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A Perfect Storm That Opened My Heart

On June 23rd, 2017, I fell at the family cottage and broke my ribs. After several weeks of shallow breathing, combined with my pre-existing breathing disorder (central sleep apnea), this caused me  to have carbon dioxide poisoning.

In the ambulance on route to the hospital, this perfect storm of trauma led to respiratory failure on July 13, 2017. In order to stabilize me, I was placed in a medically-induced coma for nearly two days. What followed was a long period of recovery in the ICU lasting forty-two days.

This past year has been an incredible journey of physical and emotional healing. The impact of having returned from the brink of death resulted in tremendous personal growth and fearless vulnerability. It sounds dramatic and it was.

Upon awakening from my coma, I was guided by an unwavering strength mixed with an instinctive, optimistic attitude — an urgency to open my heart and come clean with feelings I had been reluctant to share. For example, I admitted to my husband and son just how unwell I felt prior to the event.

This new attitude allowed me to switch off my mind and lead with my heart and soul. I’m referring to the life-force — an all-knowing, intangible or undefined energy. My entrenched feelings of not valuing myself or old patterns of behaviour like worrying about unfounded fears became dormant. Intuitively my heart trusted this energy, which opened me up to unlimited possibilities and anchored me safely in the moment.

The people that supported me on this journey to recovery were both known to me (my family and friends) and unknown to me (the ICU staff of the Northumberland Hills Hospital and Kingston General Hospital). Sometimes it’s easier to be vulnerable with strangers than those that you love. By opening my heart to my care-givers, I made my emotional needs known and focused not on the medical procedures, the “hurry up and wait” scenarios, or the many routine tasks that were repeatedly performed on me. Instead, I put my energy into being non-resistant, trusting, and proactive in my own care.

I was discharged from the hospital on August 24th, 2017. Since that time, I have taken responsibility for my physical and emotional health and by doing so I have become much more action-oriented towards the well-defined goals that are truly important to me.

On July 13th, 2018,  exactly one year later, I posted my first blog. This is my way of giving back to myself and others after having survived a perfect storm.

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Creating a Happier Life through Intention and Mindful Practices!

Hello and welcome! Today, I would like to share a few of the ways that I am integrating intention and mindfulness into my life.

Being deliberate and mindful has made me happier, instilled a sense of peace and has given me the tools to overcome distraction. Much has been written about living with intention, living consciously and being mindful. I’m no expert, just a willing participant motivated to establish daily rituals that rewire my brain and anchor me to the present.

Part of my daily practice is connecting with nature by walking in the forest and listening to its sounds and watching the chipmunks, squirrels and birds feasting at our bird feeder. These connections to the natural world and the breathing in of the clean, fresh country air soothes, grounds and rejuvenates me.

Another practice is keeping a Bullet journal. These journal pages contain self-care reminders; family birthdays; list of books to read; genealogy research plans and self-improvement affirmations. As a bonus, I am able to express my creative and artistic abilities through the design and layout of each unique page. I read this Bullet journal daily since it helps me focus, simplify and enrich my life.

I also keep a separate Gratitude journal to give thanks for the people and the things in my life. This journal is updated weekly. At times I take out this Gratitude journal to remember all the positive things in my life.

“Living with intent is living a life that is healthy and purposeful, but also joyful, … It’s asking ourselves what will make ourselves happy. Intents come from our soul, whereas goals come from our mind.” Time interview with Mallika Chopra

Another practice is connecting with like-minded people that mutually support each other in their shared values, or endeavours. Some of these connections can be made through social media groups or internet-based organizations. These groups and organizations can have online memberships with monthly fees or you can make a one-time donation. Presently, I am a member of TreeSisters https://www.treesisters.org, a private Facebook walking group called The Path, and The Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) https://ogs.on.ca.

Finally, having experienced and trusted advisers has been invaluable. I’m fortunate to have three mentors: Diana Florence Cohen, coach & creator of the website, https://wildchild.live and author of “Seducing Magic: The Re-Enchantment of Your Life”; Alex Strauss, coach & creator of the website, https://www.themindfulwalker.com and the best-selling author of “The Mindful Walker”; Bethany Webster, coach & creator of the website, https://womboflight.com.

As I integrate these mindful practices into my life, I am creating a path towards a greater potential. I am more at peace, less distracted and closer to a happier life.

I hope by sharing this, you too will soon discover your own daily rituals.

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hermightypen.com blog is born!

https://www.hermightypen.com is a place for self-expression to document my story, my passions, and my family history. Starting this blog means stepping up and out into the spotlight of public scrutiny. To lovingly validate myself and be my own champion!

The idea for “her mighty pen” came into fruition in 1997 when I wanted to create a website for helping myself and others to express themselves through personal writing. At that time, the biggest stumbling blocks were my lack of self-confidence, under valuing my talents, and a fear of being scrutinized. I wasn’t ready psychologically to take on the responsibility and ownership of the big reveal … ME.

As I look back, I realize how far I have come in terms of owning my life, and I am proud that I no longer allow myself to take a backseat or remain invisible. I used to wonder how many challenges and opportunities I had missed. Instead, I choose to focus on the here and now rather than living in the past or worrying about the future.

As Mary Anne Evans (pen name George Eliot) said, “it is never too late to be what you might have been”.

As I continue to replace the worn out scripts in my head with positive ones, practice living mindfully and openly express my love and enthusiasm for all living things, I have the the strength to raise “her mighty pen” in anticipation and step confidently into the light. I invite you to join me in this intimate exploration of unveiling all that’s within.