The Resiliency Blog
Yoga for Cyclists: Why Our Practice has Power
January 2024 marked the triumphant return of RVA’s Yoga for Cyclists: a healing space where all bike-interested people can feel Belongingness.
Closing One Door to Open Another: Saying Goodbye to SwimRVA
From 2019 to 2024, I had the privilege of serving Richmond with access to aquatic wellness programming as a Programs Manager for SwimRVA. In this post I share with you a few of the invaluable lessons I learned along the way.
An Open Letter to Judge L.A. Harris
This morning, Jeffery Brooks was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his crimes on August 13, 2022.
As part of the Commonweath Prosecutor’s presentation, I was invited to share a Victim Impact Statement, which I share with you below as an Open Letter. Jeffery was present in the courtroom, which granted us an important few moments of eye contact and personal acknowledgement.
Forgiveness and acceptance are important steps in the healing process for all of us. I hope that these words can serve as a balm for the broken hearts in our community as we move into the next chapter.
Key Insights from Rehabilitation
Sitting with my own mortality helped me find clarity in my Purpose (dharma), and the goals I have for my future. Though I am the same person, I know deeply that facing my own near-death has helped to bring greater quality to the rest of my life.
An Ode to the Bike that Changed My Life (and a call to action)
Until our community takes collective action to curb distracted, impaired, and reckless driving, more people will lose their lives. More people will experience life altering injuries and trauma. The way towards a brighter, safer future starts with the individual choices that we make each day, and the ways in which we treat the people around us.
A Remembrance of Jonah
Jonah continues to inspire me. She was brave, social, active, creative, and so kind.
She inspires me to be more giving with my time.
She inspires me to be a better person, and to make more compassionate decisions.
Ten Essential Habits for Overcoming Injury
This weekend (August 13) will mark the one-year anniversary of the car-on-bike crash that nearly ended my life. During my recovery many folks have asked me to share what I learned. So I offer to you this list of Essential Habits in the hopes that it may offer some light in your moments of uncertainty.
Thoughts on Forgiveness
We need to build a system that uplifts people, helps them to heal from their traumas, and develop the skill set to make better decisions.
We should be teaching love, compassion, and understanding. We should be using language like redemption and forgiveness. We should be reaching forward with the arms of acceptance that we would wish for ourselves and our own children.
A Close Encounter of the Worst Kind
I realized then that I was reclaiming the narrative of my life. No longer just the victim of a traumatic and tragic accident. Now I was the face of dogged determination, and the stubborn will to rise again.
I WALKED into 2023 with my head held high.