Facing Adversity with GRIT & GRACE

May 1st marks one year of vision loss and trauma to my brain.

With vision being one of the most vital senses we possess, shaping our perception and forming the basis of many of our daily activities, the emotional toll has been staggering.

Grieving the loss of myself, my independence, the life I lived, the life I loved, and the life I created, has been no small feat. The emotional, social, and practical challenges have been overwhelming with profound changes affecting every aspect of my life.

My perspective on grief is that it’s very similar to the ocean, ebbing and flowing. It comes in waves with no notice whatsoever… sometimes calm and sometimes crashing. I only wish the healing sounds and scents of the ocean would accompany the sorrow and pain.

Although I face another mountain to climb, I realize I’m not alone. Difficulties and misfortune find their way to all of us in this life. Whether in the form of personal challenges, professional setbacks, or unforeseen circumstances, how we respond can define our character and shape our future.

I choose GRIT and GRACE.

After all, the human spirit is unbelievably resilient. I have witnessed this over and over again. So, by maintaining resilience and motivation, with the right support around me, my life CAN and WILL continue to be AMAZING!

Beautiful beams of gratitude are shining through once again, bringing with them hope and optimism about the year ahead. The unexpected gift of deeper connection with those who have dared to stick with me on this wild journey has really helped me to realize…

…that although I don’t get to decide the date or the details of my mortality, I DO get to decide how I’m going to LIVE!

The moment I decided, my story is going to be written by me, not cancer, not vision loss, and not anything else outside of my control, everything shifted.

With gratitude as my superpower, it’s time to DREAM BIG and LIVE!

I’ve been asking myself that important question…if I only had one more year to live this beautiful life, how would I spend my time? Who would I spend it with? Where would I focus my energy?

When I get real and raw about answering that question, my priorities really shift. Things I once treated as important, just don’t seem that important anymore.

Being present, deeper human connection, adventures near and far, loads of laughter and good doses of positive energy are all at the top of my list. It’s that simple.

My starting point has been a laser focus on my health and wellness. Life has repeatedly taught me that when I’m strong, both mentally and physically, I am unstoppable. Put that together with a heart that is open to limitless possibilities and the belief that miracles are everywhere; now THAT is where the magic happens!

I’m well on my way back to a healthier me thanks to…

…Daily Meditation to reduce stress, help regulate my emotions and improve resilience.

…High doses of Yoga to kick stress to the curb, improve flexibility, build strength, and increase lung capacity. When I’m on my mat, I’m out of my head!

…Hot Pilates, most recently added to my routine guaranteeing a nice, juicy sweat and a few laughs along with the benefits of core strength, muscle sculpting, balance and overall well being.

…Riding my Peleton to build strength, improve cardiovascular health and release those mood boosting endorphins.

…Walking, walking and more walking… everywhere now that I’m not driving. It’s great exercise and there’s nothing like the sunshine on my face and the wind in my hair.

…Nutrition, always work in progress, leaning more towards a plant based diet.

…Protecting my Energy. Being a super social human, it’s been an interesting process weeding through my schedule. I’m practicing the art of graciously saying no and populating my days with the good stuff that really brings me joy!

My recent scans report that everything is stable, an indicator for me that it’s time to put that looming dark cloud behind me once again and LIVE!

So what’s up for the months ahead?

Continue my health and wellness routine. It’s working for me! Keep my heart open to limitless possibilities! Believe in miracles! Dream BIG!

In a couple of weeks, I’m off to walk a leg of the Camino de Santiago with 2 special friends. I love a good adventure and will be forever grateful that they have invited me to join them on this pilgrimage. I’m feeling strong, healthy and ready to roll.

Early July, I’m returning to Newfoundland with some lifelong friends to laugh, explore and make incredible memories.

With who and where I’ll adventure next, who knows?

Nothing is off the table and anything is possible!

If you’re interested in helping to keep my spirits high, drop me the first song that pops into your mind that makes you want to get up and dance! Drop it here, drop it on social or if you have my number, drop me a text. I LOVE to dance and plan to put together a few playlists that keep me moving, make me smile and remind me how great it is to BE ALIVE!!!!

Peace & Love,