Balance Challenges

I’ve blogged lots about balance as it  relates to mental challenges. I’ve blogged about cancer and mental health. I’ve never blogged about MS but I have donated to it. It’s one of those diseases that isn’t obvious when you look at someone so unless you get to know them you don’t even realize what struggles they go through. 

I went to Haiti with a young nurse and mother of 3 who lives with MS. A young friend, Breanne, who went to high school with my son so that’s how young, has MS. She balances her work as a primary years teacher with physical and mental health. She doesn’t let it slow her down and travels extensively despite the fact that MS sometimes makes it tricky to work around. She also regularly goes kayaking and hiking! I’ve also seen the other side of this process when it ravished one of our OR nurses in the prime of her life. 

The story below is of a biking friend who speaks frankly with the MS Society about what it’s really like to live with this disease. So here is  Kate’s Story.

I’m doing a 75 km bike ride up in Waskesiu in September. I’m riding on Kate’s team and am honoured to have been asked to join such an inspiring group. The ride will fun and maybe a bit painful (old tailbone injury) but more important will be the funds raised by team will go to research and treatment for MS. 

This is the link to my Donation Page.

Take care and reflect today on your blessings. I know I am.

Bernie 

The Inventor’s Story

This is both a guest travel blog post and a story of a man who changed our everyday life. The stop was an incidental in a

Jasper National Park – Take 1

I am quite excited that I know so many people and that means we are going to see Jasper National Park twice. Tonight’s guest blog post has been submitted by a young woman whom I have known for her entire life.

Inspirational Riders

Last night’s rain preempted a gravel bike ride, that would have pushed me hard, with two friends who have inspired me. They have been, in turn, inspired by two friends.

Let me set the scene for you. It’s full of people with inspiration, courage, energy, sadness and hope. 

Recharging

True story. Balance within all aspects of life is so essential but fragile. Daily choices. Big picture items and the little details. 

Bernie 

Summer Sunday Snap Chat

The calendar reminds me that the days are getting shorter. This wheat field is a visual that reinforces that. 

The sunshine hours are so precious and I’m always happy when I’m outside “puttering”. Both the veggie and the flower garden are a source of food and beauty. 

When I’m not puttering I’m usually beside the mason working on the rock wall. I have a love hate relationship with rocks because after three years of back and arm  strengthening work I’m like so “over it” but I can still see the beauty in the rocks. 

The beauty in the next picture is more than skin deep which is good because the skin is messy! First encounter with an Arrowroot  biscuit and while she really enjoyed it the result ensured a bath at Gran’s house.Whether it’s with the camera or your memory it’s good to focus on the positives and the beauty in life. It’s far too easy to get weighted down with all the negatives and the “busy”. 

Bernie 

Ps I know this isn’t snap chat but that’s what I called my little chat that went with the snapped pictures! 

Equipoise Lost

Sometimes in the midst of chaos there is great beauty. The question is can we stop and recognize it. I think that all the great philosophers must have been gardeners. It gives one time to ponder and draw parallels. 

As I grapple with some chaos in my life I am reminded that it’s all about balance. Madly off in all directions with no moderation at all doesn’t allow for equipoise. We all need to build in a daily reminder of gratitude. Then we can sort through the issues and figure out priorities while always keeping our core values staring at us. 

I found 5 Vimy Ridge memorial poppies amongst the 2′ tall weeds. Helps bring perspective and balance. 

Bernie 

Grasslands Take 2

 

Jot notes in a well worn diary of a self confessed Canadian junkie. One who has been to at least one

True North

It seemed I had lost my sense of direction which was no surprise to my other half. This became apparent when I pointed towards the