…working towards positive outcomes…

I have a confession to make…I’m struggling with my fear. Our time here, at Lake Michigan, is about to end. Next Saturday, August 4, is our departure date. I’m working towards positive outcomes in where we go from here.

I’ve been working on a few things. Exploring the internet for more Wilderness Camp opportunities. Our time here, at Camp Miniwanca, has been so rejuvenating and refreshing. I will be returning next year.

I hate to admit that my biggest fear surrounds money. The ability to shoulder my financial burden, weighs heavily on my mind. It’s a constant struggle. The battle over anxiety of “how am I going to make money to take care of my family?” Sometimes I just want to abandon this idea of nomad lifestyle, find a stationary place, get another traditional job and “settle” in for the long haul. Give into my fear and wave the white flag. Just as I’m about to surrender, red-tailed hawk presents in my life.

DID YOU KNOW… The ancient Hermetic Law of Correspondence: “As above, so below; as below, so above.” This principle teaches that all things are connected and have significance. Native Americans honor this principle with teachings of animal medicine. All aspects of nature have a lesson to teach us if we’re open to learning. When we pay attention and acknowledge a nature totem, we are honoring and opening up to the essence.

“Birds have often been considered symbols of the soul. Their ability to fly reflects the ability to rise to a new awareness. The red-tailed hawk is a very powerful bird. It’s believed to awaken visionary power and lead you to your life purpose. They are also fearless. They will swoop down, rip the head off poisonous snakes, in seconds.”

To the Pueblo, the red-tailed hawk was known as red eagle. It’s feathers and energies were used in healing ceremonies…To the Ojibwa, it represented leadership and foresight, thought to be the messenger of the gods…

It is also believed that once a red-tailed hawk “bonds” with you, that guidance/energy will be with you always.

“It awakens our vision and inspires us to a creative life purpose.”

In order to honor my red-tailed hawk totem; I battle, my fear, with creative thinking. Working hard towards ideas to provide income, utilizing the many skills I possess and have developed over the years. Looking forward with positive energy.

As some of you may know, I’ve accepted an offer to become an instructor for the Wilderness Medical Association. I will be going to Hurricane Island, about an hour (by boat) off the coast of Portland, Maine. The certification course is held in the end of September. I will then be teaching Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)…all across the US. I will be able to go on the website, look for classes, sign up and go… I am required to be an assistant instructor for a certain amount of time, but then on to lead instructor. I’m greatful to learn from some of my friends that are currently lead instructors. I’m confident I’m learning from the best.

I’ve also been trying to work something out with a Wilderness camp, in Colorado, for next Spring. Timing would be perfect. Their Spring session is March-May. That would be good timing, as I’ll be returning for June-August session here at Camp Miniwanca. The only obstacle is the camp in Colorado doesn’t allow dogs. I’ve been communicating with the Camp, using “out of the box” thinking in order to accommodate our new lifestyle and everyone’s needs (including the camp’s), my girls and I are a package deal…so keep your fingers crossed/send your blessings that things work out. I believe they will.

After 45 years of life, I’m not naive. I realize and believe situations happen for a reason. It might not resolve the way I want, however, if I’m engaged…it will turn out as it should. In other words…if it’s meant to be, we’ll be living in Colorado next Spring, then Michigan next Summer…and if it’s not…well…stay tuned. I’m certain we’ll be living in Michigan next Summer.

So, my girls and I are enjoying every last bit of time while we’re here. Nali and I took Jirakee on her first bike ride.

Bee did Great! Running alongside my bike like a pro. Stopping to swim with her big sister. 🐾❤️🐾❤️

But not ALL was my girls best behavior. We encountered a jogger. We ran across him twice. The first time, he was standing at a rest stop, the “on by” command worked well…our next encounter was him jogging towards us, came from around a bend, as if to “appear out of nowhere”….Bee started to bark.

We’re currently working on her confidence and exposure training. She is working through her fear of strange people and things. Nali’s behavior has changed, since her puppy’s arrival. Nali would have been fine to politely “on by” in the old days…now, she has turned into a protector for Bee. When the puppy barks, Nali barks, pushes/runs/pounces her way to the front…not so good when a Scary looking 90lbs dog is barking at you, getting closer…I assured the jogger that “they won’t hurt you”, as I had already pulled over to the side of the trail, dismounted my bike, and got out “high value” training treats; that just so happened to be chicken and cheese, two of the girls’ favorites. He expressed “Yeah, but I was scared”…I felt bad.

They were distracted long enough for the jogger to continue past us without any further verbal assault…LOL… This incident was not only a learning experience, but also an eye-opener, for me. Jirakee needs more exposure training. My hope is to build her confidence, then she won’t respond to new situations, with fear.  Nali won’t feel the need to protect her, and we can continue to experience outings in new environments. All of us showing appreciation and respect.

As we follow this path, we’re figuring things out along the way. I realize you can’t plan for every situation, and developing our ability to adapt/find creative solutions/learn as we go is enriching and powerful.

….Thanks for following along as we figure things out…🐾😊

(Credit to “Animal Speak” by Ted Andrews as reference for “DID YOU KNOW…” segment