Outdoor Mindset

Announcing the OM Adventure Scholarship Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 14:34:00 +0000

We are more than excited to announce the 2017 Winter OM Adventure Scholarship Winner - Marie!

Marie is an adventurous OM member who enjoys living with an #outdoormindset.

With a passion for an active lifestyle, Marie has experienced so many adventures - not letting her diagnosis with MS slow her down. Between gardening, dancing, Crossfit, and so much more. She is an inspiration to all of us!

Marie's trip will consist of helicopter hiking in the Canadian Rockies in July! She will be staying at the Bugaboo Mountain Lodge and waking every morning surrounded by glorious mountains. The days will consist of cruising across via ferratas, meandering through flowered mountain valleys, and trekking across glaciers.

We are so excited for you, Marie! (And you may catch a couple of us trying to stow away in your suitcase.)

Member Highlight: Bryn

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 06:03:00 +0000

When Bryn Overton was 10 years old, she began suffering from her first petite mal seizures. It began in gymnastics when her father noticed that Bryn kept zoning out. It was a scary time for Bryn and her family... But she grew out of the seizures by the age of 16 and epilepsy seemed to have become a thing of Bryn's past. Until she experienced another petite mal seizure while driving, leading to a car accident that scared Bryn and her entire family. Then, about a month after the accident, Bryn experienced her first grand mal seizure.

"I got really depressed as a kid, I was different. I was so excited when I got off the medications, so getting re-diagnosed with epilepsy really took a toll on me. But it taught me to cope with everything, just deal with what happens. It is what it is, you can't change it. I mean, it definitely takes a sense of humor to deal with what you've been handed, so I just try to keep positive.

It could have been worse."

Who has been your biggest supporter in this?

"My parents have been there for all of it. They've shared laughs and tears with me. My brother has been a huge support. I talk to him about my travels, when I'm really nervous. He always responds with "It's going to be fine. We're going to take care of you." My best friend, Heather, too. She's luckily never seen me go through it, but she always makes sure I'm okay.

They're my rocks."

Favorite adventure you have embarked on since your diagnosis?

"Being a heli-ski guide in Valdeez, Alaska. I get to go out and spend time 30 miles outside of town, working in a lodge and skiing in the backcountry. Getting to

go in a helicopter and ski runs that only a couple of thousand people have skied before is pretty amazing. Best job perks ever. I also got to take a summit flight of Denali in a 10-person plane and fly around the summit. Now, I'm in the Grand Tetons, kayaking, rafting, and horseback riding."

When you get scared or overwhelmed, what do you think to push past that fear?

"Other people can do it, why can't I? If anything happens, I have friends and family that care about me. I just have to do what makes me happy. Becuase I know that the feeling at the bottom of this mountain is going to make me so high. Total adrenaline junkie."

Do you have any dream adventures?

"Oh yeah! Heliskiing is checked off the list. Southeast Asia is on my list, which I actually just got my passport for. 2-3 months of backpacking. I want to go to Italy and eat pizza and pasta. Oh and see the Alps, and climb in Yosemite. A big wall climb, like El Capitan."

What would you say to others living with epilepsy?

"Whether you have your seizures under control

or not, just work to get through every day. Remember the good times and cherish every minute you live without a seizure. You can lose it any day. But every day is a new day."

Bryn is currently preparing for an extended backpacking trip through Southeast Asia and living big every day. Happy trails, Bryn!

Adventure Scholarship Report: Maggie

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 05:57:00 +0000

Outdoor Mindset's Adventure Scholarship wants to provide those who live with neurological challenges the ability to go on their dream adventure! Maggie Morehart, an avid OM member and exercise enthusiast was one of the most recent scholarship winners!

Maggie has been through a lot since high school, but she doesn't let that stop her in her pursuit of living a healthy and happy lifestyle...

"I was diagnosed with migraine and related conditions in high school. My diagnosis led me to learn more about my brain and the way it functions (or sometimes malfunctions as a result of my genes). Having a name for my disease allowed me to learn more, but I also found that there is a lot of stigma around these kinds of diseases. Over the years, I’ve encountered a lot of that stigma, which I think Outdoor Mindset is helping to slowly dispel. I love that OM is focused more on ability than disability and encourages members to accomplish their goals despite neurological challenges. When you have a chronic illness, it’s important to remember that you still have the potential to do awesome things. Maybe you do them a little differently, but that’s ok.

I’m lucky to have a great doctor who helped me find a relatively successful treatment plan. Since I started the medications I currently take, my quality of life has greatly improved, and I feel like I have more control over my symptoms and my life. I’ve found inspiration in other people who have overcome obstacles... My friends and family have probably been my biggest inspiration. I’m lucky to have a wonderful support system that includes some great role models who keep me moving forward.

Read all about her experience with OM's Adventure Scholarship:

"During my trip, I visited four states that I'd never been to before - Massachusets, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont. It was a great opportunity to explore a new part of the country. I met some really inspirational people and learned a lot along the way. I attended seminars, where I met some of my favorite authors and athletes. I also watched the Boston Marathon and saw some of the fastest runners in the world compete alongside wheelchair and hand cycle athletes. To be so close to the finish line and experience all that positive energy was awesome.

At times, I almost felt like I'd treveled back in time. Between the Freedom Trail in Boston and the historical tour of Salem, I saw a lot of American History come to life."

Maggie had been in close contact with several OM members living in the area and was even able to plan a hike with them through a portion of the Appalachian Trail!

"It was great to actually meet them in person. The hike was beautiful, and we even got to explore some of the Appalachian Trail the next morning!"

Does it seem like Outdoor Mindset would be a good fit for you, too?
Do you have an adventure in mind?
Sign up for our Adventure Scholarship, then get out there and chase your dreams like Maggie!

Adventure Scholarship Report: Hans

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 May 2016 05:46:00 +0000

May 2016

The first OM Adventure Scholarship of 2016 was a huge success! Several of OM's staff and board members were able to participate with the scholarship winner during the adventure. It was a day full of laughter and discovery.

About the winner:
Just over a year ago, Hans Updegraff was an avid outdoor enthusiast, always staying active and getting outside. Then, in December of 2014, he was involved in an accident and experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

"My TBI affected my life initially by requiring me to relearn how to walk, swallow when eating, run, and many other activities. My TBI also erased my ability do simple activities that require higher brain functions and processing information - these directly effect my readiness to drive a car which hasn’t happened yet." - Hans

The road to recovery has not been an easy one, but he says that he is constantly inspired to keep progressing because of the support of his mother, brother, girlfriend, and the therapists at Craig Hospital.

Hans' favorite quote:

Hans' thoughts on the event:

"Having the opportunity to meet others who had experiences similar to mine helped me not to feel so alone. I had a hard time explaining my experiences and emotions and eventually began to feel very alone. This activity allowed me to meet Outdoor Mindset staff and participants who who were all very encouraging; which in turn made my life perspective more positive."

"I was very satisfied because the staff worked so well with me and other participants.
They made me even more excited about the activity. It was a chance for me to
nordic ski and be in such a positive environment.
The arrangement of the adventure was relaxed, exciting, and very friendly. It also put me closer to being approved from my therapists to
downhill ski again."

"I do feel like [OM] is a good fit for me because I really liked the arrangement of the adventure with OM. OM creates a positive time to give participants a chance to step back into a life that they value. It’s a good fit because for me encouragement is so important. I tend to be hard on myself when I don’t do well. OM was a good fit because I could tell the staff and participants were all there to just have fun and learn. It helped me relax and enjoy learning with everyone."

Does it seem like Outdoor Mindset would be a good fit for you, too?
Do you have an adventure in mind?
Sign up for our Adventure Scholarship, then get out there and chase your dreams like Hans!

Introducing the OM Adventure Scholarship!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 16:27:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

The year end gives us time to reflect on the year, and take a big breath to settle the mind and return to a positive state of being; whether we experienced something tragic, enlightening, or downright dull.   

With the New Year, comes the view of the horizon. It’s time to look forward to a better future and plan to take action.   

At OM we look at the New Year as an opportunity to reengage, reignite, and re-imagine the future.   

To start, I and the Executive and Advisory Boards will be having a retreat on MLK weekend. We will be reflecting on our accomplishments, examining our current state, and planning for a big future! These are exciting times at OM! And in the spirit of reigniting the spirit, I am excited to introduce a brand new program:   

Introducing the Outdoor Mindset Adventure Scholarship!

 The power of the outdoors to lift our spirits, to clear our thoughts and center our state of being, in history, was a gift that only gods could give. For many of us, the time we spend outside and in nature defines our character and how we view the world. We may dream of climbing that special peak, travelling to that amazing place and living that once in a lifetime experience. These experiences bring strangers together and friends closer, with memories and feelings that will be shared for the rest of their lives. It is at these precise moments when you take a deep breath and say, “this is what life is all about”! 

 Outdoor Mindset thrives on those moments and understands that the impact these extraordinary experiences have on our health and wellbeing is priceless! OM never intends to compete with the gods, but perhaps we can help provide the funding for you and a friend to get closer to experiencing a special peak, an amazing place and a once in a lifetime experience – an item on your bucket list that you have always wanted to complete.   

Our goal with the new Adventure Scholarship is to help support OM’s mission to enhance the quality of life of our members, engage our members and encourage our community to connect with one another and get outside and live big!   

El Chalten, Patagonia. Put it on your Adventure Scholarship
bucket list!

OM will be awarding at least one Adventure Scholarship per quarter. We will be awarding at least $500 per Adventure Scholarship! Applications will be accepted starting today, and applicants will be given until February 12th, to submit. Applicants must be an OM member, and the Adventure Scholarship must be used for an outdoor activity with at least one other OM member. Keep in mind, anyone can become an OM member and it’s FREE! And most importantly, the Adventure Scholarship awardee must have a great time!!!   

Please click here to view the official rules and apply. Good luck!  

Don’t forget to Participate, Engage and Promote!  

 I can’t wait to see you outside and look forward to sharing more exciting news in the coming months! 

~Sean

Meet-Up Spotlight: Ohio's Maggie

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 02:23:00 +0000

Meet Maggie, our Ohio Meet-Up group leader. Her connection to Outdoor Mindset runs deep and we're fortunate to have her as part of the OM family. Here she tells her story about her neurological history that has an amazing outcome... because it brought her to our organization!

"I remember one day when I was probably a junior or senior in high school. I came home from school in severe pain and instead of going straight to bed or taking a hot bath, my anger got the better of me and I decided to go for a run. I was so sick and tired of the constant pain and the feeling that I couldn't really be myself. I was fed up and pissed off. So I put on my running shoes and ran.

I don't remember running, but I do remember stumbling into the house about twenty minutes later, doubled over, pressing the palms of my hands into my forehead as hard as I could to keep myself from vomiting. I could hardly see; everything was too bright and blurry. I couldn't talk, because my own voice triggered a chain reaction, starting with the nerves behind my right eye and radiating down my spine. I couldn't eat, because the nausea made it impossible to swallow. At that point, there was nothing I could do but crawl in bed and wait it out. The next day would be the same, but about 15 hours of sleep might give me the energy it would take to make it through school the next day.

It's strange to look back over the last 10-15 years and realize how much has changed. In the days before I found an effective treatment, it was hard to even imagine spending more than a day without pain or nausea. Now, my bad days are few and far between, and I feel like I finally have the ability to be myself and do the things I want to do.

I was finally diagnosed with migraine after my family doctor put the pieces of my genetic puzzle together: my dad had mostly recovered, but had suffered from severe migraine when he was younger, and while my symptoms presented differently, they all pointed to migraine. At the time, I didn't really understand what that meant. I later learned that migraine is actually a brain disease that affects the entire central nervous system, and it explained the severe stomach pain and nausea I'd experienced when I was younger, as well as the cognitive impairment and other symptoms. Several years later, when I was in college in Kentucky, I was also diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which could have a connection to migraine and contributed to the severe fatigue.

During the two years I was in Kentucky, I struggled with pain, nausea, fatigue and sometimes even cognitive impairment, making it difficult to have a normal social life and succeed in school. Medications I had tried before just made me sick, and I didn't know if I would ever find a treatment that would help me be "normal," whatever that meant for me. At the time, I just wanted to be free from the pain. But I didn't realize how many areas of my life were affected until I got better.

When I transferred to go to school back home, I spent the summer working with my doctor to find a treatment. Around the time school started, I was beginning to adjust to the medication that would change my life. I was starting at a new school, with a new major and hoping and praying that this time things would be different. I didn't really like high school, so I had always looked forward to college: the chance to start over, study things I actually cared about and get the real "college experience." Kentucky had been a bust, but going into my junior year armed with a medication that actually worked, I knew things could be different.

And things were very different. I was no longer afraid to be around people, worried of what they would think when I couldn't keep up with the conversation or it took me an unusually long time to respond to a question. I could go to events and meet new people, because I was there to have fun, not to merely survive until I could get back into bed. I could run for fun; I could go to parties; I could even speak up in class discussions, because I was able to follow them. That's when I realized how much I had been missing out on. It wasn't just the physical pain and limitations that had made things so difficult, I had also lost my personality, my passion and my ability to make connections with other people. I literally didn't know who I was. It was almost like meeting myself for the first time; I learned that I was actually an extrovert and loved meeting new people. I found a passion for fitness, running, biking and other outdoor activities. I joined a sorority and found out that event planning and fundraising was another passion of mine. I learned photography and picked it up as a minor, because why not? I took advantage of every opportunity I could, and I wasn't afraid to try new things.

When I ran across the Outdoor Mindset website, I had no idea there was already an organization that combined some of the things I care about most. I am now a trainer for Planet Fitness and I'd eventually like to specialize in working with clients who have neurological challenges and mental illnesses. I feel like I can relate to some of the challenges that those with neurological diseases face, and I know from experience how exercise can change lives.

I also know how important it is to be surrounded by people who care and support each other, especially when you're facing a chronic illness or disability. I was lucky to have my family and a few close friends by my side while I struggled with my illness, and I don't know what I would've done without them. That's why I'm so excited to be a part of Outdoor Mindset and grow a community in Ohio. Through outdoor activity and social connections, we CAN make a difference in the lives of those with neurological challenges!"

Super Woman Sally

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 14:58:00 +0000

Sally is an old friend and colleague of many of us at Outdoor Mindset. A few years ago, she scared us all senseless when she was in a serious backcountry skiing accident in Jackson, WY. We, along with her 8 billion other friends and admirers, have had the pleasure of rallying around her and watching her come-back from this accident. She is a true inspiration and rock star, and it's an honor to have her be a part of the Outdoor Mindset family.

Raised in Colorado, I started skiing at age three. (But I went in my dad’s backpack in the backcountry at six months old!) My family has a cabin in Leadville, so when I was young, I skied at Ski Cooper. Once my brother and I “graduated” from Ski Cooper, at about age 12, I went over to Copper Mountain. I skied there for most of my younger years, and at age 15, I started the Junior Ski Patrol program. While I was in college, and for a few years after, I was a volunteer patroller, with skills as an EMT.

After college, I worked many ski-related jobs in Boulder, including being the online editor for SKI Magazine. I worked there for a couple years, considering it my “dream job.” I skied in places like Canada, New Zealand and Chile, and trips like these were fully paid for- but I was laid off from that job. That was a Wednesday, and by Friday, I had another offer on the table.

I accepted that job, and within two week, I packed everything I needed in my car, and headed to Jackson, Wyoming. I absolutely loved it there: the PR company I got a job with, Denny, ink., had major ski industry clients like Arc’teryx, Dynafit and Nordica, so I went skiing for part of the day and it was considered “work.”

Skiing with three of my Jackson friends one Saturday, we rode the tram up at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and hiked to where we wanted to ski. We were going to ski “Once is Enough,” but we had to ski another, narrower run to get there. When we got to the top of our run, we clicked in, and my friend went first. He gave me two thumbs up, telling me it was safe to go. I started downhill, took a few turns, and then my ski fell off. I crashed, and slid downhill for 550 feet. I came to a stop by bashing my head on a rock. I was unconscious, but everything else was fine. My one friend who went first hiked up to me, and my other two friends skied down.

Once I got off the slope (which took a really long time), I was airlifted to a hospital in Idaho Falls, where I was placed in an induced coma. Even though I was only in Jackson for a short time, a lot of friends I had came to visit me. I stayed there for three weeks, and then was okay to fly back home, to Colorado.

I had multiple injuries—a broken back, neck, and ankle, and I had to have back surgery to fix that break. I wore a neck collar for a long time in the hospital so that my neck would heal. And I still have foot problems from the break. I wasn’t eating at that time, so I have a belly scar from where they put in the feeding tube. I lost a ton of weight- 30 pounds- so they gave me a smoothie with stuff that made me gain weight. I remember when I first got to eat by myself, and I forgot how great that was.

A few months after I lived at home, I got to go back to Jackson and thank all the people I knew there. Since the PR company I worked for had some clients in the ski industry, a lot of ski stuff was donated, which gave people another reason to come.

There were a lot of things I had to go through to recover- physical, occupational, and speech therapy. And even though I was 25 (and I turned 26), I lived at home. Living in Colorado Springs wasn’t great, because most of my friends were in Denver or Boulder. But I needed that time to still recover- I wasn’t able to live on my own.

Now that I live in Boulder in a condo that my parents helped me buy, I’m in a much better spot- I can see friends more often, and since I don’t drive, I can take the bus everywhere. Getting back to the life I used to have will never happen, so I struggle with loneliness. My friends from before my accident are finding new jobs, getting promoted, and/or having kids, but I feel like I’m stuck in the same place. I used to have a great job, and was doing really well at it, so this injury has stopped that. I just have to find a new way to gain happiness, beyond my job. I haven’t gotten there yet, but I’m still working on it.

I am so glad that I have come this far, when I was so very close to death during my accident. But the way my friends acted during my accident saved my life, and luckily, worse things didn’t happen with the bones I broke. My life will never be the same as it used to be, but I’m lucky to be alive so I can adapt to the changes.

Post accident, there are a lot of things that are important to me now, that I never used to consider important. Balance is one of them- I still have trouble walking. I don’t ski like I used to, and that was so important to me that even my job revolved around that. Riding bikes is a problem- I never realized how balance plays into that. My parents have kept their tandem, though, so I can still get my biking “fix.”

Yes, things aren’t how they used to be, but I’m learning new ways to do them and find other things that make me happy. I’ve now realized that the sports I used to do were the main source of my happiness. Now that I can’t do them the same way, I’m trying to learn other things that make me happy.

Outdoor Mindset has really shown me that there are more people who struggle with the same things I do, so it’s good to know that I’m not alone. It’s the simple things like having coffee with another Outdoor Mindset member that matter the most. I find pleasure in the simple things now, because I’ve realized how important they are. Before my accident, I thought bigger things were more important—like traveling, being a bridesmaid in someone’s wedding, or having success at work. Now, it’s the little things that matter the most to me, and Outdoor Mindset helps with that.

Heidi joins OM & the Denver Meetup Group

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Martin) — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 22:43:00 +0000

Heidi is a new Outdoor Mindset member, who recently joined the Denver meetup group. We're super excited that Heidi is part of the OM Community and appreciate her sharing this blog post:

I don’t even know where to begin – this I know for sure: I know I am a typical Colorado native. I love the great outdoors; skiing, camping, hiking, you name it…………………. .oh, and of course The Broncos!

I was an educator. I love learning and had taught children for 17 years. I love people, cultures, and travel. I traveled to Croatia, Germany, and Switzerland, studied in Italy, taught in Mexico and explored the US too. Backpacking the Grand Canyon was incredible. My 5 yr. old niece and I are going to “The Big Hole” when she’s 12. I possess the independent spirit that accompanies all of this.

Well, I suppose I don’t know where to begin because I also know that I am beginning a new life.

Although the desire that beats the heart of all of these “known’s”, these “loves”, essentially the pieces of my identity, still exists, my ability to live them altered. I must fulfill my identity differently because who I am is not going away and nor are the challenges that brought on by epilepsy. How do I marry these two? That is what carving this new life is all about.

I began having seizures four years ago. The seizures increased in severity and occurrence over these years until I was only safe under supervision or just within the walls of my small condo. Often my bits of solitude merely came on the heels of persistent insistence. My independent spirit was wearing on me and my dear loving and supportive family. However, it usually produced our only refuge. I had taken every medicine, suffered extreme side effects, and withstood countless tests and hospital stays.

My family had been stretched immeasurably. I was completely dependent, a bus ride let alone a drive were out of the question. It had been four years of an incomprehensible whirlwind. My mind could not begin to process the changes my life was going through at even half the pace with which they were happening.

This complete redefinition of life, health, and future led me to a decision that, as difficult as some may find, was rather obvious to me. Three months ago I decided to have brain surgery. I couldn’t be more grateful; language is inadequate to express this. The world has supported in ways I didn’t know were possible…friends, family, doctors, acquaintances, and beyond.

I have now experienced three months without a seizure and have even begun to dip my toe back into the outside world. I have gotten out on my own, ridden the bus, taken walks, and even met friends for lunch. Okay, I won’t be hitting the back bowls or even jumping on a bike. What do they say about, “Running before you can walk.” ?

I am taking it very easy and so glad that through my struggles I have met Lisa Avram, a leader in the Outdoor Mindset Denver Group. I met Lisa, and a really moving group of people who also struggle with epilepsy, through an art therapy group. Our continued gatherings regularly provide me with a unique strength. Through their support and my experiences I have learned the importance of listening to my limits vs. what our culture expects of us. I am enjoying things I never believed I would. A bus ride is quite an adventure, a joy all its own and one to celebrate! Sure, not the south rim nor Yellowstone but a gift nonetheless.

As I get out again at the pace that my health dictates, I am grateful for the resource of Outdoor Mindset. Yoga is wonderful, I look forward to walks around Cheesman and eventually there is hope for much more. What I appreciate is the spectrum of challenges I can choose from through OM. I believe I have found a tool to help me marry who I am and the challenges in this new life.

I look forward to it all and am so grateful - bus rides to mountaintops!

- Heidi

New Member, Katie McCurdy, Attends Hut Trip & Tells All

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 23:34:00 +0000

Katie McCurdy is a new Outdoor Mindset member, who recently attended the NH Meetup hut trip. She enjoyed meeting new people, talking about neurological challenges, and spending time in the outdoors! We appreciate Katie sharing her experiences.

We made our way along a snowy trail in the woods of New Hampshire, a small train of 6 backpack-toting, sled-pulling women (and one man). The area was still recovering from an ice storm, so beneath the inch or so of snow was a thin layer of glare ice, which we navigated and slid along until we reached the ’66 Dartmouth cabin. The log cabin was more like a lodge; what I imagine an old logging camp in Northern Michigan (from where I hail) would have been like. It had a giant main room with a wood stove and fireplace; multiple sleeping lofts piled with those humorous vinyl-coated camp mattresses; gas lanterns and moose paddles hanging throughout. It was rustic and charming.

My companions were a group of mostly strangers, members of the Outdoor Mindset community in the Hanover, NH area. Outdoor Mindset’s goal is to help patients with neurological conditions spend time in the outdoors, doing activities they love. My old friend Jeanie had invited me to the outing; we’d been co-captains of our college ski team back in the 90’s, and Jeanie’s now in med school at Dartmouth. Her husband, Jake, is a co-founder of Outdoor Mindset.

Most of the people on the outing were patients with various neurological conditions like MS and epilepsy, and one woman had multiple autoimmune issues (like I do, but hers were different from mine.) I don’t think they knew I was a patient at first, as I was kind of a random and unexpected addition to the trip, so my pointed questions about their symptoms and diseases might have been a little off-putting at first. But as we walked through the woods, first on our way to the cabin and then from the cabin to the top of a small mountain lookout nearby, we spent a lot of time talking and getting to know each other. I found that many of us had symptoms in common - even if our diseases were different. A lot of us talked about neuropathy - tingling and numbness in our extremities. The conversation swung seamlessly between health talk and outdoors talk; from the cost of healthcare to a hiking trip at Kilimanjaro; from treatment options to a climbing trip or a trek through the Indian Himalayas.

Now these are my kind of people! Maybe just a ‘little tiny bit’ noncompliant patients who don’t always accept the limitations of their diseases. Who push themselves to spend time outdoors and find ways to mitigate the impact their symptoms might have on their abilities. I’ve had the autoimmune disease Myasthenia Gravis for over 20 years, and I’ve recently been diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome as well - both neurological autoimmune diseases. But I’ve always been able to maintain an outdoor lifestyle; I was a ski bum in Montana for a few years, and I’ve lived/hiked/skied in VT for about 8 years. I understand what it’s like to push through symptoms to get outdoors and keep up with the activities that make you feel alive.

Later in the evening, a friend of Jeanie and Jake’s came to the cabin and taught an intro class on Pilates. She was hilarious and a great teacher, and we worked on our ‘six packs.’ Jeanie and the dinner crew made a great meal, and we spent time chatting into the night over a shared bottle of wine and some cream cheese brownies. I shared a personal project I’ve been working on that aims to help patients tell better stories about their healthcare when they’re visiting with their doctors, and I got some good feedback and input from the group.

Overall, I was so pleased to have the chance to refresh my mind and body in the woods with some like-minded patients. I’m excited to have now joined OM officially, and I’m hoping to make it to more events and to help spread the word up here in VT!

Outdoor Mindset teams up with Bones For Bruno in February!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 23:48:00 +0000

What could be better than treats that help animals and their human friends?

Outdoor Mindset is excited to team up with Bones for Bruno. Bones for Bruno hand makes gluten free treats sure to delight dogs of all shapes and sizes. Their mission is simple: Love life while helping people, their pets and their community.

Here's the deal. For the entire month of February, buy a bag of Bones for Bruno treats, and Bones for Bruno will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Collarship fund AND Outdoor Mindset!

Collarships provide financial assistance to those in need of paying veterinary bills for their furry friends.
Outdoor Mindset unites and empowers people affected by neurological challenges through a common passion for the outdoors.

Dogs love the outdoors, so this is really just a match made in outdoorsy heaven.

Wanna know how you and your pooch can make a difference? It's easy.
During the month of February, buy a delicious bag of doggie treats (or two, or three) here, and enjoy the benefits of helping people, pets, and your community!

Outdoor Mindset Announces Partnership with NMSS CO-WY Chapter

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 18:06:00 +0000

January 2, 2014

Outdoor Mindset announces new partnership for 2014 with National MS Society CO-WY Chapter.

The National MS Society CO-WY Chapter mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. The Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the National MS Society has been serving individuals diagnosed with MS and their families for over 75 combined years. They are committed to providing education, programs and services that empower you to live a healthy productive life. To learn more, visit their website.

Outdoor Mindset unites and empowers people affected by neurological challenges through a common passion for the outdoors. OM enhances members' quality of life through Meetup Groups and the Connect Program. Meetup Groups strengthen connections and empower members to get outside with scheduled group activities in local cities around the country. The Connect Program allows members to search other members and connect 1 to 1 with another member who has experience with a similar diagnosis and shares a common passion for the outdoors. These relationships inspire hope, instill passion for maintaining outdoor lives and enable our members to receive support from someone uniquely familiar with their experience. You may sign up for Outdoor Mindset's free membership community on their website. In addition to gaining access to empowering programs, members also have access to online-based tools, member perks, and exclusive giveaways.

Outdoor Mindset looks forward to partnering with the National MS Society CO-WY Chapter in many exciting ways in 2014. Look for an Outdoor Mindset presence at future Walk MS events. Outdoor Mindset plans to set up informational booths for walk participants. Also OM will encourage local Meetup Groups to get outside and attend Walk MS events. To view upcoming dates and to register for Walk MS events, head to the website. Boulder OMbassador, Kat Drake, has set up a team called "Mountain Strong" for the Boulder Walk on May 17th. If you would like to join the team and participate with the Boulder Meetup Group, please check the OM calendar and/or contact Kat for details: 970-231-7980.

This partnership is a win-win for both organizations. With complimentary missions to empower people to live a healthy and productive lives, the National MS Society CO-WY Chapter and Outdoor Mindset look forward to working together and raising awareness on behalf of each other.

Meet Eric Cobb - living life to the fullest in Orange County, CA

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 17:17:00 +0000

OM Member, Eric Cobb, shares his story for the first time. His positive outlook on life and resilience in dealing with his diagnosis is truly inspirational. From racing BMX in Arizona to embracing long Colorado winters to coming face to face with a 10 ft seal in California, Eric is a living example of how to live life to the fullest no matter your circumstances.

My story with epilepsy begins when I was at school in the seventh grade. I was reading a book in class, and went into a grand mal seizure while I was reading. I was not born with it, or experienced it at a very young age, so I was completely lost. I had my second seizure a year later, and that was when I went on medications, and began testing to see what was happening with me. It took about a year and a multitude of tests to come to the conclusion that I am an epileptic.

I had moved to Colorado from Arizona a few months before I had my first seizure, and it goes without saying I was not a winter sports fan. I grew up racing BMX, and riding jet skis due to the decent to incredibly hot weather that permitted me to do so. I would spend a lot of time in my dad’s garage building old cars, and star gazing in the evenings after a good game of hide and seek with neighborhood kids after Christmas dinner. I spent all of my time outside doing anything I wanted…

Let’s fast forward to my move to the mountains, and my complications. I didn’t know how to feel after the seizure, or the cold place I had moved to where my bike sat in storage, and no local race track to ride on, and an oversized ice rink for a lake. I became angry at times, sad at others due to both the illness and the place I was, that I shut down. However when summer came around and I could see that there was more to the world than dirt and pavement, I began my love affair with Colorado, and how everything else on my shoulders no longer mattered.

There were giants made of solid rock for me to climb, raging angry rivers made from the melting snow atop the giant peeks that spread like veins across the land. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before coming from a hot flat desert. I put my winter time video games away (due to my distaste for snow), and took full advantage of the playground that lay before me. Though all of the summer activities were magnificent, I still had hatred for the long cold winter that followed me all the way through high school.

I had later made friends that were really into snowboarding, and would taunt me a lot because I would always stay inside and sulk about the cold, and that because of my diagnosis I couldn’t go party at the bar because I couldn’t drink, and the flashing lights that I would feel alone. Eventually I had enough, and I finally saw the playground that Colorado transformed into during the winter that I began to go snowboarding. I was scared of falling off the lift, or hitting a tree, but I grew confident, and knew in myself that I didn’t want to be alone and hat nothing would stand in my way. I felt complete…

I joined Outdoor Mindset in the summer of 2011 as a mentor excited about the opportunity to work with people going through the same struggles as I had. I went several years without incident, but nothing lasts forever. My medications were causing me to have liver failure, and I had to make a change, which caused me to have to spend a lot of time on myself. After about a year I had a seizure on my way to work in December of 2011, and crashed my car through a small cinderblock wall, and wooden fence. I picked myself up, and pulled the car into the garage to start the rebuild on it right away. Again I wasn’t going to let anything stand in my way.

Now my seizure patterns were not even close to being as bad as most with maybe an episode every three years, due to my own faults not paying attention to my medication intake. In December 2011, I had three seizures, one including the car accident, and it totally blindsided me. I again was confused not knowing entirely what was happening; my new medication had negative effects on my moods, and would cause me to be very angry at times. All of this confusion and anger mixed together caused me to draw the shades again.

It took about a month to get me on the right medication, and things began to look up. No more wild mood swings, and I got back onto the path that I had been on for so many years. I moved to California in October of 2012 and have been working with Outdoor Mindset to get things going in Orange County where I currently reside. I had a seizure in early 2013, and continued with my positive outlook, and feel that I never even missed a step. I try to get to the beach as often as I can to boogie board, and surf. It has been awesome; I had a ten foot seal swim up to me one day! I was scared for sure, but what an experience! We just got done with a hike to the Hollywood sign in L.A. a few weeks ago.

I am thankful for all of the people in my life that pushed me (even the friends that taunted me) to experience life to the fullest, and not let anything get in my way, and that includes myself, and the way I handled things. I am thankful to Outdoor Mindset for the mission to help us live for the best. Even through my worst a few years ago, I remembered the motto and the commitments I made to the organization.

Without them I would still be playing video games…

Thank you,

Eric Cobb

Brad Rinehart on the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 18:35:00 +0000

OM partner, Seize The World submitted this story for the OM Blog. Thank you, Seize the World for sharing and building awareness.

This month, Seize The World veteran and endurance athlete Brad Rinehart took some time to speak about a recent milestone: completing the Denver Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. In order to prepare, Brad worked closely with team coach (and STW Development Director) Charles Koller. Part of that training even involved an epic climb of the 14,036 foot Mt. Sherman in August, together with John Olson and Colorado Climbers for Epilepsy Awareness as well as Outdoor Mindset and Seize The World. Brad lives with his wife Tracy in Aurora, CO. Together, they are an amazing couple: outgoing and kind, but also undaunted by the challenges of epilepsy.

This interview is from a phone conversation with Brad last week about his recent adventures and accomplishments.

Brad Rinehart crossing the finish line of the Denver Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. Completing a marathon had been a long-term goal for Brad. He experienced three seizures on the morning of the race. (Photo by Ian McKittrick)

Why did you decide to run the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon?

It’s really easy, you do everything: you do a 5k, you a 10k, you kinda do them all, right? I guess as a runner you want to finish off your big long run eventually, you want to complete the cycle. I always said, eventually I want to do a full marathon. And I said ‘this is the perfect opportunity.”

With the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in Denver you mean?

Yes, and I had so much support—I could not have made it through the whole marathon without my coach, Charles, I could not have made it through without his help. And doing it with Seize The World, they really helped me out. This was just the perfect opportunity to do the full marathon. I would never have done the full marathon by myself, you know what I mean? It was basically right in the back yard too.

What were some of the challenges you faced in preparing?

Well, I said to Charles, “Ok, I guess I am going to run the full marathon.” And that (26.1 miles) was just a big number. It was a big number in itself. And I just kept telling myself, “I’m going to do this.”

Brad Rinehart running with Charles Koller on 17th st. in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. Charles helped Brad with training and preparation for the marathon.

What was your training plan?

Just about every other day I would take my dog and then run a little bit and then walk a little bit. Each day I would try to build up my mileage. You know what it’s like: You have your bad days, you have to push up your mileage. I still kept thinking: “Am I going to make this thing?” There was always that.

Were there any moments when you thought to yourself, “what am I doing here?”

On race day, I had three seizures. (Brad had two seizures between 2a.m. and 5a.m. on race day, and a third at 6:00a.m. after meeting up with the team. The marathon began at 7:30 or so.) Then I just said, “Ok it’s just like a normal day.” I just knew that I wanted to finish, it was just kind of the “game on” kind of attitude though. And I wanted to finish. The other thing with the marathon was doing the hike up Mt. Sherman with John Olson and Colorado Climbers for Epilepsy and also the support of Outdoor Mindset. I don’t think I would have ever done that without them.

What was that climb like?

If you could imagine just about a trillion ball bearings or marbles, and if you tried to walk up. No matter where you walked, there is no way you could try to keep your balance. And here are these rocks that have been here for like trillions of years. (Brad is describing the infamous scree fields on Mt. Sherman’s West Slopes and SW Ridge. At one point, he scraped his knees during the hike before borrowing a set of trekking poles to help with balance on the descent).

I think I left a nice trail of blood on the side of the rock…you know, basically, I can laugh at it now, but you know by the time I came all the way down, you could see the parking lot, there was all these rocks you had to go across, but let me tell you, trying to walk across all these boulders, trying to go from one rock to the other, it’s not easy. It was an epic adventure.

Brad Rinehart and Charles Koller atop 14,036ft. Mt. Sherman. The annual climb is organized by John Olson and Colorado Climbers for Epilepsy Awareness.

Did you think about the Mt. Sherman climb while you were running the marathon?

Climbing that, and knowing that I could do that, absolutely pushed me forward for the marathon. I was telling Charles, I was only hoping to make it in 6 hours, but Charles told me I finished in 5 hours and 56 minutes, I still just couldn’t believe I actually finished the thing in that amount of time.

How did your neurologist react to news of the marathon?

I took my medal to show my neurologist and she was really impressed by that.

What do you think about the recent news with Neuropace and the FDA?

I was really excited to see that thing getting approved, that is really a big deal, I think it is a really big notch. I was one of the first to start off with this [treatment].

Do you have any advice for people trying to find a safer or easier way through life with epilepsy?

No, but I guess you could say it this way: everybody has their bad days and everybody has their good days. One week I could have a perfect week, and the next day I could have a horrible seizure. You just don’t know. You just don’t know. I don’t think there is an answer.

Right now there is no cure for epilepsy. There isn’t. As much as I would like for there to be…if we did, you and I would both be billionaires, wouldn’t we? That’s just…I don’t…we don’t have the answer. Your friends are your safety valves, I guess.

And I know Tracy says a lot of the time when I have a breakthrough [seizure], I have to sleep. Sometimes my seizures just last about 30 seconds and that’s it. Sometimes I’ll just have confusion, and I’ll sit down and that’s the end of it. Everybody has a different trigger and a different cure for their stress. I run, because that’s what cures my stress.

Susan Mollohan isn’t Taking Parkinson’s Lying Down

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 22:48:00 +0000

Participating in clinical trials is one of many ways to stay active in the pursuit of a cure for neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. In this post, shared by The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Susan Mollohan shares how she combines her love for exercise and determination to participate in the pursuit of a cure for Parkinson’s disease by participating in clinical trials. For more information about participating in clinical trials, visit www.michaeljfox.org/clincialtrials.

Susan Mollohan first noticed a tremor in her hand while at work as the Dean of Students at a high school in New Hampshire. After about four to six months of living with the tremor, the high school nurse, a friend of Susan's, suggested she see a neurologist. Soon after her diagnosis with Parkinson's disease (PD) in March 2009, Susan soon began taking advantage of opportunities to learn more about her diagnosis, and ultimately, do something about it.

At an educational seminar at Boston University about Parkinson's disease, Susan learned about an observational clinical trial studying the impact of exercise on PD progression that needed volunteers. "I was motivated to participate so that researchers could publish information about the benefits of exercise for other people with PD," says Susan, an avid skier and yoga devotee.

The study at Boston University lasted two years and required participants to come in for two visits each year. Participants were asked about their exercise routine, including type and frequency, and then underwent general physical assessments of their pace, balance, etc. "Participating in this trial gave me an improved outlook and attitude about my diagnosis," says Susan. "People need to take control of their health questions and get out there to find answers. We have to advocate for ourselves and not give in to the diagnosis." You can learn more about participating in clinical trials by visiting www.michaeljfox.org/clinicaltrials.

Since the completion of the study, Susan says she's willing to participate in another trial has registered as a volunteer on Fox Trial Finder, The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s online clinical trials matching tool. Fox Trial Finder (www.foxtrialfinder.org) matches interested PD patients and control volunteers with the clinical trials that need them, and allows them to send direct anonymous messages to pursue enrollment. In doing so, Fox Trial Finder empowers the patient community to play an active a role in drug development. Since its launch in 2011, over 24,000 people both with (76%) and without (24%) Parkinson’s disease have signed up on Fox Trial Finder.

In addition to searching for new trials to participate in on Fox Trial Finder, Susan does yoga more now than before her diagnosis and has even written a book about the positive effects of yoga on her Parkinson's symptoms. Susan also fundraises for Team Fox and this year she and her husband Steven will participated for the fifth time in the annual New England Parkinson's Ride, a 50 mile bike ride through Maine benefitting The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Her team’s name is Suzy's Shakers.

And she's certainly shaking things up: Susan says her goal is to put a face to Parkinson's disease. Recalling an anatomy class she visited while working at the high school, she says, "Two girls happened to be giving a presentation about PD. They used a picture of a hunched over, elderly man. I told them, 'That's not the face of Parkinson's...this is.'"

You can be part of the answer to Parkinson's disease. Sign up today for Fox Trial Finder to learn about ongoing clinical trials in your area and get involved in the pursuit of a cure.

Introducing...Your new Boulder OMbassador, Kat Drake

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 22:27:00 +0000

July 9^th 2011 my world that I knew changed. I received a call from my Dr. saying that it’s confirmed. I had MS. I knew this was bad but didn’t really understand what it meant.

I lost my vision in my left eye 6 years prior but had a very physical life, full of hikes and doing what I loved, like hiking with dogs. Eventually my vision came back, and although it was scary, it was back. In May 2011, with various stresses in life, I lost my vision again. A couple weeks later, standing in wet grass and playing with dogs, I realized I had no feeling in my left foot and leg standing in the wet grass. I couldn’t feel it! I am a fighter and thought: odd…but nothing could be wrong. I was then convinced by my husband to see an eye Dr. who convinced me that I really needed to see a neurologist quickly.

In July, my life changed because I was dx with MS. How could this happen to me? I was healthy and had a great lifestyle. I hiked for a living. This could not be right!

On July 9^th, I started a new journey, learning and living with MS. I didn’t want to give up the thought of hiking and doing what I loved. I searched for some support online and found Outdoor Mindset’s Meetup Group. I didn’t feel that sitting in a support group in a restaurant (eating food that I didn’t normally eat) was the way to go. I was so inspired talking to Kyle, the founder of Outdoor Mindset - a support group for people like me, who thrive on being outside. Outdoor Mindset gave me hope that I could continue to thrive and enjoy doing what I loved - being outside and pushing my limits.

Two years later, after not being able to walk more than a block, meeting and getting together with others who have neurological challenges, I am hiking and doing everything possible. My first Meetups with this group inspired me to continue to keep on trying to be outside. Nature is what gives me purpose. Outdoor Mindset is not only a support group of people who understand the challenges that I go through, but of others who have different challenges. I have laughed and cried over the challenges while we walk and MOVE, but Outdoor Mindset has given all of us hope.

I can’t say enough about Outdoor Mindset. Throughout my journey, it’s been so wonderful to meet others going through similar challenges but are fighting to be outside and enjoy what nature has to offer for healing! I am not a fan of support groups that are inside. I only have so much energy with my chronic illness, and I want to spend it where I love the most, OUTSIDE and continuing my dreams of what I always wanted to do! Now with Outdoor Mindset I feel like I get the motivation to set new goals and challenges, all with people going through challenges of their own. Somehow it makes it easier and more motivating! Thank you Outdoor Mindset!!!!!! Love you guys for what you have given to me!

Q: What are you most looking forward to as the Boulder OMbassador?

A: Meeting new people like myself. I am going through a lot of changes personally and miss hanging out with people who understand the challenges and motivations that I face. I feel as though I might not be able to do what I want to in the future so it important to me that I do “my bucket list” and continue to push myself.

Helping others. I feel like I am pretty positive in general. I would love to inspire others and help them on their journeys. I have been told I do this with my postings on Facebook and my journey of changing my diet to help my health and fight MS. I also believe in educating others about MS and the early possible signs. If I had caught it earlier I might have not lost so much from it, but on the positive note, MS has taught me a lot!

Submitted by Kat Drake

OM Member's Dream Becomes Reality

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 16:42:00 +0000

New OM Member, Marie Freed, lives in Minnesota and was diagnosed with MS in 2008. Despite the challenges, she and her husband have long dreamed of visiting the Grand Canyon. With the support of Outdoor Mindset and a 1-to-1 OM Connection, Marie and her husband were inspired to go on an adventure of a lifetime! Thank you, Marie and John for sharing your story and inspiring others!

Here it is early September and after a lot of should we or shouldn’t we, together we voted for should! Grand Canyon, here we come. That said, we were warned that making hotel reservations on such short notice would be a challenge, especially for novice travelers like us. Planning details, making decisions and keeping in mind the unpredictability of MS was overwhelming resulting in John taking the lead, breaking each step down into manageable parts that I could participate in, easing the planning process stress I experience. With his patient persistence, IPhone, and internet savvy, our 8 day Grand Canyon vacation was becoming a reality.

Why the Grand Canyon and what took us so long to get there? Well, need we really answer the first part of that question - no because everyone, regardless of abilities MUST go to experience one of the “Seven Natural Wonders Of The World” and experience it themselves!

In 2008 I was diagnosed with RRMS, (Relapsing, Remitting Multiple Sclerosis) which was a life changer for us as a couple. Prior to the dx, we had lived an outdoorsy lifestyle, gardening galore, tailgating at County Parks, walking the dogs, made a living outdoors. In the Minnesota winters we enjoyed show shoeing, sledding, skating, shoveling, snow blowing, making snowmen, hiking at State Parks and hot tubbing outdoors. We also loved renovating homes and had done that with several homes so we were physically active people and we relied on our physical ability, in part to make a living. That also meant we were always too busy for a trip, or the current project was more important so we’d wait till we retired. Everything changed with the uncertainty that is an “in your face” reality with MS.

Our goals, ambitions, priorities changed dramatically during that first year living with RRMS. Health and wellness became our priority. How we used our time, energy and finances began to come in line with our new priorities and one of those priorities was to TRAVEL while it was still possible to do so safely, comfortably and financially feasible. We always talked about going to the Grand Canyon. Friends returning from their trips came back with thrill and awe in their faces. But fear remained within us, how would we manage MS so far from the comforts and routine of home? It was more than fear, terror is more accurate. Being away from my support network was terrifying, truly.

That terror eased a bit when I found Outdoor Mindset a few months ago. I loved the mission to get people of all abilities back in touch with the outdoors, to experience the wonders of nature, even if it’s as simple as feeling the sun on your face or the breeze on your skin. I shared the OM website with John and we both kind of had a “wow, really” moment, rapidly followed by a “hey, maybe” raised eyebrow look, to a full on “go for it” high five finally. I secretly contacted OM, was immediately matched with another member who shared our interest in a Grand Canyon trip and had resources to share. I really needed to find a level of self confidence to be fully on board with the trip and reading about people’s outdoor adventures inspired me to fight the fear and participate in making it happen. And it did!

September 21, 2013 we departed from Minneapolis International Airport, arriving in Las Vegas early morning. Stepping off the plane in Vegas really felt like we were in another world beginning our outdoor adventure. The change in vegetation and dry desert conditions are stunning and bewildering, so vast and sparse. Looking at the map while on the road, rather than in a recliner back in Minnesota, the environment commanded our attention. From Vegas, we decided to live on the edge and took a detour to Zion National Park in southwest Utah. A friend of John’s had said “ So you’re going to the Grand Canyon, that five minute wonder, that big hole in the ground people look at for five minutes and move on.” Surely, he would rethink his response when faced with such beauty, ruggedness and be at a complete loss for words, as we were when entering Zion National Park. If Zion National park with it’s fantastic, luscious rust colored peaks and sharp unforgiving cliffs, was our first taste of that so called five minute wonder, we couldn’t imagine what awaited us at the Grand Canyon. As an energy conservation strategy, John got us on the park trolley tour which helped me manage the heat. I go to jelly in the heat, my body, my brain, it all just slowly comes to a halt. Leaving Zion was difficult but as an unplanned detour, we had to get back on the road to our next stop, Jacobs Lake Arizona in the Kaibab National Forest 40 miles north of the Grand Canyon - North Rim.

September 22, 2013 we were so excited to get to the Grand Canyon, we didn’t even stop for coffee. Thought we’d get some on the way, ha ha ha. Make sure to get your coffee and fill your gas tank at the Jacob Lake Inn before you take off for the canyon. The terrain in this part of Arizona felt more like home, massive pines, towering aspens and beautiful grassy plateaus made the drive relaxing. The park ranger at the entrance helped with the access pass application, issued the pass and we were in the Grand Canyon National Park! With the actual canyon miles ahead, the roads got more windy, tree lines dominated by pines, we got a glimpse of the canyon. The Grand Canon Lodge - North Rim is a huge, beautiful log and stone structure with dining room, lecture hall and large sunroom overlooking the canyon with huge stone terraces accessible from either side of the sunroom. The structure was updated to include two chair lifts for accessibility. Attached to the lodge are a deli, saloon/coffee bar and gift shop. Our log cabin had all that we needed, comfy bed, toasty warm comforter, modern bathroom and a heater but we slept with the windows open despite the dip in temperature mid 30’s.

The beautiful vast and rugged view of the Canyon is so awesome that to process some of it I have to break it down. Looking at the animals that call the canyon home and the plants that grow - that would be quite a list. Our short stay was filled with education, hiking paths, sitting on the terraces with coffee in the morning sunrise, with a glass of wine for sunset and enjoying the fabulous menu and service of the dinning room. I have to say the intimate setting and its rugged beauty undoubtedly leaves me speechless, but I am so grateful to be here, experiencing this with the women I love! I took over 100 photos at the north rim, like a fanatic, or more so there is something about being there with someone you love that you can’t capture on film or express in this writing. With a full day of outdoor adventure in a high altitude, meeting new people from all over the world and processing this experience, we were tired and slept the best we had since leaving home.

September 23, 2013 was cool and breezy. A good travel day to drive the 5+ hours to the South Rim. If I could only fly like those California Condors it would’ve been a quick 10 mile trip across the canyon to the south rim. Along the way we entered the Navajo Reservation crossing over the Little Colorado River Gorge on the historic bridge. Looking down into that deep red rock river gorge, that river did not look so little to me. Navajo artisans had booths set up selling beautiful handmade crafts and jewelry.

Our first stop on the South Rim was Desert View, the site of the Watchtower, designed by Mary Colter and built in 1932. Several of Ms. Colter's buildings are still standing. Pulling into Desert View, the south east canyon entrance's main stay, offers park information, gift shops, acres of hiking among an unfamiliar blooming desert landscape that immediately made us realize we had not thought to bring an Arizona plant identification guide. Just beyond the tower, the canyon is revealed, showing it’s south view of completely different beauty, showing a different style of dress, compared her partner to the north. It was like the canyon changed clothes on the south, sporting different look. The deep canyon views, now topped with gorgeous low growing plant life with a juniper here and there, unlike the north covered in towering pines.

Following the canyon heading west are many stunning overlooks within easy walking distance of the road. Our goal was to get to the Canyon Visitor Center and explore the Village. It was really easy to acclimate ourselves to the transit system and with the park maps, we made decisions about how we would spend the day in the park. Fortunately, we had been able to book 2 nights in Tusayan, 7 miles south of the canyon. (We were also fortunate we made the trip before the government shut down just a week after we got home.) I think the small thriving town of Tusayan depends on canyon tourism to thrive. After exploring our hotel, finding a deli for a quick sandwich I noticed a quietness about town, like it was giving respect to the fantastic evolution taking place around it (the canyon ) and giving it the respect it deserves, succumbing to it, letting the lights go out another night.

The next morning, it was an early quick breakfast and off exploring the canyon. We got to the south entrance before we could even finish our coffee and parked at the Visitor’s Center, decided what we wanted to see and hopped on the free shuttle bus along with many other travelers from all over the world. You can travel anywhere in the park on different routes. We choose the route that has the most views of different parts of the canyon heading west to Hermits Rest. When boarding the shuttle, we’re looking for that one seat that gives the ultimate view, that panoramic vision and with a spirit of cooperation, we realized others are looking for the same. With nine stops over several miles we could walk or ride whatever segment of Hermit Road we chose. How could we go wrong with buses every 15 minutes driven by well informed, courteous staff. We hiked a good portion of the way on paths that are well maintained, both asphalt and gravel, always on the edge of the canyon for a very up close view. We stopped to talk about how we wondered if we were looking at the same views as the explorers did so many years ago. Looking at views so unimaginable, I think everyone finds their own way of burning it into memory. As we traveled either on foot or transit from Maricopa Point to Hermits Rest and back again we felt so lucky that in our middle years, (and after 35 years of marriage), we could value and enjoy this experience together. Thankfully, our camera served us well and we enjoy the memories on our computer screen at home daily.

As reality set in that the end of the day was near, we took our final pictures of that fantastic canyon, the buildings and park grounds. We are grateful to have had the chance to learn about Mary Colter’s work. We appreciate the National Park Service for maintaining these areas for everyone to experience and for making our visit fun and problem free. Their work is outstanding.

Our Grand Canyon Trip was ending as we packed ourselves up and drove south to Sedona for 2 days visiting Slide Rock State Park, Red Rock State Park and resting at the pool at our hotel. We drove Route 66 back towards Las Vegas, stopping at the Hoover Dam to see the new bridge and finally landed at the Hard Rock Hotel for the night before leaving the next morning for home.

Thank you Outdoor Mindset for being out there encouraging people to get outdoors! Who knows, maybe in the future you’ll be here in Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes!

Outdoor Mindset to Participate in Colorado Gives Day

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 16:49:00 +0000

Outdoor Mindset announces its support of Colorado Gives Day 2013 – an initiative to increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving to Colorado charities. Presented by Community First Foundation and FirstBank, Colorado Gives Day is a 24-hour period to “Give where you live” by making online donations to the hundreds of charities featured on Community First Foundation’s online giving resource, ColoradoGives.org. As a profiled charity on ColoradoGives.org, Outdoor Mindset will benefit from this initiative.

On Colorado Gives Day (12/10/13), Outdoor Mindset will host a one day event: Going the Distance for Giving Challenge. Outdoor Mindset supporters are encouraged to go 12.10 miles on 12/10/13 to promote giving on Colorado Gives Day. Participants in the Going the Distance for Giving Challenge may create fundraising pages here. Help us go the distance to raise awareness, get outside, and promote giving on Colorado Gives Day! For more information, visit our calendar or contact Julie, Community and Programs Manager: julie@outdoormindset.org.

“We are excited to be part of Colorado Gives Day this year. This initiative helps raise awareness of the work we do for the community and brings Coloradans together. We are particularly excited about gathering our supporters and getting outside for our first Going the Distance for Giving Challenge,” said Julie Myers, Community and Programs Manger for Outdoor Mindset.

“Thanks to generous Coloradans and hardworking nonprofits, we’ve seen the impact of Colorado Gives Day build dramatically over the last three years in every way,” said Marla J. Williams, president and CEO of Community First Foundation. “Not only the dollars raised, but the number of nonprofits and donors contributing to the success of the day has also grown tremendously. We look forward to continuing this momentum through Colorado Gives Day 2013.”

For more information about Outdoor Mindset, please visit www.outdoormindset.org. And for more information about Colorado Gives Day and the other charities involved, please visit ColoradoGivesDay.org.

Outdoor Mindset unites and empowers people affected by neurological challenges through a common passion for the outdoors.

Community First Foundation has been serving the community for 38 years, helping donors and nonprofits come together to improve quality of life in the Denver metro area. It funds community programs, supports the services of nonprofit organizations, and assists individuals with charitable giving. The Foundation is also known for its innovative programs such as ColoradoGives.org, an online giving resource that has raised more than $50 million for Colorado nonprofits since 2007 and is the platform for Colorado Gives Day. For more information, visit www.CommunityFirstFoundation.org.

Kudos to OM's New Website!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 21:32:00 +0000

We are psyched about the new platform for our members to connect and get outside. We have continued to grow our membership to over 260 members located in over 30 states. To refresh, here are the programs available to our members through our NEW and IMPROVED website:

Free Membership Community: Community membership is available for anyone who shares our passion for the outdoors and has been affected by a neurological challenge (including diagnosed individuals and their supporters). Members may connect with other members, participate in our programs, gain access to special events, participate in exclusive giveaways, access member discounts & perks, and more.

Connect Program: Members may search other members' profiles and connect one-on-one with another member who has experience with a similar diagnosis. These relationships inspire hope, instill passion for maintaining outdoor lives and enable our members to receive support from someone uniquely familiar with their experience.

Meetup Groups: These groups strengthen connections and empower members to get outside with other members in their local area. Members may join awesome events or organize their own adventures. We are now located in 5 cities, including Boulder, Denver, Breckenridge, Hanover, and Cincinnati!

You MUST be a member to take advantage of the following tools/features. Join Now!

Member Perks: Members can enjoy exclusive member discounts to help motivate and empower them to live big!

Search other Members: Members may search other members by diagnosis, outdoor passion, city, age, or gender...and connect online to get offline and into the outdoors!

Say Hi to your Connections: Once you are connected to other members, you may send him/her a private message.

Please visit our new website and email us with your feedback or testimonial: connect@outdoormindset.org

Meet Your Denver OM Ambassador, Amanda

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 20:22:00 +0000

We are so excited to have OM members and sisters - Lisa and Amanda Avram - as our new Denver OM Ambassadors. Their Live Big spirit is contagious, and they have some great ideas for fun and unique Meetup events in Denver! Article below was submitted by Amanda Avram.

What’s up, party people! My name is Amanda. I’m Lisa’s sister. I like to think of us as the Dynamic Duo of Neurological Awesomeness. I am also born and raised in Ohio, but I’ve been out here in Denver for 8 years… I think. Maybe it’s 7 years? I don’t know, somewhere between 7-9 years. I am a Senior Educator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. I teach everything from Dinosaurs to brain dissections and to every age from Pre-K to Pre-service teachers. It’s ridiculously fun. I feel like I get paid to play, which is nice!

I consider Colorado to be the most epic playground one could ever imagine. Rock climbing, hiking, camping, backpacking, snowshoeing, mountaineering, cycling, blah, blah, blah all right outside your door. Not only that, but you get to do it with this stupid awesome backdrop of mountainous goodness all around you. It’s surreal at times (especially when you grew up in Ohio), and it is very zen-like and restorative. Clearly, I love doing all those things. Like my sister, I love climbing the Colorado 14ers and pretty much anything high altitude. I have climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and, recently, went to Argentina to attempt Mt. Aconcagua. I had to turn around at 21,000 ft because of cold. It was a difficult decision to make, but I don’t regret it. I sort of need my fingers and toes. Priorities, I guess! I’d love to go back and give it another go.

Apparently, Epilepsy runs in our family. I grew up with it, our Mom grew up with it, and now Lisa has it! Hey, sharing is caring. I learned that in pre-school. My seizures started when I was in 1^st or 2^nd grade, and I had them through High School. My favorite seizure story starts with, “This one time at band camp…”

My latest neurological adventure is my TBI diagnoses. It happened 5 years ago. I was traveling back from Nevada with a group of friends when our vehicle was struck by a double trailer semi-truck. I can now legitimately say I know what it feels like to get hit by a truck. So, I have that going for me.

What are my hopes for Meet-ups: I just want to get as many people out doing as many super fun things as possible. I really want to get the Outdoor Mindset Organization out there in the public eye as much as possible. So many people can benefit from this organization, and I want them to hear about it!

Not surprising facts about me: If you haven’t figured it out, I like to keep things light. Laughter really is the best medicine for me. I’m pretty fun-loving and easy going. I just like having a good time.

If I were a cheese, what kind of cheese would I be? If I were a cheese, I’d probably be like a Taleggio or something like that. It’s slightly stinky; but, if you can get past the smell, it’s really delicious!

If I were a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, which one would I be: Michaelangelo, DUH! He’s goofy and slightly stupid at times, but can wield a nasty set of nunchucks when necessary! Also, he loves pizza as much as I do.

Meet Your Denver OM Ambassador, Lisa

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 22:46:00 +0000

Hey Outdoor Mindset! I’m an Ohio native (Go Buckeyes!) who moved to Denver in 2001 and hasn’t looked back. I do miss my family in Ohio; but, I'm lucky to have a brother and sister and their families out here with me. And, I’ve got some pretty amazing friends all over. I am a special education teacher working at Children’s Hospital Colorado. I teach in program called Project SEARCH- it’s a job development and employability training program for young adults with disabilities….And it’s awesome! I’ve been a special education teacher for 12 years now. Whoa. What? Where does the time go?

Denver has so many things to do out here - camping, hiking, running, climbing, biking, snowboarding, snowshoeing….you get the idea! and it's all in my backyard. Camping and then climbing a 14er is one of my favorite things to do. (I’ve climbed 9 total, and Bierstadt twice and just want to keep checking them off the list!) I most recently completed the Ragnar Colorado Relay which is a 200 mile running relay that started in Copper, went to Breckenridge, over to Vail, then Glenwood Springs and FINALLY ended in Snowmass. I ran 3 legs of this relay- there was a team of 12- and although all of it was beautiful, my favorite part was running through Glenwood Canyon at 3:00 in the morning, with the sound of the rushing water and the stars above me. It. Was. Perfect. I’ve also ran 2 half marathons, countless 5k’s and 10k’s and one day would love to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and visit Germany.

I have epilepsy- but it hasn’t stopped me from doing things I love. I’ve had seizures as long as I can recall (I remember my first one at the age of 4), but wasn’t “officially” diagnosed and put on medication until 2000. I was in college. That’s a long time to live without knowing what kind of day you were going to have. It took a while to get used to having to take medications and trying a bunch of them to figure out what worked, (and even still things change and it’s like starting all over again) but now I’m an advocate and a supporter for myself and others with epilepsy. I don’t think it’s talked about enough and I’m all about bringing more awareness to the epilepsy community.

Interesting facts? I've broken/seriously injured my left wrist 3 times in 3 years. The last time, I completely shattered it and I now have a metal plate and 12 pins in it! There was a stint of three years in a row, where I always had some sort of cast or brace on my wrist. It made for some great conversation starters at work, for sure.

Favorite colors? Brown and green.

Favorite season? Fall! (It’s here! It’s here!)

Superpowers?! I've always wished to be invisible-even more than being able to fly. And I definitely wouldn't want to be able to read people's minds!

I hope that being a member of Outdoor Mindset allows me to meet and support others using my passion for awareness and my passion for the outdoors. I’m a huge believer in the healing powers of “just being” outside and making connections with others. I’m interested in organizing some more Denver meet-ups for OM, and meeting some great new friends! Let’s go Live Big!

Can Do Day Story - A guest blog from our partner, Can Do MS

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 21:14:00 +0000

In honor of CAN DO DAY, our partner Can Do MS, wanted to share a story on our blog. Can Do Day is all about living big and focusing on what you can do. Get inspired and make a pledge about what YOU can do this September 22nd!

"We were relieved to finally have a diagnosis..."

Amy Sleeper

Most of us spend our childhoods believing that our parents are superheroes – that they’re indestructible, can do anything they want, and can save our lives simply by putting a Band-Aid on a scrape. This belief often disappears quickly as we grow up. Unfortunately for some of us, it disappears for a much different reason. Amy Sleeper’s dad David was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when she was a junior in high school, even though he had been suffering from its debilitating symptoms for years before that. Within a year, he went from being one of the top finishers in his age group during a local mountain-bike race, to struggling to finish it. He endured years of doctors’ visits, being told that nothing was wrong with him, that he was just getting older. Finally, the doctors diagnosed him with MS.

“We were relieved to finally have a diagnosis, and although it wasn’t something that I went around telling everyone, it wasn’t something that I ever lied about or hid from anyone who was curious. When I went off to college, I even came home for Thanksgiving with a brand new tattoo – the MS awareness ribbon!” Amy said.

In 2012 David learned about the flagship four-day CAN DO® Program in Denver, CO, and invited Amy to join him as his support partner. Already an active volunteer at the Can Do MS office, Amy participated in this life-changing program and began spreading her can do spirit as a daughter, support partner, and humble advocate for Can Do MS.

“Since the program, I’ve met a handful of young adults just like me whose parents are living with MS. I take the time to explain how amazing my experience was at the program and let them know about all the resources Can Do MS offers. It’s my way of spreading the can do philosophy.”

Can Do Day is all about sharing that philosophy! It was created to honor Can Do MS founder Jimmie Heuga (1943-2010) on his birthday and to raise awareness for MS. During September supporters are encouraged to share their pledge on our Facebook page of what they can do on Jimmie’s birthday. On September 22^nd, they post a picture of what they are doing to help spread the can do spirit.

Amy’s pledge is inspired by her father as well as her experience at the program.

“I left the program with a new appreciation for life and the realization that even though I may feel indestructible at 25, I could lose that feeling for a number of reasons. I have always tried to live my life to the fullest, but this program and all of the amazing people I met have taught me to take nothing for granted. I see my dad in a new way – I admire him every day for the strength he puts forward to accomplish all of his goals, and I only hope that I can grow up to be as strong as he is.”

Amy’s pledge starts by participating in a five-mile mud run on September 21^st. On Can Do Day, Amy is going to spend the day raising awareness for MS and our programs by sharing her new appreciation for life through email and social media. Most importantly, Amy is going to spend quality time with her Dad over the phone to let him know how much she loves him and that his strength is her source of inspiration.

Join Amy on Can Do Day, September 22^nd, to make your own Can Do Day pledge! Help honor Jimmie Heuga on his birthday by sharing your can do spirit with your friends and family by raising awareness for MS. Visit the Can Do MS Facebook page today to share your pledge!

Member Highlight - Michele

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 19:12:00 +0000

I'm a SF Bay Area native, living with epilepsy all my life. I love being outdoors. Nature helps me connect with God & feel alive. I've been married for 19 years to my love, Michael. Together we've successfully raised our blended family of 3 kids (Hilary and Dan - my two from my first marriage, Sean - Michael's son from his first marriage).

I live in Santa Clara, California, the heart of innovation, Silicon Valley. My outdoor passions are hiking, walking, yoga, spending time in nature. When I was younger, I ran through the woods once or twice a week. Michael and I rode our bikes through Italy and we did century rides for years. I spent many years as a runner, a triathlete and I love open water swimming. Unfortunately, it's not safe for me to swim alone because I nearly drowned several years ago after having a seizure in a swimming pool.

My most significant current challenge is recovering from VNS surgery. I've had VNS for 10 years, which stopped my daytime seizures 100%. I still have occasional nocturnal seizures, and lately I've had a few partial complex seizures when the VNS stopped working. The entire unit was replaced on August 8th.

If I woke up tomorrow as an animal, I'd choose to be a dog, a black lab like my Lucy. Lucy loves to walk, play & sleep -- she loves unconditionally.

My motto is, Live each day as if it was your last - Epilepsy does not stop me from living a full live.

I joined Outdoor Mindset in the Summer of 2012, after completing my masters studies. I love the idea of connecting with others who live with neurological disorders and sharing our mutual love of being outdoors .

My expectations for Outdoor Mindset are to do a group hike in Yosemite, maybe climb Half Dome. I'm in the very early stages of training for a half marathon in LA in March 2014 through Athletes v. Epilepsy, a division of Epilepsy Foundation of America.

I'm most looking forward to meeting new like-minded friends through OM's Connect Program, and training for some local outdoor adventures next Summer. I would love to be part of a local Meet Up group.

Misty's Journey to Empowerment

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 20:18:00 +0000

Read about new OM member, Misty, and her experience on the recent Denver/Boulder Meetup: Hiking Mt. Sherman with Colorado Climbers for Epilepsy. Misty recently joined OM and lives in Castle Rock, CO.

I must say that I went out of my comfort zone on this past weekend. I saw the hike online and said to myself "I want to do this for my son." I sought out friends and family to hike this 14er with me.

My son is 8 years old and has epilepsy. He was diagnosed almost 2 years ago. I struggle mentally trying to figure out answers for my emotions over this. I support him in anyway I can trying to empower him while doing little to empower myself. In one year Austin has (so far) run four 5k's and a kids triathlon.

When I couldn't find anyone to go on this hike with me, I sought elsewhere, calling Tom Olsen and emailing you [Outdoor Mindset]. Both were very welcoming and I realized seeking elsewhere meant allowing myself to go out of my comfort zone. I struggled up and down but I realized giving myself permission to do this empowered me in ways I cannot explain.

I had an amazing and emotional trip. Everyone I met made me feel very welcome. I spent the night in Breckenridge, CO that night having some time to think and reflect on my emotional day and our journey with epilepsy. I woke the next morning so happy to say, "when can I hike my next 14er?" I thank God for allowing myself to be empowered by such stressors and beauty of hiking a 14er. I also thank him for the wonderful people who helped encourage me mentally along the way.

Meetup Groups...Dissected!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 19:56:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what OM Meetup Groups are and why they exist? Well, let me explain. OM's mission is to unite and empower people affected by neurological challenges through a passion for the outdoors. OM supports this mission through offering several programs, one of which is called Meetup Groups. Meetup Groups strengthen connections and empower you to to get outside with members in your local area. You may join awesome events/activities or suggest your own!

Who may join these Meetup Groups? Outdoor Mindset community members may join. Community membership is available for anyone that shares our passion for the outdoors and has been affected by a neurological challenge (including diagnosed individuals and their supporters). Register today:

What are some examples of past Meetups? Stand up paddle boarding, hiking, snowshoeing, walking, races, film screenings, and much more!

How do I join Meetup Groups and RSVP to an event? Currently all our Meetup Groups are located on Meetup.com, but very soon these groups will be available right on our website.Keep reading to find out about upcoming Meetup Groups in your city!

BOULDER, CO MEETUP GROUP

What: Weekly Walk at Coot Lake

Where: On 63rd St. about 1/2 mile North of the Diagnonal, west of road, Boulder, CO
Why: Let's meet to walk around the lake, and then grab coffee if you have time. Coot lake is a flat, easy 1.2 mile dirt trail loop. Dogs are welcome! It's a beautiful trail with a great vibe! Hope to see you there!
When: Saturday, August 10, 2013
RSVP: www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Mindset-Meetup-Group-Boulder/

NH/VT MEETUP GROUP

What: Kayak on the Connecticut River

Where: Ledyard Canoe Club, West Wheelock and Tuck Drive, Hanover, NH

Why: Come out for an afternoon on the Connecticut river while the summer is still here. We will paddle South from Ledyard boatyard in Hanover, NH to a nearby island for a picnic break, and paddle back. The journey should take around 3 hours.

When: Saturday, August 10, 2013

RSVP: www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Mindset-Meetup-Group-Hanover/

DENVER/BOULDER MEETUP GROUPS

What: Join Colorado Climbers for Epilepsy to hike a 14-er, Mt Sherman

Where: Iowa Gulch Trailhead, outside of downtown Leadville

Why: We are partnering with amazing father and son, John and Tom Olsen to raise awareness about epilepsy. Read more about their story here. This hike is one of the easier Colorado 14-ers. We will cover a 2,150 ft elevation gain over 4.5 miles roundtrip.

When: Saturday, August 24th, 8:00am

RSVP: julie@outdoormindset.org

If you have any questions, feedback, or would like to start a Meetup Group in your city, please contact julie at julie@outdoormindset.org.

NEW Member Highlight - Meet Alyssa!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 19:10:00 +0000

Meet inspirational new Outdoor Mindset member, Alyssa! Her journey through life and navigating the challenges of a traumatic brain injury truly exhibits OM's "Live Big" spirit! Thank you, Alyssa for being an open book and sharing your story!

Name: Alyssa Bowman

Date Joined OM: July 19, 2013

Current City: Longmont, CO

Submitted by Alyssa Bowman:

I'm thrilled to have found Outdoor Mindset and I'm really looking forward to getting to know some new friends out here to go adventure with! I JUST moved from Seattle (like last week) to Longmont Colorado. As a Seattle girl my favorite food is coffee anything, and my newly discovered favorite color is Colorado sunshine! My outdoor passions are paddle boarding, yoga, hiking, kayaking, x-country skiing, swimming, and triathlon training. If I were to wake up as an animal I think I'd like to be a sea-turtle. They are so calm and serene (plus they swim all day...what a life!) My motto: Live life abundantly!

December 11, 2010 I suffered a TBI while on vacation. I currently have a 30 hour memory. I remember everything up to December 17th 2010...and yesterday. So really, the movie "50 first dates" is my life. Some of the gifts found because of my TBI: I live in a state of constant mindfulness, I am very very confidential...you can tell me anything today because tomorrow I won't remember it. Gifts...every one of them is a gift that keeps on giving. Re-runs on TV are first time shows for me, plus, I have a knack for understanding the memory impaired! On a more serious note, I've learned what it means to be strong again, I've learned to really lean on my faith and on my support network. I've learned the value of my friends and family, I've learned how to not give up, I've learned how to ask for help, and I've learned how to thrive again!

I just finished my first masters degree in Theology (with a 30 hr memory!) and I'm starting my second masters degree in two weeks (Marriage and Family Therapy w/ cert. in child therapy). I'm an administrator for a church and I also work at a counseling practice as a mentor for teen girls.

I chose to join OM because I wanted to meet new friends, play outside (A LOT), regain a sense of confidence, and get to know some other people who might really be a support and spark a sense of FUN and ADVENTURE. I really hope there will be a Boulder/Longmont presence at OM Meetups. I'd love to see yoga, hiking, paddle boarding, picnics, bike rides, horse back riding, x-country skiing, maybe a group presence at some races etc.