The Unknown

Realistically I should probably be blogging about the three yoga studios I saw in B.C. but it feels a little unnatural right now. I can't seem to find the words to discuss the ins and outs of yoga studios right now because my mind is trapped in the future. Instead I am sitting in a hotel room at the Vancounver airport with the blinds closed attempting to sleep. Who am I kidding? Sleep is not going to happen tonight just like it didn't happen last night. I toss, I turn, not really thinking about anything, but unable to drift into the subconscious world.

To be frank it's not like what I am doing is that outrageous. I meet people everyday who have done a very similar journey. I am not the first nor will I be the last. Yet, at moments I feel completely disconnected to everyone I know. Here I am giving up everything that I own while everyone else around me is attempting to accumulate more stuff. I don't care what I wear or what I look like, because I acknowledge that the worse is yet to come. There will definitely be days where I haven't showered, changed, washed my face or put on fresh socks but that's okay. Beauty is something that shines from the inside out, not outside in.

Moment of truth - for the last two days I can't stop shaking. My conscious mind does not feel scared, nervous or fearful. I completely accept what could happen and I am okay with that reality. But it is like I have developed a small tremor. Perhaps my subconscious is attempting to prepare me for the unknown. Or perhaps my mind has not yet caught up with my soul. Regardless it is very difficult to drink a glass of water, put on mascara, or cut a tomato. In addition, I can't stop pooping. To some people that might seem extremely gross but it is the truth. The truth is not always pretty nor is it usually what we want to hear. But it is the truth. The same thing happened to my body when I left Winnipeg for Vancouver. It is like a subconscious nervous system reaction. I shake, I poop and I can't eat, but I am happy. Now that sounds a little bit crazy.

So tonight with a close friend by my side I cried for the first time. I cried about the unknown, I cried about being alone, I cried about missing my dad, and I cried, simply for the sake of needing to cry. There is something unique about allowing yourself to cry that makes everything seem a little bit more okay. Or perhaps crying is simply a form of emotion which allows yourself to feel. To accept the current reality and then move forward. As my dear friend wiped away my tears it hit me. It is not the actual journey I am on that provokes these emotions it is the truth of venturing into the unknown on your own. Whether it is quitting a job, asking someone to marry you, moving to a new city, starting school, ending a relationship, or jumping from a plane. The one common thread in all of these things is the unknown at the other side. So there it is. Tonight I cried, accepting the fact that I am venturing not only to Hong Kong, but into the unknown with me, myself and I.

Beautiful British Columbia

View from Meghan's Balcony 

Vancouver & Victoria 

On my way to Hong Kong I decided to go and spend two weeks in the beautiful province of British Columbia. The main purpose of this extended stopover was to reconnect with two lifelong friends - Jaimee Devlin & Meghan Robertson, as well as, see family and get an India visa.  For all those interested this is what I got up to in  those 14 days...

• The trip began with a carbohydrate loaded Italian dinner with a side of wine at Trattoria (http://www.glowbalgroup.com/trattoria/). An awesome little restaurant that has tables right by the kitchen so you can see all the action. Extremely busy restaurant. They probably flip the place 3 - 4 times a night on a Saturday evening so expect to wait but it will be worth it!
• Hit up MEC for those last few travel items I forgot..oopses! 
• Checked out Bikram Yoga Vancouver the Cambie location and Bikram Yoga Victoria. I will blog about these separately. :) 
• Re-connected with my two cousins Troy Jansen and Garret Jansen. We checked out Doolin's pub and hit up the Roxy with a few of their friends. The Roxy was followed by a trip to McDonald's and beers for breakfast at 2 pm the next day. In addition, had the opportunity to meet  a cousin that I have never met before Alisha Gosselin. She is the same age as me but for some reason our paths never crossed. 
• Fell in love with a boy. His name is Joey :) Meghan has the cutest, low maintenance dog ever. We walked together everyday that I was in Vancouver and once once in the pouring rain without an umbrella. Sometimes you just got to embrace what mother nature is giving you. 
• Ventured downtown and applied for a visa for India. Who knows maybe I'll make my way there.
• Opened an HSBC account. 
• Made friends with a  extremely friendly Chinese lady at the bus stop who provided me with some valuable travel/life advice. Thank you madame. 
• Drove up to Whistler for 12 hours and stayed in a gorgeous chalet. We left at 5pm and Meg had to be back at work for 8am the next day.  Perhaps not one of our best life decisions but we had a fantastic evening! Our hosts (William Anthony & Mark Adamson) made a extremely tasty homemade dinner followed by a hot tub on the balcony.  After a glass or two of wine in the hot tub William and I decided to hit up Whistler for locals night at Buffalo Bills. Super interesting night and needless to say I wasn't able to help Meghan drive home at 5am. Thank you William and Mark for your hospitality and the memories. 
• In conjunction with the bullet above, after returning to Vancouver Meghan worked a full eight hour work day and then we decided it would be a good idea to drive to Victoria. So off we went... 
• History: Our mothers (Meg and I) were best friends growing up. Together they created an extensive list of memorable life experiences. Meghan and I were introduced at a very young age and have remained life long friends. We may live a few provinces apart however we always pick up right where we left off - carrying on doing outrageous things following in our mothers foot steps
• Friday night in Victoria was the celebration of Jaimee Devlin's Birthday! Meghan rounded up a bunch of her girl friends (she lived in Victoria for eight years) and we headed out on the town! 
• In Victoria I had the opportunity to have another excellent meal with a beautiful yogi friend from Ottawa Sarah MacIntyre. We went to Zambris Restaurant (http://www.zambris.ca/). Really interesting menu with many tasty items I have never seen done before. The plates we shared were excellent - great presentation, powerful tastes and good portion sizes. The bartenders are super friendly (but not too talkative) and definitely added to the experience. If you go to Victoria check out this place and sit at the bar.
• I have recently developed a strong craving, or perhaps it has now become a need, for Starbucks on a daily basis. I am not afraid of many things in life but I am slightly scared of the caffeine withdrawal I may experience as I travel. Anyways during one of my daily pit stops at a local Starbucks in Victoria I met a very interesting Winnipeg born man who chatted off my hear for a solid 45 minutes. He encouraged me that I am making the best decision at this junction in my life and discussed with me how this experience will irrevocably alter my life course. Thank you for your support random dude in Starbucks. 
• Met up with Danielle Sullivan and took class at Bikram Yoga Metrotown! Always a great experience to take class beside Danielle. You are a phenomenal woman & Winnipeg is lucky to have you back!! Congrats on getting the job.
• My fantastic father flew into Vancouver for my last week to spend some time with me.  We had many lunches, dinners and many great laughs together with family members. I love you Dad. Note to self: Family is everything in life. 
• Thank you so much Meghan for letting me crash at your place and completely disrupt your life ;) You are one of the most easy going women I know and I had a fantastic time with you. We definitely added a lot of good memories to the bank. 

Vancouver was the perfect transitional city and I am so grateful to have had two full weeks here. Some people asked me why I spent a whole month in Canada and didn't just leave for Hong Kong from Ottawa. The reason is; we live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world yet very few of us take the time to explore our own country. How could I possibly go off and explore the world without seeing Canada coast to coast? I haven't been to every province but I have been as far as Ingonish on Cape Breton Island to Victoria, British Columbia. I believe it is important as a Canadian to know what our own country is like and to take the time to see its beauty. Until next time Canada - keep fit and have fun.

On route to Whistler 

William and I dancing to Journey

Beautiful cherry blooms - all over Vancouver 

Meghan's super cute dog Joey 

Before Picture
Jaimee's Birthday 

After Picture
Jaimee's Birthday 

The Ladies celebrating Jaimee's Birthday & Meg's visit to Victoria

Jaimee's Birthday.
Round one? I think...

The Family in Vancouver 

Meghan and I 

Myself and the long lost cousin Alisha Gosselin

Dad and me :) 

Vancouver 

Bikram Yoga Toronto East

Bikram Yoga Toronto East 

Late Blog Post 

During my last full weekend in the province of Ontario I took a weekend trip to Ajax, Ontario to visit Miss Jodi Brake.  Jodi is a fellow Bikram teacher who has remained an extremely good friend since teacher training in 2008.  Jodi and I visit each other once to twice a year depending on geographical location and financial means. Nevertheless, whenever we connect we always pick up right were we left off.  It seems as though we always come together when we need each other most. Whether its a break up, death, or challenging life change we tend to be side by side when the life throws us lemons. Together we know how to make the perfect lemonade :)

While visiting Jodi we decided to take in a Bikram class at the local studio - Bikram Yoga Toronto East. The mantra of the studio is 'Hot Body, Cool Mind' which perfectly fits the studios ambiance.  The studio is located in a tiny strip mall off one of the main highways. When you enter the studio you are greeted by fresh smelling flowers and a soft sounding waterfall. The studio feels completely calm, relaxed and centred - the exact energy the owner vibrates. It is a beautiful space with large change rooms and a long hallway that leads to a room for mediation or small community gatherings. There are Buddhas and positive, encouraging, messages scattered in all corners of the space.
My favourite features of this studio is the dong drum (sorry no picture). It is used to notify students that class is about to begin. The instructor hits a solid, metal, dong drum approximately three times radiating out a soft vibration throughout the entire studio. It is evident that students have become accustom to this gentle notice as everyone in the hot room rises to their feet and class begins ...

Thank you for a great class Bikram Yoga Toronto

Namaste,

Leah 

My Mom

Lately I have been having the worse insomnia of my life. For weeks now I can't sleep. I am up for hours at night and not even thinking of anything or anyone particular but lately I have been thinking about her. My mom was not a part of my life for nearly a long enough time. I really needed her for a few more solid years until I ventured into the unknown motherless. Nevertheless, my father has done an outstanding job of playing both roles. If I marry a man half of what my father is I would consider myself lucky. Not all men would give up everything for six years and love you till the last day while being your full time nurse.

I miss her.
Everyday she crosses my mind.
Everyday I wonder if she is proud of the woman I have become.

That is the scary thing about death. It is so final and there is nothing that you can change or re-do. This inevitably leads to regrets. Everyone has them and everyone must face them when they lose someone they deeply love. Mine consumed my life for far too many years. "I wish I hadn't said that?", "Why didn't I spend more time with her?", "I wish I had asked her that question". Then time slowly forces you to accept each and every regret and digest it until it finally disappears. Now I understand and accept that things happened for a particular reason, a purpose, that hopefully one day I fully appreciate and understand.

There is this song that my mom wanted as her funeral song. It is too personal to me to reveal to the world but those close to me know what it is. Strangely I have been hearing this song all over Canada. I use to never hear it unless I played it to allow myself to cry. Now I hear it in Starbucks, in Walmart and used in TV commercials. Coupled with my interesting belief system and a faith in the universe; I feel like she is with me. Encouraging me to always keep my eyes on the horizon and make dreams a reality.

Two years ago I found out that my mother left me two gifts 1) for when I get married 2) for when I have my first child. In many ways these gifts almost propel me into wanting to sucker a man into marrying me and have a child. Almost everything within me wants to know what is in those two parcels (size unknown). What I would do for one more hug. Yet, there is nothing I would change. Obviously I would give up anything in this world to have her back but I wouldn't wanna give up the life knowledge this experience provided for me. She gave me an outlook on life that is unexplainable.

Many people have only one parent so they understand how the experience changes the direction of your life forever. Many of the best people that I know have suffered the greatest losses. These people find beauty in everything. They constantly see the silver lining.

Bikram Stafford Street Hot Yoga

http://www.staffordstreethotyoga.com/

Stafford Street Hot Yoga (SSHY) is much more than a yoga studio; it is a community that enriches peoples' lives from the roots up. Located in the centre of Canada, and in one of the coldest major cities in Canada, temperatures in Winnipeg range from -40 degrees celsius in the winter to +40 degrees celsius in the summer. This is accentuated by a yoga room that is consistently +40 degree celsius with 40% humidity. Students here know how to dress for the cold but aren't afraid to undress for the heat.

Side Note: Before I continue blogging about yoga studios it is probably important to state that I could never say anything bad about a yoga studio. This is because each yoga studio reaches out to its community in its own unique way and in return ends up giving its community the exact support it needs. This may help explain what I mean...Every Bikram Certified Yoga Instructor goes to the same college, trains at the same teacher training and learns the same dialogue, yet each Bikram teacher offers something different to their students.  Just like teachers every yoga studio offers something different to its students as each studio varies, from the colour of the walls to the energy it encompasses, creating a different ambiance depending on the studio owner's vision, dream, and focus. Because of this, each class, each teacher, and each studio provides something different to its yoga community with the common goal of supporting people in their yoga journey. Furthermore, as with everything in life there are always things we would do differently or prefer another way but being in an unfamiliar studio and accepting things as is provides us with the opportunity to grow by embracing our present environment without emotional attachment or without fighting to change it.  To sum up this long side note, during my travels my hope is to visit and blog about as many yoga studios as possible positively embracing what each has to offer.

Back to SSHY...
Just like Bikram Yoga Ottawa (http://believe-dream-love-live.blogspot.ca/2012/03/bikram-yoga-ottawa.html) I had the pleasure of watching SSHY be built from the ground up and was one of the first few teachers who had the pleasure of teaching in the hot room. SSHY is my yoga home and always will be. The studio was built with a very specific vision of creating a centre for healing, as well as, maintaining the specific traditional criteria set by the college. The last time I regularly practiced on carpet was at SHHY two years ago and I forgot the enormous difference it makes on ones practice. There may be a unique smell but strangely it reminds me of home and really forces you to engage your thighs! Above is a fantastic video on the studio that I strongly encourage you to watch! 


During my two week stay in Winnipeg I had the opportunity to teach five classes at SSHY and really get a feel for how the studio has matured. Many of the students are the same, some are new, but the energy is electrifying! The studio has really taken off and new teachers have brought a fresh voice and encouraging word to the students ears. In addition, for the first time Winnipeg will be hosting the Manitoba Regional Hatha Yoga Championship (http://www.canyoga.ca/competitions.php). 
This means that yogis from across the province will be coming together to compete for a spot to represent Canada at the world championship. Although this is the first competition for Manitoba, Western and Eastern Canada have been involved for many years, so it is extremely exciting that Manitoba has finally come on board. The competition has created a spark in many students eyes and has really transformed the competitors practice. 

Along with the competition fast approaching the studio has also created three new yoga challenges that encompass the principles of the yoga, as well as, healing with food and tremendous support from the studio staff. The challenges are to "be a daily routine kit with knows and whys, guidelines and diagnosis of your condition (macrobiotic), your dosha (ayurvedic) and so much more" - Stafford Street Hot Yoga. The three new challenges created are focused on 1) weight loss 2) balancing blood sugars and 3) reduce inflammation.  


During this short time in Winnipeg I finally had the opportunity to take one of my best friends yoga class - Vicky Kontzamanis. I feel extremely grateful to have finally had the chance to take one of her classes and feel even more blessed to have such a phenomenal woman as a friend. If you ever go to Winnipeg, Manitoba I strongly suggest that you go take her class. It is such a heart warming experience to see someone you deeply care about be touched by the yoga in such a profound way that their entire life transforms. Whether she is on the podium or on the mat beside you the positive energy she radiates is incomparable. There are many great teachers at SSHY but Vicky is one of my best friends so of course I couldn't help the extra shout out! 


With the utmost love and gratitude to Amanda Ing. Thank you for always leaving the door open for me and providing Winnipeg yogis with an outstanding facility and community to live the yoga. 


Much Love,
See you soon Winnipeg 
Leah xoxox

The Bag of 75

What Do You Pack to Travel the World?...

Below is a list of all the items I am bringing with me on my trip and acknowledgement to those who gifted items to me. 

1. Backpack - hopefully this one is a given. This bag was first used during my travels in Australia (courtesy of my Father)
2. Canada flags x4 - don't want to be mistake as being from any other country. Canada ROCKS! (courtesy of Diane Carter)
3. Canadian bag tag - as above (courtesy of Diane Carter)
4. Manitoba flag - purchased at MEC. Yes I am a proud Manitoban!!
5. Money belt x2 - one for me and one for my travel partner Cindy Qu (courtesy of Diane Carter)
6. Locks x3 - to lock my bag if needed (courtesy of my Father)
7. Neck pillow - for the 13+ hour flight to HK (courtesy of my Father)
8. Bras x2 - one sport, one fancy
9. Panties x5 
10. Socks x2 
11. Yoga practicing costumes x2 - My plan is to take a Bikram Yoga class in every country that I visit that has a studio 
12. Yoga teaching costume - hopefully the opportunity will arise to teach in various countries around the world! 
13. Short dresses x2 - one casual, one fancy (courtesy of Holly Kitchen)
14. Long dresses x2 - one casual, one fancy
15. T-shirts x2 - $5.00 each 
16. Tanks tops x2 - $5.00 each
17. Purse - cost $1.00! Yeah Baby! Myself & two of my best friends have decided to make this the sisterhood of the travelling purse. Ground rules are: achieve a personal goal; (or) check something off your bucket list; write a letter discussing the above (enclose in purse); mail to the next girl
18. PJs - most likely will leave in Vancouver and sleep in shorts (courtesy of my Father)
19. Long Lululemon casual pants - cadillac of sweat pants :)
20. Short casual pants - I have had these pants since 2008
21. Jean skirt (courtesy of Jenna Furkalo) 
22. Pashmina (courtesy of Pierre Beaulieu) 
23. Homemade Canada Flag skirt - to represent Canada wherever I may go and wear at the full moon party in Thailand (courtesy of Jennifer Lancaster) 
24. Battery free flashlight - I am afraid of the dark ;) (courtesy of my Father)
25. Spiritual rocks x3 - that represent protection, immunity and safety (courtesy of Amy Maxwell) 
26. Raincoat - most likely will get stuck somewhere in the rain but I ain't made of sugar (courtesy of my Father)
27. World plug adapter 
28. Garbage bags x2 - a friend suggested to bring these incase I get stuck in intense rain 
29. Small combo locks x3 - to lock my pack when needed (courtesy of my Father)
30. Deck of cards - couldn't imagine travelling without cards. Absolutely love playing cards & a characteristic I look for in a mate 
31. Bathing suit - so excited for tan lines!
32. Makeup - limited amount and most will stay in Vancouver
33. Extra passport photos for visas x4
34. Hard case wallet - no fancy wallets for me  (courtesy of my Father) 
35. Ipod - my method of communication to the world, as well as, internet cafes
36. Camera - newly purchased with 8GB memory card
37. USB - to store pictures and mail home (just incase)
38. Headphones (courtesy of Jeff Sutherland) 
39. Passport - expires in 2013 therefore I will eventually have to come back to Canada (courtesy of my Father)
40. Hot pink nail polish (courtesy of Jasmine Wong)
41. Black diary - I have written in journals since I was twelve. My whole life has been documented so far...would definitely make an interesting story (courtesy of Wesley Hopkins)
42. Bikram Yoga dialogue - must! Every Bikram Yogi understands this one
43. Sunglasses x2 - $5.00 each because I always break them 
44. Lonely Planet Southeast Asia (courtesy of Erik McBain) 
45. Directions Travel Guide Hong Kong & Macau (courtesy of Alan Chapman)
46. Map of Hong Kong (courtesy of Alan Chapman)
47. MEC plates x2- one for my travel partner Cindy Qu (courtesy of Wesley Hopkins)
48. MEC spoon/fork/knife combo (courtesy of Leanne Mezzabotta & Chantal Mayotte) 
49. Gravol pills - for motion sickness. I get sick on the bus so may need these when I jump from Macau tower
50. Diarrhea pills - just in case..
51. Malaria pills - so expensive but a little birdy tells me gin and tonic does the same thing?
52. Calling card - If I don't call home my family would kill me upon return
53. Showering towel (courtesy of Leanne Mezzabotta & Chantal Mayotte) 
54. Blind fold 
55. Soap 
56. Tiger balm - most likely will leave in Vancouver as it is something I could easily live without
57. Toothbrush & floss - no one wants cavities (courtesy of my Father)
58. Shampoo & conditioner (courtesy of my Father) 
59. 36 tampons - mother nature visits regularly 
60. Bug spray (courtesy of my Father)
61. Condoms - "Be good and if you can't be good be careful" - Famous Sommerfield saying 
62. Hair brush - probably will leave in Vancouver 
63. Lotion - to keep my skin silky and smooth (courtesy of my Father)
64. Deodorant - a girl needs to smell somewhat good (courtesy of my Father)
65. Epilator hair remover 
66. Yoga towel - no one wants to shower w the same towel they practice yoga in therefore a second was needed
67. Water proof bag - for the beach and electronics (courtesy of Wesley Hopkins)
68. Runners - these are old and will probably be left somewhere along the way and new ones purchased
69. Birkenstock sandals - recommended by a good friend
70. Flip flops - cheap and old 
71. Plastic folder - for important documents (courtesy of Diane Carter) 
72. Safety pin - there is always a need for one (courtesy of Jackie Boguski)
73. Homemade bank card holder - attachable to a bra! (courtesy of Jackie Boguski)
74. Purple bandana - can be used for many purposes (courtesy of Jackie Boguski)
75. Lush conditioner/shampoo - my favourite (courtesy of my BFF Vicky Kontzamanis )

Everything fit on the first pack! 

Friendly Manitoba

There are many things that are fabulous about Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Yet in comparison to Ottawa, it is like a little brother growing up. Year by year, the city seems to age a little bit more and becomes slightly more developed.  With each new addition, building or team, another layer of Winnipeg's character is formed. The people who call this cold, mosquito infested, flat prairie land home are second to none. After almost two years in Ontario, I shamefully admit that I forgot how friendly the people are here. Even walking into 7-1, you will be greeted with a friendly smile and hello. Friends take you out to the most popular places, drivers let you in, people hold the doors and daily chit chat is offered without any reservations. We really are Friendly Manitoba.  

My family, The Sommerfield's, are the best family a motherless daughter could ever ask for. We all seem to inhabit the same land within a 25 block radius.  After the death of my mother, all my aunts took me under their wings as a second daugther (or in some cases a fourth daughter). My older male cousins act like big brothers and repeatedly offer their two seconds and a strong hand if ever needed; while my female cousins have all become my sisters.

During the past week here in Winnipeg I have been reflecting on my life in Ottawa. The words 'I miss Ottawa' have crossed my lips a few times recently.  Yet, in the same sentence, I also appreciate Winnipeg on a much deeper level than ever before. It has actually come to the point where it would be impossible to say 'I hate Winnipeg'. This is drastically different than the story I was telling leaving Winnipeg almost two years ago. It is funny how things change and it will be so interesting to see how this continues to develop over the next year. 

I am not completely sure if Winnipeg will be the place in which I hang my hat upon return to Canada. Or perhaps it will be the only place I wish to be. I have no expectations of what will happen or where I will end up.  People here constantly say "a place is only as good as the people you know in it" and I am beginning to understand how true this really is.  

This weekend two more going away parties were thrown with both welcome home and farewell signs hanging on the walls.  I think I will take the title for the most going away parties and I am not even out of Canada yet. It absolutely rocks catching up with old friends and seeing new family members take their first steps. There are so many people here that catching up with consists of a simple; hello, hug, and things carry on like we haven't skipped a beat. It is always fun telling people that you haven't seen in two years that you booked a one way ticket to Hong Kong but haven't booked a place to stay. Nobody has told me that I am crazy (yet) but a few people have said they would never do something like this. That I understand. What I am doing in not for everyone and I have really planned very little...

It feels like my entire life has been planned out, organized and colour coded in agendas. So for the first time I just wanna trust the Universe and keep holding the belief in my heart that everything is going to work out.

Jets vs. Sens in Ottawa

This weekend I had my very first "OH SHIT!" moment and I believe the reality hit me that very soon I will be walking off a plane, alone, on the other side of the earth. The word scared doesn't describe how I feel because being scared is accompanied by fear and I am not fearful. The unknown doesn't intimate me but being able to embrace my aloneness is slightly more challenging. I strongly dislike the word alone, being alone or stating that we are lonely. I believe that there is no such thing as being alone or even the feeling of loneliness. We are never truly alone as we share this earth with billions of others and even though someone who knows me intimately may not be in my physical presence they are still with me, right? In a random dinner with some friends after yoga someone at the table said "Yeah - I backpacked through South East Asia with me, myself and I, all three of us!". This comment really hit home and I have stolen it to use frequently.

Slurpee! WPG classic.

Being here in Winnipeg, being home, provides you with a sense of security that nothing else in the world can provide. When we are home we are (usually) surrounded by the people who know us the most intimately therefore we are more free to stand on our own two feet and look life in the face. So it is because of the deep security Winnipeg gives me that perhaps I am more willing to let go of everything I have been juggling. There is a lot of cleansing going on in my life; material possessions, phones, obligations, friends, and lovers. Every once in a while every aspect of our lives needs a spring cleaning. The more things we let go of the more naked we feel. The more naked we feel the more we have to be brave that the world will accept us for who we truly are. There is nothing left to hide behind. So I gave myself an extra week in Winterpeg to ride out these waves of emotions because once I fly out me, myself and I need to be completely ready for this incredible adventure head.
Thank you Winnipeg for letting me be me.