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Feel the fear and do it, says motivational speaker

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Margaret McKay/NNSL photo Kathy Tuccaro, travelled to Fort Smith on Feb. 18 for a workshop on mental health awareness. Her workshop looks to empower women and teach them that all things can be overcome with perseverance and faith through sharing her own story of success.

Fort Smith residents where treated to a night out for a mental health awareness workshop. Guest speaker and author, Kathy Tuccaro, travelled to Fort Smith on Feb. 18 and captivated her audience with a video of her life.

Kathy Tuccaro, travelled to Fort Smith on Feb. 18 for a workshop on mental health awareness. Her workshop looks to empower women and teach them that all things can be overcome with perseverance and faith through sharing her own story of success. Margaret McKay/NNSL photo

The video depicted Tucarro's struggles with addictions and mental health issues and how she overcame alcohol, drug, physical and mental abuse. She has been a motivational speaker for the past two years and speaks to women's groups and women in shelters about her journey to success.

Tuccaro has worked the past five years at Imperial Oil in Fort McMurray, Alta., driving a heavy haul truck.

Her workshop looks to empower women and teach them that all things can be overcome with perseverance and faith. Audience members received resource materials on mental health issues such as domestic abuse, depression and stress management. During her talk, Tuccaro spoke from behind a white mask, explaining how we as individuals hide our true identify behind our emotions and feelings. This mask, she noted, aided in her recovery process and her success with her published book called Dream Big!: Overcoming a Lifetime of Trauma & Abuse That Led to Dreams of Success.

“I volunteer with people who have suffered greatly in life and are struggling to get their lives back. I wrote the book for them, to inspire them that they can do anything they set their minds to,” states Tucarro on her blog.

Participants received stuffed animals as gifts for taking the courage to be honest at Tucarro's session.

Tuccaro provided suggestions for positive self talk such as, "Replace your negative thoughts into a positive moment,”and, "Use today as a starting point to live a better life just for you" she stated.

– with files from Michele Taylor