Saying Yes to Loving Myself

I made the decision three years ago to stop drinking alcohol. Valentine's Day is my anniversary and I have gifted myself something each year. My gift this year is to create more opportunities that I can say yes to. Removing alcohol and making my mental health a top priority has created space for me to … Continue reading Saying Yes to Loving Myself

Snowflake Winter Wellness Festival

Keep your eyes closed and focus inwards. Feel the rise and fall of your chest with each inhale and exhale. You're safe and feel at home in your body. When you inhale, feel your body expand with potential. When you exhale, send positive thought out into the world. I really did try to keep my … Continue reading Snowflake Winter Wellness Festival

You have to go through those mountains and valleys – because that’s what life is: soul growth

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

Long weekend at Riding Mountain

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

Sometimes it’s hard being me

I had a love affair with Earl Grey tea during traditional Afternoon Tea when my husband and I stayed at Fairmont Château Lake Louise. I sat in the Lake View Lounge and spent my afternoon looking out at Victoria Glacier. Little did I know at that time, Earl Grey tea would return to soothe my … Continue reading Sometimes it’s hard being me

Hunt Lake Redemption

My previous time on Hunt Lake trail did not go well due to physical and mental overexertion. I had two anxiety attacks that resulted in me ripping my backpack off in the middle of the backcountry and hyperventilating. It was terrifying. My friend joined me for her first time on Hunt Lake and I took … Continue reading Hunt Lake Redemption

Appalachian Trail: The Trail is a Magical Place (day 6)

We hiked down a long descent yesterday afternoon before arriving at our shelter for the night. It seemed to go on and on and I wondered if it would ever end. I have concluded that I much more prefer ascends to descends. Gravity wants to pull me down the mountain and I need to work … Continue reading Appalachian Trail: The Trail is a Magical Place (day 6)

Appalachian Trail: Harper’s Ferry and Bear Poles (day one)

We started off with a walk through Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. The town is rich with civil war history and I felt like I was in a museum instead of a real place where people live, work, and play.Upon leaving Harper's Ferry, we followed a nature trail out of town and saw countless cyclists out … Continue reading Appalachian Trail: Harper’s Ferry and Bear Poles (day one)

This is just the beginning

The Appalachian Trail awaits my footsteps. I will begin my longest and most challenging hike in just two weeks. When I come face to face with difficulty on the trail, I will remember to give myself grace. I know I will feel sore, my feet will blister, and my legs will scream as I climb … Continue reading This is just the beginning

Beyond the Black

This is the second last video in my solo Mantario series. This video is by far the most important. Thank you in advance for watching and listening. If you share only one of my videos with your friends and family, I want it to be episode 8. The trail transforms those who are open to … Continue reading Beyond the Black