Meet-Up Spotlight: Ohio's Maggie

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!"

Starting the Year Off Right

Happy 2013 OM'ers!

Well, in keeping with the spirit of the New Year, I must start things off on the right foot by being truthful in admitting defeat in the 2012 Outdoor Mindset Chili Cook-off that was at the end of October 2012. Yes... it's true... Kyle's Two-Step Texas Chili took first place this year, bringing in lots of votes (aka Texas money brought up to CO by the Martins!) As promised, here is the winning chili recipe. I could've re-typed it, but I thought the pictures and comments in the original recipe print-out were too good not to share! (Don't forget to add more beef!!!)

The 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off was a great success, raising over $8,000 for our programs and members. I huge thank you goes out to everyone who attended, donated, or participated in our silent auction which had some amazing items this year. The chili was good, the beer was good, and the auction was great, but the people who come are always the best part!

That same weekend, amidst the chili cooking and preparations, we even held a mini Board Retreat, where the OM Board of Directors did some planning for 2013. To say the least, we are extremely excited for the upcoming year and the future of Outdoor Mindset. We have some great ideas for enhancements to our programs to further serve our Members and get everyone outdoors. So stay tuned! 

2012 was a great year for Outdoor Mindset, as well, with just under 200 Members who are affected by a neurological challenge and have a passion for the outdoors.  Our Meet-Up Groups launched this year, with great momentum in both Boulder, CO and Hanover, NH. We've also made some amazing 1:1 connections through our Guide Program, where Members provide great support and inspiration through their relationships. Our Members continue to amaze us with their stories and spirit!

We have so much to be thankful for this past year, and moving forward for 2013 but we can not say it enough: Thank you so much for your support and for tuning in for updates! Now get outside. :)

Back to resolutions, football, and winter fun,

Jill 

Three Squeezes

Julie's race has come and gone, but she has one last inspiring and touching story to tell - and it's amazing, as always! On behalf of Outdoor Mindset, I want to thank Julie for sharing her story with us and helping to spread to good OM word. It's stories and attitudes like this that really make us who we are as an organization. That being said, if anyone else out wants to share their story with us, please contact me at jill@outdoormindset.org. Thanks again Julie - and keep running! 

October 2012:

It was 7 years ago this month that my Mom, Robin, passed away from ALS - Lou Gehrig's Disease. Yes, my race is over, the fat lady sang and it was loud and clear. But (one last but) I hope you can allow me to invade your inbox one last time and reflect a little. Personally, I gained a tremendous amount from the half marathon race, the Outdoor Mindset experience, the entire adventure. It allowed me to shout from the roof tops that when you have a support network and stick together you can make a difference in the quality of someone's life and give them hope and a smile. I supported others and was supported by others both during my Mom's fight and during this run. That's what it's all about. ALS is not a pretty sight and it never will be. We had other plans but then ALS reared it's ugly head and our family had no choice but to deal with it. The choice we did have was to support each other, deal with it together, dig deep and be real. It wasn't pretty but without that support it would have been unbearable. This race and my connection with Outdoor Mindset allowed me to sum that up, honor my Mom and put a dent in the funding needs for ALS research with the hopes of finding a cure so collectively we are one step closer to ridding humanity of the unbearable that is ALS. 

Julie and her 3-Squeezing Mom, Robin

Ever since I was a little girl with long flowing blond curls in pigtales, I remember my mom usually hold my hand if we were out and about and would periodically squeeze it three times. This meant: I. Love. You. This was our family thing. When she tucked me in at night just before I fell asleep she would squeeze my hand three times ever so slightly so not to wake me but so I knew just before dreamland that she loved me. If I was sick at home with some flu bug she would do the same. I think I would've died a thousand deaths if my Mom started telling me in the back to school section of the shoe store that she loved me just because she thought I was cute trying on new saddle shoes. It was our simple way of letting each other know we loved each other when it was likely inappropriate to speak it. So, three squeezes did the trick. I just sort of thought everyone did this until I got older and realized this was a Morhouse thing. My older sister and I would do it to each other if she took me to the mall shopping when I was a kid and we were together hanging as sisters. She was 10 years older and cool during those years when my mom was no longer cool in my eyes. You know those girl teen years. I would do this with my younger brother although he would always giggle. We still do this today. I carry it on with my kids. When my husband does it to me, it no doubt makes me teary, every time. It's her living on through us, in my kids whom she never got to meet, in my family. 3 squeezes - unconditional support and love.

As she declined her voice was affected until it was quite hard to understand what she was trying to communicate. For some reason I had this gift, this ability to look into her eyes and just know what she needed after she mumbled a few illegible words. I don't know why but I had this ability to understand her for the most part. It got harder as the months went on but usually we'd get there. It was a gift and it was all we had. Everyone had their role. This was mine. Sometimes she needed dad, sometimes she had to pee, sometimes she just wanted some gooey melted chocolate to suck on.

When Mom was on her last month of life she was under heavy doses of painkillers. She could only use her eyes to communicate in the form of blinking. None of the other muscles in her entire body worked, just those eyelids. We were lying in bed one morning waiting for her doctor to come to the house and adjust her painkillers. It was a beautiful morning, the sun was streaming in the windows that were just above her bed, the clouds parting, a slight breeze. We were just existing together, heads touching and holding hands waiting. Then she gave me three squeezes. They were ever so slight and a magical gift. It was all we had. I gave her three squeezes back and then the doctor came. Sometimes words aren't needed – thankfully.

What I've learned in life is that there are hard times, there are wonderful times, there is life. We plan and plan and inevitably life takes over and creates a new situation we haven't planned for. Those plans are not always welcome but we have no choice but to deal with it. The choice we do have is how to handle this new deck of cards we were just dealt. Turning that negative into something else, perhaps hope and creating positive energy feels good, almost addicting. This is not necessarily easy. This mindset is what lead me to Outdoor Mindset. Their one and only goal is to help and give support to those living with a neurological challenge. Living with any disorder is not what we plan for in life. When “life” happens, adapting to a new personal situation or a new support role for a friend or family member with a neurological disorder is not what we plan for. What we do have is a choice and ability to be strong and reach out for help or provide help, to provide support, to create laughter and love, to be there. Can you imagine living with a neurological disorder and not having that support? Outdoor Mindset does exactly this. They want to be your friend, but only if you're affected by a neurological challenge – that's a pretty great friend. They are that someone that's there to lift you up, help you get outside and feel the elements in whatever way you are ready for them; planting flowers, going for a walk, hiking or biking with the equipment that allows you to get outside, or a talk in an outdoor coffee shop, they will be there to support you, three squeezes.

Maybe I can't give Mom three squeezes now but I can 1) help combat this illness, 2)help others living with other neurological disorders live the best life they can and 3) honor my Mom while dedicating my time to Outdoor Mindset.

So, I continue running and helping.

Thanks for reading my blog series. Thanks for being on this journey with me. Thanks for your care and support while Remembering Robin. Thank you. 

Humbly,
Julie

I was never totally sure I could do it. Until I did.

Whoa, get ready to smile like a proud parent over Julie's half-marathon success! I hope after reading this you're all ready to explore your limits, get outdoors, and connect with others who can help you not only during the hard times, but also share the good times. Congrats Julie!

September 17, 2012

Dear friends and family,

If the story ended with all peaches and cream that would be boring. So, between you and me, I'll tell you the real story. 

I ran my heart out; I ran 13.1 miles in my goal time of 2:00:04. 

This journey has been rewarding in every way possible. I started this adventure with a gut feeling, hope, desire, and idea and a new partner in Outdoor Mindset. I never considered running prior to this adventure. I always relied on the inside of a gym and a 45 minute work-out or in my former life a pool to stay in shape. You got a glimpse of a very personal side of my life, you started with me on this running adventure and getting outside and having an Outdoor Mindset and helping those with neurological disorders and stayed with me for 3 1/2 months until I ran a half marathon as I promised I would. I have to admit, I was never totally sure I could do it. Until I did.

I, we, raised over $7000.00 in honor of my Mom and the Remembering Robin ALS fund and have loads of people to thank for it. Family, friends, friends of friends, best friends and strangers that heard of the cause and wanted to help. So, I clearly raised awareness through the Outdoor Mindset blog and surpassed my monetary goal. Thank you all. 

Two amazing friends, Margaret Roscoe and Kourtney Matter surprised me and came to Sweden from the States the day before the big race. They are my right and left arms in life and this time they were my right and left legs. Kourtney was in the last 4 miles, I think, both my right and left legs as I was a hurting puppy and she made sure I got to that finish line at 2 hours. There is no way I would have done it without her there running. They are the best friends anyone could ask for.  

My husband has been my mental sanity and steady supporter for 3 1/2 months along with my kids when I started this adventure. I even got to hug them at the 12th Kilometer still smiling. And so many came out and cheered for me and Kourt on the race track. It wasn't until the 17th kilometer when digging deep was not a joke. And there in begins the aftermath, the reality for a first time runner going through this.

The race:

It was amazing. The weather was perfect. I mean truly perfect. I was telling someone, maybe you, that I was praying for great weather as I'm not really all that tough so I needed, wanted, hoped for the absolute perfect running conditions and got them. The race started. We took it out a little fast and felt good. Our goal was 2 hours. We were going to take it slow in the beginning to build reserves for later. But then we got cocky and wanted to catch up to the next heat in front us so we ran our hearts out. We felt fine. In fact I'd say we pretty much felt fine up until the 17th kilometer. Then we both started hurting. We started digging deep but we did stay on pace. Then I started to feel nauseaus around the same time. And a little delirious. It was waves of nausea, came and went, came and went and it didn't let up. My body was fine. Don't get me wrong, I hurt everywhere, my thighs, knees, mostly my knees actually, but it wasn't anything I couldn't get through. But my stomach. Not so much. Finally we rounded the final corner and saw that finish line. It was amazing. We crossed it, hugged and I haven't taken my medal off yet. Amazing, Kourtney was amazing - one tough runner, the buzz was amazing, the music, the crowd, the scene. I was relieved to be done. We walked to meet up with Erik, the kids and Margaret. We bypassed the massage booth and honestly I did it knowingly. I just wanted to get home.  

Dinner of Champions!

We hopped in the car and soon after getting home it came. Yup, full on dry heaving for 3 hours.  Thank goodness it was my best friends and husband who were seeing me in all my glory of dry heaving and not someone else. While Kourtney was jet lagged and just jumped in and ran and was fine - drinking Rose wine with Margaret, celebrating, having a grand ol' time. There was a party next door I was supposed to go to with all of my friends and just couldn't make it. All I wanted was to drink Champagne, celebrate with my husband and my two champion friends here from the states and party next door and I. Was. Sick. I had Marg google "nausea after running". Three things: 1) eating too much too close to the race (within 2 hours) That wasn't it. 2) dehydrated. I knew that wasn't it as I drank and drank and drank before and during the race. 3) drum roll...... Overexertion of the body. Bingo! That was it. I pushed my body past it's desired limit. I'm still a little mystified as I'm used to doing this. Back in my swimming days I did this daily. Well, I guess mama ain't 18 anymore. Well, I finally rallied later in the night and the only thing I could keep down was a bag of cheetos and a flat coke. I got to chat away with my friends and husband finally. At least I redeemed myself a little.

The lesson: I need to train my body it has to keep up with my mind and heart. Any ideas welcome. Cause I'm not backing down now. I will do this again. Save this space!

So there you have it. The full unabridged story in all it's glory. It was amazing, it was hard, I was sick and now I'm fine and I'm going to do it again.

I am blessed to have so many supporters that care about: my Mom and helping me fundraise for ALS research, Outdoor Mindset and what they aim to do now and in the future for all those living with neurological disorders and me during this journey. I am one lucky girl. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

I wasn't a runner so naturally I signed up for the Stockholm Half Marathon with a goal. And I'll do it again. My running, blogging, fundraising adventure has come to an end. The race is over and it's all done. I am wearing my medal and my Outdoor Mindset shirt with pride. I will no longer invade your in box or infiltrate your facebook pages with running clutter. Well, one more blog is coming out so I may peek my head in once more.

I hope you've enjoyed our journey together. I certainly have. Thanks for joining me in Remembering Robin. And you can always find me at www.outdoormindset.org. That journey for me has just begun.

Love,

Julie

Understanding

When I read this next blog from Julie, I was reminded of how important it is to have a varied support system for the person who is going through the neurological challenge, as well as for those who are providing support.  By varied I mean a wide circle that can help tackle the complexity of feelings, provide entertainment and distraction and even encourage strength and growth through the changes that a neurological disorder can bring.

One of the things that I admire most about Julie’s family is that they kept the door open and invited people in as they faced one of the toughest medical diagnoses there is to face. But, as in most life challenges, even with an enviably wide circle of friends, most of us will at times feel alone at some point.

It was years after her mother passed away that Julie was looking for additional support.  Living overseas, with all of the busyness and joys of a young family, she realized that she needed a connection that would help her work through the complexities of grief.  Through Outdoor Mindset, she has found a friend who is cheering her on as she runs and raises awareness and funding for ALS research.

Even if you already have a strong support system (which statistically speaking, most of us do not) it’s important to round it out with whatever other channels you need - professional or non. And of course in our opinion, the best environment for that support is outdoors and while being active!

Week of September 3:

Have you or someone you loved ever been affected by a neurological disorder? If you're out there, keep reading; Outdoor Mindset is here for you.  They are a group of wonderful people that understand, that care about what you've been through and can even make you smile.

I remember my Mom would want to get out of the house every day and that wasn't so easy but we had the support to do it.  She has tons of friends that came over every day. We kept our doors unlocked and people would just sort of show up. It kept our family sane too to have so many people help, want to help, need to help and we allowed it. We were (are) a very open family. We let people in. It worked, they wanted to come over and see us, we wanted them there.

We would get her in her wheel chair, down the elevator, out the door and into a new van set up for wheelchairs and we would take her riding. She would get out and we would all figure out a way to laugh, to eat ice cream, to have adventures, to have an Outdoor Mindset, to breath again. I remember driving after we had ice cream and there was a load full of her friends (we called them all “sisters”) that were in the back of the van all eating ice cream and she was thirsty. But she couldn't hold a cup and straw on her own anymore so this thirsty thing was not as easy as it seemed. I couldn't just hand her some water. We pulled over and her friends in the back, all goofy, funny ladies were laughing about something, telling stories, just having a grand ol time. We stopped, I gave her a drink and held it in her mouth for her while she drank and these girls were still talking away and of course making her laugh. She was now snorting the drink, whatever it was, out of her mouth, nose, ears if it could go that way. Laughing, all of us laughing. It was great. I guess what I'm trying to tell you is that perhaps if you're reading and you need support, we can help - just like my mom's friends helped her laugh during her struggling times.

My friend Jan and I are two people connected by this wonderful group and were two caregivers for loved ones with ALS. We nurtured and loved our Mom's through it. She's not only someone I've shared my story with but she is also a runner and helping me now power through my first half marathon. She is getting me mentally through some of the tough parts of this running thing that I'm brand new at. She is my supporter, an inspiration with her own ALS experiences in her family and a friend from across the world.

Personally, for several years I was reluctant to talk about it - I was exhausted from it. Now I'm ready to help those dealing with it or those who are caregivers and perhaps don't want to talk about it but would like to know that a community exists. We, OM, can provide you with support. When I was in the thick of care giving, the last thing I would've wanted to do would be to read anything about ALS. I was living it, breathing it and wanted it to end. Sort of a league of its own and well, if you're reading, we, I understand. OM understands. We can just be there for you if you are ready for us.

Thanks for reading.
Julie

Friends in Low Places

I’ve loved hearing about Robin’s (Julie's mother) attitude towards combating ALS.  Dealing with a neurological challenge as the diagnosed, or as a supporter, is never a welcomed challenge, but it can bring small gifts such as hope and a desire to push ourselves just a little bit harder.

Outdoor Mindset members are a tough bunch. Our group includes people with Parkinson’s who are learning to run, people with MS who will crutch for miles driven by their passion for the outdoors, people who are adjusting their love of skiing or biking by learning to use equipment that allows them to keep moving, and more. We are a group that does our best to always keep going, and encourages others to do the same. 

I can see that determination in Julie’s mom. In this next entry, as Robin rounds the kitchen island with a hero’s determination, she keeps going as best she can, in the best way she knows how- with friends, family, and laughter surrounding her.  

I can also see that determination in Julie. As she runs and writes, she opens up and develops her understanding of how her entire journey with her mother is shaping her into who she is today.

Week of August 27: 

The Baltic Sea

I'm out there running on the rim of the Baltic Sea. It's possibly the most motivating place to run. It's pretty dark and cold here in the winter so when summer comes and it's finally warm it's so freeing to be outside. It's the perfect time and place to start this running adventure of mine.

I spoke to Jan, my Outdoor Mindset running buddy. It's so nice to have support from her about what to expect on my long runs, how my body will feel and what to do about it. Today was a long one so not only did I pull from her training tips but also from her strength as a woman who has also dealt with ALS with her Mom. She's an inspiration and it just makes me want to run longer to do all I can to help.

As I run, I know my Mom is there looking down on me. That may sound weird but I do go into that sort of deep thought as to why I'm doing this while on mile six when my legs aren't loving me. She'd be the loudest screamer for me on the running path. She was my biggest fan when I was a swimmer growing up. I swam all the time; it was my passion as a kid, my sport. I wasn't the best at it but I tried to be. I still have video of my old swimming days and her in the background screaming. Kinda funny. You would think I was about to win the Olympics at how loud she could get those pipes going. But to her it was her kid about to beat another kid in a race, period. It mattered to her.

Yep - Bubble Butt!

My mom was using a walker for a long time and eventually graduated to a motorized wheel chair. Every day she would try and walk with the hope of not needing either eventually. We had this island in the middle of the kitchen and she would do “laps” around it: trying not to hold on. One day one of her friends, (we called her friends “sisters” or “circle of friends”) came over with a little bubble machine that was this funny contraption of a guy that pulled his pants down and shot bubbles out of his butt. Immature but it made us all laugh.  So, she would round the table and get back to the end where bubble butt was and laugh again at the success of her rounding the table, at bubble butt. This is a new definition of “friends in low places” thank you sisters!

So this was her exercise. Her biggest obstacle in life. Her hope. If she rounded that table without holding on somehow she thought (and therefore we all thought) perhaps this is just a funny phase in life and will pass. Perhaps it's just an ailment for this month and each day she'll round that table again and again until she's back to normal. Perhaps.

She tried each day. Each day my Dad would be grounded, positive and take it moment by moment and hope. Each day her friends showed up with a new trick up their sleeve and we laughed.  Each day they showed up with hope, ready to make her laugh, ready to listen, ready to hug away her tears and fear.

So I continue to run.  It makes me realize that I'm not sure I could live sanely without some sort of exercise in my life. It keeps me whole and centered. And wanting to help others fighting a neurological disease, get outside and benefit from that feeling.  And I'm feeling good. I think it's due to my overpriced fancy new running shoes. But they are cool. Stay tuned.....

Thanks for reading.

Julie

Staying Centered

Tonight we have another chapter from Julie during her marathon training. This entry sheds a lot of light on the challenges and importance of being a Supporter of someone with a neurological challenge. At Outdoor Mindset, we understand this important role, which is why our Membership and programs are also for Supporters. Take is away, Julie:

Week of August 20, 2012 

Last night I went out for a run after my husband got home from work. It was a beautiful night and this is the most unbelievable place to run. This little town of Djursholm. By spring and summer there are running paths by the ocean, to the golf course, around town and by winter they are cross country skiing paths.

I saw a fellow trainer wearing the I'm Running for the Stockholm Marathon shirt. I felt cool, like I was in a club and she and I for a brief second knew we were in it together as we were running on the same path deep in the wood while seeing the water peeking out from between the trees. I was running as the sun was starting its descent. I felt like the animals were watching and guiding and helping me along. Does that sound weird? I feel weird having said it, but it's the truth. Maybe Outdoor Mindset is making me more outdoorsie after all. They are, after all, the guru's in helping all those people living with neurological diseases get out there and feel life, feel the elements, feel that they are not alone. The breeze, the smells of the dirt and leaves, the little chirping and scuttling of birds and other unidentified animals were all there talking to each other guiding me and my runner friend in those woods for that one stretch of path over 5 minutes or so. I'm not so outdoorsie but I was hoping for the rain to come. That would've rounded out my experience somehow. I talk to my mom out there, in my head of course. Not out loud. I don't listen to music, I like hearing the sounds around me and then I can also think a lot more and talk to Mom. Again, weird I know, but somehow it's comforting.

If only it was as easy as the push of a button...

I remember when she was sick I would go to the gym all the time. It was the way I let out energy and kept centered throughout her illness.  So, several years later, when I found Outdoor Mindset, I realized that they were in the process of creating something important; a community of people encouraging each other to use exercise to cope with the stress and the grief of caring for a friend or a loved one with a neurological disorder.  I saw immediately that OM was so aligned with my belief in exercise as an important coping tool; that their programs could be valuable tools for those fighting neurological disorders as well as those working through their grief.  So I decided to contact them and they matched me with a partner (across the globe, but close in life experience), encouraged me to find an outlet that was the most aligned with my needs (raising awareness and funding for ALS research) and continue to support me as I work towards my goals.

So, I run another day for you Mom, for me, for our family.  I run for all those living with a neurological disorder.  I'm thankful that Outdoor Mindset is out there with the hope of helping all of you affected by a neurological something.

Until next time,

Julie

Going the distance....together.

13.1 miles is a long way to run. I've never tried to do it and am not sure I ever will (please don't challenge me). But with summer in full swing, it turns out that our OM Members are in full swing, as well, and are tackling some huge outdoor adventures together - like running marathons. Some people may think that a personal match made between two people on different sides of the world may be a bit hectic and unorthodox. However, we think when you have something in common as personal and important as being a supporter and caretaker of someone with ALS, it closes the distance and makes it feel like the other person is right there for every step of the next journey together - even if that is training and running a marathon. That's what Julie (in Sweden) and Jan (in Colorado) think, as well. But I'll let Julie fill you in on the rest and give you a bit more background... and stay tuned because there's more to come soon! ~Jill

Here's the full download from Julie: 
I am not a runner. I didn't even like to run.  So naturally I've signed up for the Stockholm Half Marathon on September 15, 2012. This is my story.

My mother died of ALS in Oct 2005. I was very involved in her life battling ALS, in general, but specifically while she was in her last few years combating the disease with strength and hope. Ever since then I've wanted to do something to help raise awareness and money towards a cure for ALS. First I needed to heal and step away from my personal experience for awhile. I needed to let my mind and body live life again - happily without worry, pain or fear of how my mom is doing that day and what I might face looking into her eyes but still needing to smile and laugh with super human strength. I come from a family rooted with love, good values and a foundation stronger than most. A family that has faced challenges, adversity and euphoric times; who's core has been shook but is strengthened by facing challenges head on and believing in positive energy, living a life that makes a difference. We believe it's how you live life that really matters.

So I fell in love, got married, moved to a few countries, worked, had a few kids and breathed fresh air again. I am proud of my two children and family, in love with my husband and love where life has brought me today - the journey and all. I am 37 years old and from New Jersey but now living in Djursholm, Sweden (a little town outside of Stockholm). As I was emersed on Facebook, I saw a friend's post about this wonderful organization called Outdoor Mindset. It's an organization who's mantra is: to unite and inspire people affected by neurological challenges through a common passion for the outdoors. It screamed my name and therein began the end of my search of figuring out how to raise awareness for ALS. I emmersed myself in the website and immediately signed up and reached out.

The road ahead... running!

Being that OM's mantra is uniting people affected by neurological challenges; they immediately connected me to another woman, Jan, who lost her Mom to ALS. Together Jan and I will be running in separate races across the globe from each other - she resides in Colorado, I in Sweden- to help raise awareness and funding together towards a cure for ALS. Please join us on this blog to follow our journey and get to know us on our mission to make a difference and find a cure for ALS. We will also be raising funds for the ALS Association on their website, here.

Now the best part is going to be following us on our path as we run in our separate races across the world while trying to raise money and awareness for ALS. We will share our emotions as caregivers and daughters of people with ALS. We hope to reach others affected by ALS or any neurological challenge on our blog. Oh, and there will likely a few belly aches and pains as we train and keep it real.

I'm not exactly a natural runner but I figured if my mom can endure a 5 year plus battle with ALS with superhuman strength, head on and with relentless hope then, well, I can run a half marathon. I hope. I thank goodness I have Jan, a natural and professional at my side helping me as she trains for her two races in August and October.

At least the view is nice in Sweden!

So I'm running. I'm running to support my fellow OM member Jan who's in CO running for the same reasons I am - our buddy support system.  I'm running for all of you living with ALS, for all of you with a loved one living with ALS, for all of you that have lost the battle to ALS, for all of you that know what ALS is and want to give it the big finger and for all of you that want to take the stairs but have to take the elevator because of ALS. I'm running for you, Dad, who would've gone to the poorhouse (and I think almost did) figuring out how to fight this disease for her with all of the homeopathic, holistic and cutting edge non-insured covered drugs and procedures with the hope of saving your love and soul mate. I'm running this for you Mom - my inspiration on how to fight and live large until the end.

Follow us along as we train. And if you're now intrigued, check out the full Outdoor Mindset site to understand all that this wonderful organization does to help people affected by a neurological challenge and why getting outdoors in any shape or form can heal. There are many ways to be involved. Perhaps you may want to join too?

~Julie

Can Do? YES YES YES!

We are so excited to announce a new partnership with Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, an organization we have greatly admired from our creation and along every step of the way. Can Do MS is a leading provider of innovative lifestyle empowerment programs for people with MS and their support partners. Leveraging the powerful legacy and principles of former Olympian and organizational founder Jimmie Heuga, Can Do MS has helped thousands of people living with MS reclaim a sense of dignity, control and freedom by empowering them with the knowledge, skills, tools and confidence to transform challenges into possibilities.

What inspires us most about Can Do MS, and probably what connects us most deeply, as well, is their positive outlook on living with a neurological challenge. They say that by focusing on what you can do, their programs can provide a whole new way of thinking about and living with MS. And now, as a partner of Outdoor Mindset, we can focus on ways to do this together to serve all of our members!

We've made some great strides on being able to serve our community of MS Members, and our partnership with Can Do MS is going to provide us even more opportunities and insights on where we should go next. Here's a great story from one of our Outdoor Mindset Members and Guides living with MS, with a serious 'can do' attitude, who recently enjoyed a great hike with through OM Meet-Up Groups:

Sandy joined Outdoor Mindset looking for some hiking partners. Sandy is a massive and serious hiker and after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, continued her hiking passion using forearm crutches (along with doing some other awesome adaptive sports like monoskiing and handcycling!) She says she's still a pretty serious hiker, although she's had to adjust her expectations a bit with a slower pace. She's had trouble finding hiking partners because her pace is a little slower than the average hiker, however she can seriously hike all day - like 11 miles!

Sandy attended a recent Outdoor Mindset Meet-up Group doing the Twin Lakes Hike near Boulder, and here's what she had to say after:

"It was so wonderful for me to have such great company for a hike in one of my favorite places in the world. And I think we were so well matched as far as hiking ability! And how wonderful to have hiking companions that were not freaked out by my crutches and I wasn't the weird, disabled one trying to keep up with the able-bodied folks. Instead, I just was one of the group and it was so very lovely. Thank you so much for setting this up!"

And Sandy wasn't the only one feeling inspired that day. Another hiker from the Meet-Up group wrote in:
"It was good to spend time with others who have similar conditions.  And what an inspiration Sandy is -  wow."

I'd say that was a pretty exceptional day for all! We are SO thrilled to be able to help nurture this experience between our Members and can't wait to spread the love with Can Do MS, as well!

Don't forget to check out our Meet-Up Groups in:
Boulder, CO 
Hanover, NH
Cincinnati, OH 
...and more to come!

Jill

Sometimes you just need a giggle!

Life can be stressful… I don’t think anyone would deny that statement. With a dog post-ACL surgery waiting for me at home in a cone (which she hates!), the expenses and stresses of moving to a new town, and what seemed to be a slew of lame things happening to my friends weighing on my mind, I was walking home from work one evening when I passed the Bozeman Center for the Arts and noticed a strategic piece of graffiti that brought a smile to my face. Someone had spray painted a ‘F’ in front of the word ‘Arts’ on the sign outside the building so that the sign read “Bozeman Center of the Farts”. Immature – yes. Vandalism – also true. Funny – without a doubt! I found myself laughing the rest of the way home, and MAN IT FELT GOOD. For me, sometimes I just need a good laugh to help turn my mind and my day around, and I know the others on the Board of Directors for Outdoor Mindset feel the same way.

That is actually one of our main values we wanted preserve when creating Outdoor Mindset, to incorporate humor in all that what we do. We want to make people laugh and smile, despite any other neurological craziness going on in their lives. Sometimes we can be quirky… would anyone agree with that? I mean have you seen the video we submitted for the Cultivate Wines Non-Profit video contest, The Give?? (Oh yeah, and also, please vote for us here every day from now until June 30^th so we can win some moolah to spend on our Members!) I don’t think you could NOT crack a smile when a suited up Kyle Martin comes rolling down the road towards the camera and then almost runs right into the thing (right at the 1:15 mark for anyone who may have missed it. Your welcome, Kyle.)

Savanah doesn't think this is very funny... but...

So please, try to have a giggle. Sometimes you can’t just go out and find it when you need it, so let it find you, too. No matter what’s going on in your day, in your week, or even in your BRAIN, try to find a smile or some laughter somewhere out there because I promise it’s going to make you feel better.

“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.”

- E.E. Cummings (<< See, it's not just me that thinks so... this famous guy backs me up)

Laughing all the way,

Jill

Hold on to your seats!

Like I said in my last blogpost: We have a lot going on at Outdoor Mindset right now… and that’s an understatement. But probably the most exciting of all is the fact that we’ve hired a part time Director of Programs and Membership to help manage and develop our programs. And well, she is awesome (again, definitely an understatement!) Patti comes to us with years of valuable non-profit experience, and above all, a passion and excitement to nurture and develop non-profits with great programs and potential – like Outdoor Mindset! So here’s a little shout out from Patti herself, giving you some insight about who she is, and what’s to come with her involvement with OM.

From Patti:

A few hours before Kyle called to offer me this position, I was practicing yoga next to a woman in her 70’s who has Parkinson’s disease and I noticed that as the class progressed, her hands calmed and the trembling slowed. She has a beautiful practice: soft, gentle eyes and strong, graceful poses. We started talking after the class ended and she told me that she was headed to a retreat at Shoshoni in Rollinsville, CO the following weekend. I could tell that it took courage for her to sign up for the retreat. “I drove up there by myself to see it, I didn’t know if I’d get lost on the way, or if I’d even find it,navigating the back roads, but I did and I love it; it’s a beautiful place.” 

What touched and inspired me the most about hearing her plans, was that she was pushing herself to find new experiences; to live her life. She found something that she was curious about and created an adventure for herself. Hearing her story reminded me of how important that is for all of us. To me, that’s what Outdoor Mindset is all about: people connecting and inspiring each other to continue living their dreams. Or, as the Outdoor Mindset team would say, to Live Big!

I’m three weeks into my new position as the director of programs and membership and am so impressed with the incredible job that the board and volunteers have done of laying the groundwork for a successful organization. They are a dynamic, engaged group with a wide variety of professional skills and they are passionate about Outdoor Mindset’s mission. I’ve worked and volunteered in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years. One of the positions that I found to be very fulfilling was as the executive director of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the ALS Association. While working with people with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), one of the things that I found to be the most disconcerting was the number of people who found themselves isolated because they didn’t have the support to get out and stay active. Many seemed to cut back on activity long before it was necessary. When I saw the job announcement for this position, I thought to myself, what a great idea for a nonprofit! I’m looking forward to working hard to make this organization more visible and to developing its programs so that we’re able to increase the quality of life for those suffering from neurological disorders. I love to hear from our members, please call or email me and introduce yourself!

-Patti

See, I told you she's awesome! So hold on to your seats people, because with the addition of Patti and our dedicated Board of Directors and Volunteers driving this bus, we’re all in for a wild ride! 

One great thing we’ve already put together is this fabulous (you can saw 'fabulous' on a Friday and it's ok, right?) video showcasing what Outdoor Mindset is all about. Check it out and share it with your friends, family, pets, co-workers, waiters and waitresses, and anyone else who will watch. :)

HAPPY FRIDAY! We hope you are all as excited as we are about the great things going on with OM!

Living Big in Bozeman now, 

Jill

SPRING MADNESS!!

What season do you think is most productive for new ideas, adventures, and stepping out of the box? Is it Fall/Winter when leaves start to turn red/brown and then it gets to be -30* outside? Or is it Spring when flowers start to bloom, the grass turns from brown to green, and the sun is constantly shining outside? I’ll let you take a guess which season I’m leaning towards for my final answer. At Outdoor Mindset, we have a history of Living Big in the Spring. Way back when, when Outdoor Mindset first got started, a great majority of the Board took a trip to New Zealand in April of 2010. For two weeks we explored the South island, and backpacked, beach-camped and bungee jumped through that amazing country. You can check out our full adventure here. And while that seems like so long ago, and just like yesterday all at the same time, the Spring tradition continued last year, when we launched our first ‘March Madness’ fundraising campaign to help raise funds for our Guide/Traveler Program. This included activities including 5ks, huge Adventure Races, and even mustache growing to help spread to OM spirit.

So now here we are, Spring 2012, and how are we going to top ourselves this Sping? Well, there is LOTS going on at Outdoor Mindset, and that’s an understatement. We have two Board Members traveling the world for a year (and skyping in for Board Meetings from beautiful places like Thailand! Checkout their blog here) two Board Members about to take a 4 month adventure to Costa Rica, two moving out to Bozeman, MT (and taking OM with them!), two with new babies this year, Med school domination on the East Coast, and much much more. PLUS, we just hired our first part-time staff member (Welcome Patti!) to help expand and develop our membership programs, which is huge for us! AND, like that’s not enough, we just launched our new fundraising campaign, appropriately titled ‘Spring Madness’ to get people outside, trying new things, and join in on the fun that Outdoor Mindset likes to explore during the Spring Season, while raising funds for our Meet-Up Groups.


Check out our Crowdrise Page to see all the amazing things we’re doing for this Spring Madness campaign, and get involved in a project, or just flat out donate! Like I said, our focus for this campaign is to raise funds for our biggest 2012 initiative - Outdoor Meetup Groups within our membership program- to strengthen connections and inspire members to get outside. What a better way to build a connected Outdoor Mindset membership than to get outside together? Since many expenses go along with managing this program; such as the technology platform to manage events, labor costs associated with managing the program, outreach materials, food & beverage costs, rental expenses, etc., we’ve set at $10k goal for Spring Madness and need your help to reach that numbers. So come get involved, join in on the fun and start your own pattern of Living Big in the Spring… we wouldn’t have it any other way!

And just in case I wasn’t clear – GO TO THIS LINK NOW to join in on our Crowdrise Spring Madness event, donate, or for no other reason, just to see how cool we are. :)

Hope you're all having a great week - and Happy Spring!
Jill

Take a Moment to Feel Alive and Thankful this Holiday Season

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF OUR OUTDOOR MINDSET FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

This year, don't let the craziness of the holidays overtake your life. With family coming into town, gifts to find, things to do, houses to clean, and meals to be made, let's all not forget to cherish the little moments during the holidays that should be the primary meaning of this season: to give thanks and spend time with those you love, doing the things you love, which hopefully also includes some R&R in the outdoors, as well. 

To help put this in perspective, we have a guest blog from one of our fabulous Outdoor Mindset Guides, Natalie. In her story you'll read below, you'll find that amidst recovery from brain surgery (and you think the holidays are stressful!), Natalie found herself in the middle of a lake in her kayak giving thanks for every second out on the water, feeling alive and thankful for her neurological experience and the new path her life was on. Take this inspiring and amazing story with you this holiday season and give thanks for the many blessings you have in your life, and take on a new appreciation for the little moments we should all be thankful for.

Here she goes: The "New Normal for Natalie"

My journey with neurological challenge began in April of 2005 with what the radiologist report said, "accidental find" - a brain tumor in my right anterior temporal lobe, about the size of a golf ball.  It was a  Friday morning.  I was so confused about the information they handed me on the paper that I went home and began to google all the types of tumors and the impacts to the areas of the brain that may be affected by my type of tumor.  What I found was pretty upsetting and I didn't have anyone to talk to about it.  I didn't want to scare my family and yet, I needed emotional support.  Hearing "brain tumor" is a pretty scary thing and the thoughts of "Okay, now what the hell do I do?" are the ones that come first, finding all the information you can and then of course determining the approach with your doctors is the process that isn't so easy to have patience to endure.  I wanted answers quickly and found that in some cases, they simply don't have answers to provide.  Plus, everyone and every situation is different.  I was thankful cancer was ruled out and still, I had a tumor that caused "mass effect" in my head.

My approach was to rule out some of the serious side affects that "may" happen if we waited and watched my tumor for a while.  My wonderful team of doctors (really love them) admitted that they really didn't know much about my type of tumor and given, that it represented less than 1% of all intercranial masses, they were very rare.  I truly appreciated their direct, honest feedback and the amount of time they spent with me to understand what I was facing.

With MRI's planned every six months (unless new symptoms appeared) - we "watched" my tumor.  We watched it slowly grow.  I knew it was growing given the increase in pain I had been experiencing from the intercranial pressure, it's similar to the symptoms of meningitis.  I could deal with those and often wondered what a "regular" headache would feel like.  My pain tolerance began to increase and dealing with the pain became routine.  All this while working full time in a management executive role - and being a single mom to 2 wonderful boys.

We watched it...  In the mean time - I continued to do the things I loved outdoors; fly fishing, kayaking, hiking, water/snow skiing, boating,   Occasionally, I would be debilitated with the pain and be in bed for a day or two but I was able to get back into the swing of things quickly.  I rarely missed a day of work and learned to push through the pain or "nut up" as my sons would say.  ;-)

In the fall of 2008 I started to feel different.  The painful "headaches" were getting more frequent, lasted longer and I became WAY more sensitive to light and noise.  I also noticed my sleep was far more interrupted.

On December 19th, 2008 I experienced my first partial complex seizure.  Everything changed on that day.  I was alone, had just come down the stairs of my home when out of blue, with no warning my head/neck were rigid and my chin was close to my left shoulder, my left arm was rigid and I couldn't move it.  I felt my way to the bathroom with my right hand, sat down and waited.  The seizure lasted about 60 seconds but seemed much longer.  I was confused - I didn't know what to do.  In my post seizure funk, I drove to work.

It wasn't until I was at work for a while that I realized what I had just been through.  So, I went back home and called my doctors.  I was immediately put on Kepra and a few other drugs.  The MRI revealed my tumor had grown to about the size of an egg and surgery was scheduled.  I asked for the surgery to be in March of 2009 so that I had time to get my "house" in order.  The list of risks from the surgery was long.  After you read "death" - all the other ones seem like pretty good outcomes.

The seizure clinic revealed I was having partial complex seizures through the night as well.  No wonder I couldn't sleep.  And, that the cause of the bigger seizure was the growth of the tumor.

My surgeons did an amazing job with the craniotomy.  Prior to the surgery they said there was a 50% chance my tumor would come back.  After the surgery, they felt it was less than that and had hope I wouldn't need surgical intervention in the future.  But again, we're "watching" it.

I had many challenges to face before, during and after the surgery.  The most important message I think I can share is to learn to accept there will be a "New Normal" for you when you're faced with a neurological challenge.  Folks would ask me if I was 100% - back to normal.  I think it took me a while to realize that through such adversity and challenge I could not help but be changed as a person.  After my recovery, I was more grateful for everything from the smallest thing like birds visiting my bird feeders to being able to hold my sons.  I looked at everything differently.  My New Normal was a gift.

This picture of me in my "cloud" kayak was taken about 9 weeks after my surgery.  It was the first outdoor experience I'd been able to have after my surgery.  It was a turning point for me in my recovery.  I had many weeks of confusion, fear, worry and stress.  Because my tumor was pushing on my emotion center - with so much pressure that it actually also thinned the skull wall - I felt confused a lot and I suffered short term memory loss.  I would often wonder "Am I feeling the right thing, did I say the right thing, was I empathic, did I even know how to be empathetic any more....... etc."  But I couldn't find the words to share that with anyone.  I would express that frustration in other ways towards those that I loved.  Like complaining that there were no pictures of my recovery.  What that really meant was - I need some evidence of what happened, I have no memory of it.  But again, I couldn't find the words to say that...

Being on the lake that ONE day in my kayak and my belly boat fishing was the first time after my surgery where I didn't worry.  I didn't feel like a victim of a brain tumor.  I was ALIVE.  I savored the warmth of the sun on my face, I prayed to God and gave my thanks for getting me through my challenge, I dropped my hand in the water and appreciated that my hands worked, I cried at the beauty of the calm mountain lake water and each fish I caught (and released) I would kiss them and thank them for biting my fly.  I didn't worry about how to tie my flies or how to cast - it came naturally to me and I was grateful for every single second...

That trip fly fishing was by far the biggest catalyst in my healing.  After that trip, my short term memory challenges began to subside.  I had renewed hope and strength to fight.  I was able to get off most of the meds by June and went back to work.  I traveled internationally to Sweden in mid June and kayaked there as well.

Being outdoors, in nature - especially around water and then doing the things that I used to love prior to my surgery helped me realize that I am settling into my "New Normal" and it's pretty damn cool to come out the other side of all this as a survivor.

I was introduced to Kyle, from Outdoor Mindset, by my surgeon - we have the same team of doctors.  I am honored to be part of the Outdoor Mindset team and cannot express enough gratefulness for a group like this existing.  Being a Guide also helps me by being able to "give back" or "pay it forward" - by sharing my experience.

After all is said and done - when you connect with another person facing a neurological challenge, no matter where they are in the process - you GET IT.  There are no words that can be expressed to share what that connection is like - it's deep, powerful and a feeling of relief comes over you that you don't have to try and explain what is going on in your head.  It's SO helpful to have someone to talk to - someone who has been there.  I hope I can be that "someone" for many folks and I would feel blessed to be next to you in your journey.

~Outdoor Mindset Guide, Natalie

I don't think any other words are needed.
Live BIG this Holiday Season and thank you for everything you do,
Jill

Outdoor Mindset Chili Cook-off 2011 - YUM

Well, they say a thank you is "Better late than Never" and I truly hope you all agree with that statement because we are almost 2 months past our 2nd Annual Chili Cook-off which was on October 23rd at Avery Brewing Company... and we owe everyone who came or participated in any way, shape, or form a BIG THANK YOU, because this event was a huge success for us.

Considering last year we were at a local Boulder park with coolers, an iPod dock, and probably 50 of our closest friends and supporters (and it was STILL awesome), this year's event where

we had around 200 people attend, live music, and AMAZING Avery Beer fresh on tap, we've definitely come a long way!

We also had corn-hole outside and an amazing raffle and silent auction inside with everything from Denver Broncos tickets, Avs tickets, Avery Beer (of course), Moosejaw jackets, Nutcase helmets, Love of Pretty jewelry, SweFish Messages, Kelty Backpacks, a KitchenAide mixer AND coffee pot, and more! The raffle and

silent auction items were amazing!

Then there was the music: Mortimer and Arthur Yoria rocked the house (or should I say tap

room) and were absolutely fabulous. These guys both came out special for this event, so we can not thank them enough!

And THEN there was the Chili: which was DELICIOUS!

Here is where the votes came in for the top 3:

#1: Eric's (or should I say Ember's!) Green Chili

#2: Jill's White Chicken Chili (with a little touch of bacon!)

#3: Kyle's 'Smoked' Texas Chili (his trick was burning the bottom of the pan!)

And, as we promised, here is the recipe for Eric's Award Winning Green Chili:

2011 Turkey Green Chili "Champion" Recipe

2 - Ilbs Ground Turkey

1 - medium onion (chopped)

3 - cloves garlic

1 - green pepper (chopped)

1 - 4 oz can green chilies (diced)

2 - 15 oz cans white beans

1 - 28 oz can medium salsa

1 - jalapeño (diced & seeded)

2 - Tbsp sea-salt (I use closer to 1 - 2 tsp)

2 - Tbsp cumin

1 - tsp coriander

1 - tsp oregano ( I use dried)

2 - cups chicken broth

Sauté garlic & onions with olive oil till "glassy". Add turkey & brown with salt & pepper.

*Crock pot version - Add turkey and other ingredients to crock pot and put on high for 6-8 hrs.

*On the stove version - same as above, except add beans later in cooking process. Cook for 2-3 hrs.

I'm not gonna lie- it was good. Next year we're gonna have to step it up even more. Which means more chili, more beer, more music, more people, and even more love and support (if that's even possible). Again, thank you to everyone who came or supported in every way. All of the Outdoor Mindset crew left feeling so proud and excited to be a part of something that could draw the amazing crowd that attended that event. We had Guides, Travels, Members, Friends, Family, and Supports all in one room and you could feel the strength in our mission to unite and inspire individual people affected by neurological challenges through a common passion for the outdoors the entire night.

And also a BIG thank you to OM Friend Caroline Bridges for being our photographer for the night!

People who give are cool - especially Libby Boyd!

Today we have a guest blog from Libby Boyd - a friend and 'family member' of Outdoor Mindset - who recently committed to donating a portion of each sale she makes as a Realtor for Pedal to Properties to our one and only Outdoor Mindset. Some people say they're going to do something this awesome, but Libby is so committed she put it in writing, too!

"Donations" come in many forms: volunteering, hosting an event, setting a goal and fundraising through Crowdrise, or donating a little off the top of your income, etc. The possibilities are endless. Whatever you're able to do, know that it's appreciated a million times over and goes a LONG way for little non-profits like us. So thank you, thank you, thank you to the amazing Libby Boyd and all the other inspiring individuals who have already helped us and will help us in the future.

Here's what Libby has to say:

“If you love what you do, you don’t work a day in your life.” I completely agree with that quote since I spend my days finding the perfect home for my clients. Being the conduit that results in happy home owners is most rewarding. Getting paid to help in their purchases is “the cherry on top” for me.

This income provides for my family but once the essentials are taken care of, I wish to give back to my community. This is why I am donating a portion of each transaction towards Outdoor Mindset. I believe the organization really helps newly diagnosed people with neurological challenges through the power of nature, exercise and personal connection.

The only way to connect as many people as possible is to gain presence at events and on the internet. The organization also must have someone dedicated to overseeing the connections and ensure everyone is getting what they need. By donating a portion of my income, I will be providing funds to support this valuable service. If my financial contribution gains Outdoor Mindset entry to one more event in which they connect one individual in need of this outreach, that will be extremely rewarding.

Spending money is easy but I find few ways that are as rewarding as giving to develop a non-profit that I feel so strongly about. I would encourage everyone to see if there’s room in their personal budget to donate to Outdoor Mindset. Perhaps consider passing on a cute new pair of shoes or dining out and do something that will make you just as happy and positively affect the lives of one or many people. I am blessed that I get to do what I love every day allowing me to donate to a such a valuable cause.

- Libby Boyd

She's pretty fabulous- right? We sure do appreciate her for everything she does for OM (and not only for her donation commitment, but also for things like whipping up an antipasto platter in the middle of the wilderness on our Board Retreat). I don't know what we would do without active, engaged, dedicated supporters like her. Now what are you going to do? No pressure or anything... ;)

Don't forget to enjoy the sunset,

Jill