. When I’m feeling down, I take a moment to think about all the people who love and support me. I think about the things I’m grateful for, even the small things. And that helps me to focus on the positive aspects of my life, even when I’m facing challenges.
4. Tell us a little bit about hosting sessions on Circles. What’s the most rewarding experience you’ve had so far?
Hosting sessions on Circles has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I believe I was called to do this work, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help people heal and find a sense of belonging.
I have learned so much from the people I have hosted on Circles. I have seen them overcome challenges, and their resilience has inspired me. I have also learned a lot about myself, and I have grown as a person and practitioner.
One of the most rewarding experiences I have had was when I hosted a group of people who were all struggling with anxiety. They all felt isolated and alone, but they found a sense of community in the group. They were able to share their experiences, and they were able to offer each other support.
I watched as these people began to heal. They started to feel less anxious, and they started to feel more connected to themselves and others. They were able to move on with their lives, and they were able to find a sense of peace.
This experience showed me the power of community. It showed me how people can heal when they are surrounded by people who understand them and who support them. It also showed me the importance of my work as a group facilitator. I am grateful for the opportunity to help people heal, and I am proud of my work.
I believe that everyone has the potential to heal. We all can connect with others, and we all can find a sense of belonging. Circles is a platform that can help people to heal, and I am proud to be a part of it.
I am grateful for the opportunity to host sessions on Circles, and I am excited to continue this work in the future. This work is important, and I am committed to helping people heal and find a sense of belonging.
5. What are you looking forward to as more people join Circles?
I am looking forward to more people joining Circles and us reaching what seems, at times, can be a big goal to make sure that this epidemic of loneliness is eradicated.
I believe that loneliness is a major public health issue, and I am committed to helping to eradicate it. I am hopeful that Circles can play a role in this effort.
I look forward to seeing more people experience the benefits of community and connection. I believe that everyone has the potential to heal and find a sense of belonging. Circles can provide a safe space to share their stories, connect with others, and heal.
I am also looking forward to seeing how Circles continues to evolve and grow. I believe that Circles has the potential to make a real difference in the world. I am excited to see how Circles can help people to connect and find a sense of belonging.
I am excited to see what the future holds for Circles. I believe that your goal of eradicating loneliness is a noble one, and I think that Circles has the potential to make a real difference in the world. I am also excited to see how Circles continues to evolve and grow.
I am also hoping that people can recognize that technology can be used in combination with peer-to-peer support to bring out an experience of traveling virtually to places to meet people that, once we’re strangers, can become close like family. I believe that everyone has the potential to find community and connection, and I am excited to see how Circles can help to make this happen.
I am hopeful that Circles can help to break down the barriers of loneliness and isolation.
6. Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I think it is important for people to know that they are not alone in their struggles. It is also important for people to have a sense of belonging and to feel like they are valued.
