Meetup Groups...Dissected!

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

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

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!

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.

NEW OM Online Community Coming Soon!

We are still making progress with Indaba on our new website and online community! With the new website, there will be some changes to our membership and programs. 

Once the new website is launched, you will need to register so that your membership continues to be active.

 If you are an OM member, a participant in our Guide/Traveler program, and/or a member of a Meetup Group, keep reading!

• New Online Community: www.outdoormindset.org. Once you receive your temporary username and password, you will need to register online and set up your profile. Once you have registered, you may search and connect with other members, participate in our programs, gain access to special events, participate in exclusive giveaways, access member discounts and perks, and more.

• Meetup Groups (meetup.com) will be moved to our online community. If you are currently a member of any of our Meetup Groups (Boulder, Hanover, Cincinnati), you will need to make sure to join your city's Meetup Group on our sweet new website. In addition, soon you (our members) will have an opportunity to suggest and create events!

• New Connect Program (formerly Guide/Traveler Program) will allow you to search our online community and connect one-on-one with other members on your own terms. If you are currently participating in the Guide/Traveler program, you will need to make sure that you connect with members you've already been matched with. Also, by searching member profiles in the OM online community, you will be able to create new connections based on your own individual expectations and interests. We will provide the tools to help you connect online to get offline and into the outdoors.

Soon we will be announcing our launch date. In the meantime, make sure you are following us on Facebook and Twitter for updates! 

We want to hear from you. If you have any suggestions on how to improve the OM community or would like to provide a testimonial about your OM experience, email us at: 

connect@outdoormindset.org

.

OM adds Myers as the new Community & Programs Manager

I'm so excited to be the newest member of the Outdoor Mindset team as the Community & Programs Manager! I am passionate about everything outdoors, health/wellness, and travel. My motto is to celebrate every moment because life is short. My best friend is a black lab named Toby. We can often be found strolling around Wash Park in Denver or playing in the Rocky Mountains. This year is exciting not only because I scored an awesome new job with OM, but because I'm tying the knot with my fiance’, Fletcher.

My professional background is quite diverse and includes experiential marketing, social media strategy, key account management, and corporate event management. I am excited to combine my professional aspirations with my passion for the outdoors. With my strengths in planning and program execution, I am dedicated to creating an active and empowered community for those affected by neurological challenges and their supporters.

My personal connection to OM’s mission and values

Well, first off, I love playing outside whether it’s playing soccer, riding bikes, hiking with Toby, skiing, or scuba diving. I am also a supporter for a couple people who have been affected by neurological challenges. Staying connected to others and enjoying the outdoors has helped us to keep moving forward.

What I’m looking forward to in my new role at OM

Meeting all of you, obviously! And the launch of the new website and community page, as well as new and improved programs. I am committed to listening what keeps all of you, our members, engaged and excited. I am your advocate, cheerleader, and sounding board. I hope to add new members from across the globe for you to connect with. And last, I will be seeking out new ways to add value to your membership of this amazing community of OM-ers.

Life outside the office in 6 questions - ready, go!

What’s the coolest place I have visited? In 2009-2010, I took a year off of work to travel the world. I visited every continent (including Antarctica-see pic above) except Africa. My favorite place would have to be New Zealand because of all the idyllic beaches, remote hiking trails, organic farms, and vineyards. We cruised around the North and South island in a camper van. Patagonia and Antarctica give NZ a run for it’s money too!

What do I love about teaching yoga? I love sharing the physical and mental benefits of yoga with others. It’s so easy to forget to slow down and breathe. Yoga teaches us to be mindful and to flow with whatever the world presents to you. My favorite pose to wind down after biking or hiking all day is a deep hip opening, like pigeon.

What do most people not know about me? I’m deathly afraid of ketchup. My long lost ancestor was a law partner of Abraham Lincoln. In elementary school, I rode my bike to school everyday carrying my trombone. All are true!

What new outdoor pursuits would I like to learn? Road biking, triathlons, and skate skiing.

What are my favorite foods? Avocado, dark chocolate, cheese and mango.

If I were an animal what would I be? Hmmmm…I would have to go with a dolphin. I like to have fun, ride the wave of life, and explore.

I am available Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00am - 5:00pm MST and Fridays, 9:00am - 4:00pm MST. Feel free to contact me at OM main line, 720-251-4166 or Julie@outdoormindset.org. Drop me a line and introduce yourself. I’d love to hear what makes you tick: your favorite yoga pose, outdoor endeavor, coolest place you’ve been, your pets, favorite foods, what you would like the OM community to look like, etc.

I hope to see you out on the trails soon. Ready, set, Let's Live Big!

Julie Myers

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