Life in motion
We are told that challenging seasons bring growth but do we really believe that? Here is the long version of my Friday Letter for NM, an online fitness company, that challenges our relationship with fitness. If we feel we are in the middle of a challenging season, let’s learn to lean in to that. Growth occurs from this movement we experience.
Bonjour, Paris
Sunshine Coast
Maybe I have a biased opinion because I grew up in this magical area, or maybe you’ll have to come visit yourself. The Sunshine Coast is a slow-paced area with beautiful small towns sprinkled along the coast. From hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, exploring beaches, cafes and restaurants or the local shops, there is something for everyone here. Trust me… you wont want to leave.
BLM Resources
#BlackLivesMatter
I have been sitting here absorbing everything that has gone on around me for the past couple of weeks. Feeling inspired, insignificant, helpless, hopeful. I wanted to do my part and first turn inwards. Here are some of my thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement and how we can stand by our Black brothers and sisters moving forward.
Covid-19: your blessing or curse?
He Is RISEN!
Mental Health Series: Grief
In all upsetting situations it is possible that we find ourselves going through the stages of grief. And I think that right now, during this unique situation, we are all bonded in that. The five stages, denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance are a part of the framework that makes up our learning to live with what we lost.
Slowly made it home
Athens, Greece
Greece had always been one of my top places to visit for my entire life. The first time I stepped foot on it’s ancient ground I was with two of my girlfriends and we had an absolute blast. From Athens to Santorini to Crete, it was one of the most spectacular girls trips I’ve taken and I fell so head over heels with the country. A few years later I signed a professional volleyball contract in Athens where I got to live for seven months and ultimately feel like a local. I always try to find the best kept secrets in the city I am exploring although I don’t often have months on months. Dive into the history of Athens and all it’s gateways to other amazing parts of the beautiful country of Greece.
What NOT to miss in Athens
1. Acropolis + PARTHENON
2. ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
3. PLAKA
A DARLING LITTLE TOWN WITH SHOPS AND STREET VENDORS AT THE BASE OF THE ACROPOLIS HILL.
4. FILOPAPPOU HILL
Walk to the top for the best view in all of Athens
5. MONASTIRAKI
A GREAT PLACE TO COME GRAB A bite to eat or a drink. Find a rooftop bar and watch the sunset over the Acropolis hill. They also have a very fun flea market
6. Ancient Agora of Athens
Iconic Greek ruins with a really awesome museum
7. Temple of Hephaestus
Be careful not to miss this amazing temple! Down in the bustling city of Athens you can find some spectacular ruins intermingled within the city dwellers. Right across from the Ancient Agora.
8. Arch of Hadrian
9. Kerameikos
Located to the northwest of the Acropolis, it includes an extensive area both within and outside the ancient walls known as the potters’ quarter of the city (this is where the word “ceramic” is derived).
10. Panathenaic Statium
11. Vouliagmeni
One of my favourite places to spend an afternoon! There are some amazing shops and green spaces you can spend a few hours wandering around, finding a nice brunch spot, and enjoying the sunshine. A hop skip and a jump can take you to my absolute favourite restaurant in all of Athens: Moorings. The surrounding area is beautiful too so make sure you leave some time for exploring!
12. Piraeus Harbour
13. Tower of the Winds
14. Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
A beautiful Greek Orthodox Church which is one of the oldest churches in all of Athens
15. Limanaki
Me and my teammate’s favourite spot: “The Watering Hole.” We were lucky enough to experience this little slice of heaven during the off season but during the summer this hidden gem is bustling with locals wanting to cool off.
Olympic Qualifiers Part 1
The Vermeer's
Team Canada 2019
As our very busy summer with Team Canada volleyball comes to a close, I have to pause and write down some of my reflections. We had a lot of ups and downs (mostly ups!) as we navigated throughout all the important tournaments this summer with an entirely new coaching staff. Here I recap what the summer looked like and where we are now!
Think it, write it, have it
This past professional season (2018-2019) in Peru was the first time I wrote down my personal athletic goals. I had always known what my goals and aspirations would be during a season but I wanted to give life to these thoughts and write them down on paper. Turns out, writing down my goals not only gave me more motivation to accomplish them, they also both came to fruition.
CR Memorial Golf Tournament
Every year, friends, family and avid golfers get together to celebrate my brother Connor. Teams of four go out on the golf course Connor grew up on to play in his honour and memory. Every golfer leaves with a prize, including food and candy stations throughout the course, 50 50, silent auctions, and much more! It is an amazing day on the Sunshine Coast to celebrate Connor.
Paradise in Mancora
Semi Finals
In a rematch of last year’s Championship Final, Kyla Richey’s Peruvian team USMP overtook Jaamsa in the fifth set 15-13. Here’s a little recap into the second match of the semi finals, including some before the match edits and some rally highlights. This win advances them to the 2019 Championship Finals.