“No matter the risks we take, we always consider the end to be too soon, even though in life, more than anything else, quality should be more important than quantity.” – Alex Honnold I remember when my “too soon” almost happened when I was just 25 years old in 2010. I was awakened from a…
Drifting Into Uncertainty: Job Loss And Resiliency
Reflecting on my own job loss this week after an unforeseen reduction in force, there have been moments of fear, hopelessness, and worry. As I search for opportunities, I scroll across my LinkedIn and find so many individuals, wildly talented, and in the same situation as myself. I read their pleas for assistance in this…
Standing in My Truth and Ending the Destruction of Childhood Physical and Sexual Abuse
Trauma is personal. It does not disappear if it is not validated. When someone enters the pain and heard the screams, healing can begin. It has taken a lifetime to find courage to share the most influential part of my story; my childhood abuse at the hands of my parents. My Father was the abuser…
Your Health Is An Investment, Not an Expense
In the corporate world, we often hear individuals brag about how many hours they worked for the week. They pull 60-80 hour weeks, rarely take vacation, and appear as though this is the North Star, and to be admired. Here is the truth; it’s not! If you do not make time for your wellness, you…
Weakness and Strength: The Duality of Being a CHD Survivor, and Athlete
Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving; Strength one minute, weakness the next. I train in the various gyms and formats twice per day, most days. I enjoy a mostly plant-based whole foods diet, avoiding even alcohol and every form of drug, recreational, or otherwise. To most people I comes across, I am just a…
Me With CHD: Perseverance, Grit, and Unfailing Determination to Succeed
I had a great conversation this week regarding grit and perseverance, and how it was seen as a quality in me via my employer. When asked if I agree, I smiled, because I knew the answer and was blown away that a huge part of who I am personally was shining through my work professionally….
Having Congenital Heart Disease; I’m More Than My Disability
When talking about Congenital Heart disease, which are multiple heart defects, both structural and electrical occurring in utero, I struggle to label it as a “disability”. That word, that admittance of a disability, labels me as such on medical applications, job applications, a professional work place, and even in sport. I want to break the…
Hell Apparently Froze Over; This Heart Patient Just Became a Runner!
Do you remember that one physical activity you vehemently hated growing up? The one thing that high school Physical Education teachers forced you to do once per month? You know… running? God, how I hated running! I was extremely active all throughout my childhood, and into high school; basketball, volleyball, football, wrestling class, weight lifting….
Finding A Safe Place
At a time when our country feels more divided than ever, and opinions becoming touted as fact, I knew it was time to end my relationship with social media. I became tired of the negativity and hate speech I was reading, and realized that my reasons for joining Instagram and Facebook were no longer there….
My Clash with COVID19
I began self-distancing before the order in Oregon was even put in place. As a heart patient, I knew the importance of protecting myself, and the ones I love from this plague of a virus. I did everything right…. but I still got Coronavirus. I know the moment of my exposure – I knew it…
Hearts For Adventure 