This March, I turned 30 years old. Although I am of the belief that age is just a number, this one seems to be sitting differently. I feel strongly that welcoming this new decade deserves a special celebration.
Starting in September, I will be embarking on a long-time bucket list item of mine: an End to End Thru-Hike of the Bruce Trail. Niagara to Tobermory. 900km. 6 weeks. One particular push to finally check this off my list was the role mental health and walking has played in my days over the last few years. In October 2019, I moved to Yellowknife Northwest Territories for an employment opportunity and new adventure that I was extremely excited about. A few months later the world shut down due to COVID-19. Over time, the isolation of living and working from home alone, navigating a new town, and being inaccessible to my favorite people were a few of the notable factors that turned the free-spirited, social, optimistic, and bubbly Olivia; into an anxious, emotional individual who lacked motivation and was content with spending the day in bed. I became unrecognizable to family and friends, and it was at this time I came to understand the true significance of mental health. I had not experienced this before; my eyes were suddenly opened to a whole new layer of life. With encouragement and support, I eventually reached out for help.
When making a change became necessary, I made sure to incorporate a walk into each of my days whether it was around the block or a long hike out on a trail. It wasn’t long before I realized the impact that a walk/hike had on my mood, my mindset, and my body. The fresh air, the shining sun (even clouds and cold!), the sound of birds, wind in the trees, or flowing water would bring the right amount of joy to make the days a little bit brighter. I did my best thinking while I walked, however, I found I was also able to turn my mind off entirely and just enjoy. Never again will I take for granted the ability to move my body nor the beauty that the outdoors has to offer.
I am home in Ontario now. I am working towards getting back to a healthy place. I still walk every day.
So with this, I hike for my journey to 30. I hike for the magic of the Bruce Trail. And I hike for every individual who’s experienced seemingly unnavigable darkness in their life. You are not alone, it does not define you, there is no experience undeserving of validation, I greatly encourage you to reach out for help, and please, make the effort to spend some time outside.
I have started this fundraiser in hopes of making a donation to the Canadian Mental Health Association - Grey Bruce by the end of my hike in October. All the money raised will support the Mood Walks initiative which promotes physical activity within the beauty of nature. So please, help me support the CMHA in their ongoing efforts with promoting and supporting mental health, and don’t forget to go outside and “Live Your Trail”.
This March, I turned 30 years old. Although I am of the belief that age is just a number, this one seems to be sitting differently. I feel strongly that welcoming this new decade deserves a special celebration.
Starting in September, I will be embarking on a long-time bucket list item of mine: an End to End Thru-Hike of the Bruce Trail. Niagara to Tobermory. 900km. 6 weeks. One particular push to finally check this off my list was the role mental health and walking has played in my days over the last few years. In October 2019, I moved to Yellowknife Northwest Territories for an employment opportunity and new adventure that I was extremely excited about. A few months later the world shut down due to COVID-19. Over time, the isolation of living and working from home alone, navigating a new town, and being inaccessible to my favorite people were a few of the notable factors that turned the free-spirited, social, optimistic, and bubbly Olivia; into an anxious, emotional individual who lacked motivation and was content with spending the day in bed. I became unrecognizable to family and friends, and it was at this time I came to understand the true significance of mental health. I had not experienced this before; my eyes were suddenly opened to a whole new layer of life. With encouragement and support, I eventually reached out for help.
When making a change became necessary, I made sure to incorporate a walk into each of my days whether it was around the block or a long hike out on a trail. It wasn’t long before I realized the impact that a walk/hike had on my mood, my mindset, and my body. The fresh air, the shining sun (even clouds and cold!), the sound of birds, wind in the trees, or flowing water would bring the right amount of joy to make the days a little bit brighter. I did my best thinking while I walked, however, I found I was also able to turn my mind off entirely and just enjoy. Never again will I take for granted the ability to move my body nor the beauty that the outdoors has to offer.
I am home in Ontario now. I am working towards getting back to a healthy place. I still walk every day.
So with this, I hike for my journey to 30. I hike for the magic of the Bruce Trail. And I hike for every individual who’s experienced seemingly unnavigable darkness in their life. You are not alone, it does not define you, there is no experience undeserving of validation, I greatly encourage you to reach out for help, and please, make the effort to spend some time outside.
I have started this fundraiser in hopes of making a donation to the Canadian Mental Health Association - Grey Bruce by the end of my hike in October. All the money raised will support the Mood Walks initiative which promotes physical activity within the beauty of nature. So please, help me support the CMHA in their ongoing efforts with promoting and supporting mental health, and don’t forget to go outside and “Live Your Trail”.
