Member Highlight - Michele

I'm a SF Bay Area native, living with epilepsy all my life. I love being outdoors. Nature helps me connect with God & feel alive. I've been married for 19 years to my love, Michael. Together we've successfully raised our blended family of 3 kids (Hilary and Dan - my two from my first marriage, Sean - Michael's son from his first marriage).  

I live in Santa Clara, California, the heart of innovation, Silicon Valley. My outdoor passions are hiking, walking, yoga, spending time in nature. When I was younger, I ran through the woods once or twice a week. Michael and I rode our bikes through Italy and we did century rides for years. I spent many years as a runner, a triathlete and I love open water swimming. Unfortunately, it's not safe for me to swim alone because I nearly drowned several years ago after having a seizure in a swimming pool.

My most significant current challenge is recovering from VNS surgery. I've had VNS for 10 years, which stopped my daytime seizures 100%. I still have occasional nocturnal seizures, and lately I've had a few partial complex seizures when the VNS stopped working. The entire unit was replaced on August 8th.  

If I woke up tomorrow as an animal, I'd choose to be a dog, a black lab like my Lucy. Lucy loves to walk, play & sleep -- she loves unconditionally.

My motto is, Live each day as if it was your last - Epilepsy does not stop me from living a full live.

I joined Outdoor Mindset in the Summer of 2012, after completing my masters studies. I love the idea of connecting with others who live with neurological disorders and sharing our mutual love of being outdoors .

My expectations for Outdoor Mindset are to do a group hike in Yosemite, maybe climb Half Dome. I'm in the very early stages of training for a half marathon in LA in March 2014 through Athletes v. Epilepsy, a division of Epilepsy Foundation of America.

I'm most looking forward to meeting new like-minded friends through OM's Connect Program, and training for some local outdoor adventures next Summer. I would love to be part of a local Meet Up group.

Misty's Journey to Empowerment

Read about new OM member, Misty, and her experience on the recent Denver/Boulder Meetup: Hiking Mt. Sherman with Colorado Climbers for Epilepsy. Misty recently joined OM and lives in Castle Rock, CO.

I must say that I went out of my comfort zone on this past weekend. I saw the hike online and said to myself "I want to do this for my son." I sought out friends and family to hike this 14er with me.   

My son is 8 years old and has epilepsy. He was diagnosed almost 2 years ago. I struggle mentally trying to figure out answers for my emotions over this. I support him in anyway I can trying to empower him while doing little to empower myself. In one year Austin has (so far) run four 5k's and a kids triathlon. 

When I couldn't find anyone to go on this hike with me, I sought elsewhere, calling Tom Olsen and emailing you [Outdoor Mindset]. Both were very welcoming and I realized seeking elsewhere meant allowing myself to go out of my comfort zone. I struggled up and down but I realized giving myself permission to do this empowered me in ways I cannot explain.    

I had an amazing and emotional trip. Everyone I met made me feel very welcome. I spent the night in Breckenridge, CO that night having some time to think and reflect on my emotional day and our journey with epilepsy. I woke the next morning so happy to say, "when can I hike my next 14er?" I thank God for allowing myself to be empowered by such stressors and beauty of hiking a 14er. I also thank him for the wonderful people who helped encourage me mentally along the way.  

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