2019 is kicking off with a focus on health, wellness, and building my physical strength. To keep myself physically active through the remainder of the winter, I am signed up for two fitness classes outside of the 1-2 times a week that I go to the gym and work on incline training. In January and … Continue reading 2019 Hiking and Wellness Goals
Last week I gave a presentation at Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba entitled The Backpack Chronicles: The path to sobriety and mental wellness through nature. I had no idea how many people would show up and I imagined anywhere from one person to a packed room with standing space only. A Facebook event had been created … Continue reading Speaking at Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba
I have been occupied with working on a project that is an extension of my blog, which is why I have been quiet with posting. I am preparing to expand the community that my voice reaches by using my lived-experience with mental illness to speak at Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba as part of Women's … Continue reading Let’s talk about mental health and hiking
I surrounded myself with nature this morning. Red, oranges, and yellows mixed in with browns and greens greeted me along every step of the way at Spruce Woods Provincial Park. The sun was shining bright and it was a gorgeous fall day. My family and I ventured out for a hike through Spirit Sands and … Continue reading Family Hiking in the Sunshine
I have learned to honour the emotions that pulse through me and to give myself what I need when I need it. My mental health is a top priority of mine and I have created a life free from alcohol that was built little by little with each personal milestone. I truthfully spend a lot … Continue reading You have to go through those mountains and valleys – because that’s what life is: soul growth
I hiked and camped at Riding Mountain National Park a few weeks ago with a group. Like all trips to the park for me, Whitehouse bakery was our first stop and group meeting spot. The maple cinnamon buns and cream cheese cinnamon buns were just as I expected. Warm, gooey, and the perfect late morning … Continue reading Long weekend at Riding Mountain
A new trail name has been bestowed upon me and I accept it with pride. Going forward, while I still feel like Wonder Woman, I shall be known as Dandelion. I am sure I am reading far more into the symbolizm of a dandelion than the thought that went into the name choice from my … Continue reading Dandelion, Bear Hug, and Blue Jay hike on Mantario
Asha's energy level has mellowed out as she's become older. She still has a bit of puppy left in her and I think she always will. Her breed, an American Akita is typically not a hyper, high-energy dog and does well with a daily 30-minute walk. We go for longer walks when we have time. … Continue reading Hiking with Asha has changed
I relish experiences where my daughter is encouraged to move out of her comfort zone. It is character building and a confidence booster. I like to think I walk a good balance between creating a safe environment in the outdoors and allowing space for natural consequences that create learning opportunities. There are some aspects of … Continue reading Hiking and Camping with Kids: Safety
I strive to offer my daughter a balance between the technology that rules our lives in 2018 and the natural world. I want to nurture every ounce of her enthusiasm for the outdoors for as long as possible and I also want to give her time for other interests like video games. It is my … Continue reading Hiking and Camping with Kids: Getting Kids who are Reluctant into the Outdoors
Wild Woman Wisdom 