The Story we tell ourselves. Blind Runner.

So, a funny story from our recent family trip to Hawaii.  We started the mornings with a relaxing routine ... some family members ran, relaxed, slept in - before we met up for a Bonsai Acai or Smoothie - stop at Teds Bakery and then over to sit on a concrete pad by the beach and enjoy breakfast.  Loved these moments together as a family.  

I love a vacation with a combination of some relaxation and some planned adventures!  As a woman who is blind, I love some routine and familiarity, too.  The running trail had some bumps -- some rather large unexpected ones.  Steve and I chatted about what was our best communication plan after a bit of a twisted ankle.  321 big bump ... little bump - we chatted away.  I thought to myself, I love love how we problem solve and are creative!  Whether it is running along a trail in Hawaii or something else ... it works!  Find a way!  

So, this last beautiful morning, we had  gone out for a run.  After my knee surgery, I'm still getting back into running!  We did some stints of walking, too.  We ran past the crossing guard (picture below) and then turned around and were running back.  On our way back Steve high fives a lady -- with my peephole of fuzzy vision I could see she was in maybe a grey tank.  Here is the funny party -- in my mind I think Steve is really friendly to her - must have been a lady we passed on the way going the other direction and this lady must have been friendly too.  Cheering each other on in running is pretty common.  I love the camaraderie of runners.  He mentioned after we had run by -- she was in her zone.  It still didn't click until we were further past when he said Natalie was in in her zone.  What I said - that was Natalie (our daughter) we ran by!  Yes, she seemed to be running in her zone -- didn't want to disturb her too much so I just high fives her.  We get back to the Air BnB we were staying with and I said Natalie I'm sorry I wasn't more friendly - I didn't realize it was you!!!  She said -- yeah, I had started running and planned to run to you -- but I ran there and you guys weren't too friendly so I kept running.

We laughed.  So, my story in my head was Steve was really friendly with another runner that we didn't know; Steve's story was Natalie is focused in on her running and so I'll just give her a high five and not disturb her too much.  Natalie meanwhile was wondering why her parents ran past her with simply a high-five.  

Picture One:  Steve and Becky standing in front of the beach in Heleiwa on North Short of Oahu.  Becky is wearing a running vest that says - Blind Runner.

Picture Two:  Becky and the crossing guard.  Fun note:  as we were crossing to go on the hike:  Pillbox; I had my cane.  He asked me some questions about my vision.  Turns out he has a good friend with a sister who has Retinitis Pigmentosa.  Small world!  

Picture Three:  Becky and my daughter Natalie (who I ran past!) smiling with our helmets on at the Zipline.  What an amazing adventure!!  

Happy Sunday!  What story have you told yourself -- that may or may not be true :)?  

What adventure would you like to try?  

Becky Andrews, Relief society conference

What a special day to spend the morning with the YSA in Logan, Utah and then some lovely family time.

Retreats for Women who are blind or low vision

Why attend a retreat specifically for visually impaired women?At times when facing vision loss, many women may feel isolated because they often don't know anyone who shares their unique challenges. This retreat is an opportunity to connect and share stories with other women experiencing vision loss. You will also leave with empowering tools and new insight through experiential activities. This retreat is an experience to truly own and celebrate who you are and your story. 
 
Becky Andrews, LCMHC, who is blind from Retinitis Pigmentosa and Lisa Bradford, LCSW will lead you on an amazing journey of connection, learning, growth, adventure and laughter. 
 
What attendees said about the 2016/2017/2018 retreat: “I really treasured everything about this experience more than I ever imagined. I will definitely recommend this program!” – J
 
“I felt such a sense of renewal after the retreat. The facilitators were fantastic. Felt like you kept things safe and compassionate for everyone. Really appreciate all the details and
 planning.” –S

"I left empowered to show up in ways I hadn't believed I could. I now feel like I have a group of women - friends - who understand me that I can stay in touch with and will help me implement what I learned."
 
“Location was perfect, liked the variety too. It was awesome to walk about in two cities using my cane skills with visually impaired ladies. Made me feel like a warrior at times! The food was amazing!” – K
 
“I learned a lot from the curriculum. It helped me understand myself better. I can now talk about being in the arena of life and really living wholeheartedly.” –M

We are pleased to be offering one retreat in 2019:

July 11-14, 2019 in beautiful Park City, Utah at the National Ability Center Lodge. We will hike, participate in the ropes course, equestrian activities, tandem cycle and connect through various activities and discussions. Life-long friendships and tools to navigate your journey will be just part of the take away from this experience. You can visit their website at: www.discovernac.org

Retreat is $695 which is all inclusive from arrival at the SLC Airport on Thursday to returning back to the airport on Sunday. To join us, send a deposit of $250 to the Oasis Center for Hope, 1355 North Main, Ste. 1, Bountiful, Utah 84010. A conference call will be held on Wednesday, February 6th at 8 PST to answer any questions you might have. Contact Becky at becky.lpc@gmail.com if you'd like to join us (and to get the call in info).

Contact Becky Andrews, CMHC, at becky.lpc@gmail.com and follow on facebook at: Becky Andrews, Resilient Vision for more details on our Retreats.

Retreat is limited to 12 women.

Todd Sylvester Inspires - Episode with Becky Andrews

Where has the time gone!  So much has happened since I last updated this blog!  If you are on facebook - I'd love you to join me in the conversation at Becky Andrews, Resilient Vision.  If you are on instagram - follow me at becky__andrews.

I'm thrilled to share that on my website:  www.beckyandrews.info we now have the notecards and notebooks that we created in loving memory of my dad.  He was and I believe continues to cheer me on in life.  So grateful.

Tuesday I had the opportunity to visit with Todd Sylvester for his podcast.  What a remarkable man and so grateful for the experience.  If you have some time, subscribe and listen here:

Todd Sylvester Inspires - Episode with Becky Andrews

In love and gratitude,

Becky and Georgie Girl

Blind Women Retreat - Daring to Own Your Story TM -- September 20-23, 2018, Park City Utah

DARING TO OWN YOUR STORY™ RETREATS

WHY ATTEND A RETREAT SPECIFICALLY FOR WOMEN WHO ARE BLIND OR EXPERIENCING VISION LOSS?

• Thoughtful, research-based processes will lead us through identifying where we want to show up in our life and what is holding us back.  Time each day will spent on exploring courage, vulnerability, shame, and worthiness as well as mindfulness, self-compassion.  
• Activities.  We will be hiking, challenging ourselves in a ropes course, horseback riding, biking, and plenty of time to enjoy the beauty in Park City  at the beautiful National Ability Center.
• Support. Share struggles and changes in your life with the group without judgment. Build friendship and extend support to other women along this emotional, mental, and even physical journey.
• Professional facilitators. Becky Andrews, LCMHC, who is blind from Retinitis Pigmentosa, Lisa Bradford, LCSW are engaging and experienced therapists who will lead you through tough discussions and activities with compassion.  You can find more information about them at:  www.resilientsolutionsinc.com.  We are thrilled to have Jenelle Landgraf, MSW student and co-author of doublevisionblog.com, who also has Retinitis Pigmentosa joining us as one of our facilitators.  She will also be leading us in yoga each morning.
• Quality amenities at the National Ability Center. Delicious food, comfortable lodging, and reliable transportation are part of the program.  You can learn more at www.nac.com
• Life-changing experiences. The time spent at the retreat creates a lasting impact that will stay with you as you move forward in your life with family, friends, work and community.

"When we deny the story, it defines us. When we own the story, we can write a brave new ending." ~Brené Brown

 **CONTACT BECKY ANDREWS,  BECKY.LPC@GMAIL.COM FOR DETAILS ABOUT OUR 2018 RETREAT (**SPACE IS LIMITED) OR TO DISCUSS HOSTING A RETREAT IN YOUR AREA

2018 Retreat will be September 20-23, 2018 at the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah.  The cost for the retreat is $595 (sharing a room) and $695 (single) and includes activities listed above, lodging, and food and transportation to and from the SLC Airport!

Open up to the stories we tell ourselves and gain an empowered outlook with the connections and activities at the National Ability Center.  Connect with other men and women living with blindness without judgment. Discover valuable tools to deal with loss and uncertainty, and develop shame resistance. Choose authenticity and write the ending to your story.

Dynamic program includes three nights lodging, all meals, & amazing activities including ropes course, hiking, cycling,  yoga, time for reflection, and processing with experienced therapists.  This life-changing retreat will be held in Park City, Utah. September 20-23, 2018.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS OF THE 2016/2017 RETREATS ARE SAYING:

“I really treasured everything about this experience more than I ever imagined. I will definitely recommend this program!” – J

“I felt such a sense of renewal after the retreat.  The facilitators were fantastic.  Felt like you kept things safe and compassionate for everyone.  Really appreciate all the details and planning.”  –S

"I continually feel like I dare show up in my life after coming to the retreat.  When I am scared I have a tribe to turn to for support.  Shame is not in the driver's seat any more in my life."  -- Ann

“Location was perfect, liked the variety too.  It was awesome to walk about in two cities using my cane skills with visually impaired ladies.  Made me feel like a warrior at times! The food was amazing!” – K

"Not only was the program excellent.  I learned so many practical tips and tools from the other attendees.  Forever grateful." -- K

“I learned a lot from the curriculum.  It helped me understand myself better.  I can now talk about being in the arena of life and really living wholeheartedly.” –M

Special Friendship. Blind Runner & Guide. Three weeks til Boston Marathon

Just a little over three weeks til Alanna and I run the Boston Marathon!!  So excited to be running with Team with a Vision.  We got this!!

What a journey.  After a fall in January my right ankle, knee and thigh have had their challenges.  Cross training on the ellyptical and bike have helped along the way.  An amazing coach has helped individualize my plan with these injuries. 

We will be ready and I am looking forward to savoring the miles in this journey.  There will probably be some tears shed as we walk to the starting point and definitely tears of joy as we cross the finish line.  In the middle most likely some highs and lows.  I love to hear the pounding of everyone's feet on the pavement ... almost insynch with the same goal to get to that finish line.  So many stories of how they got there ... the hard work and sacrifice that brought them to that starting point.

#bostonbound #boston2018 #grateful #blindrunner #amazing guide #tethered #lookupmoveforward

Finding the humor ...

Yesterday I enjoyed lunch with a colleague and then we shopped around for a bit.  She left and I was going to do a little more shopping before calling a Lyft to go home.  Searching for a warm snuggly sweater!  I walked into Old Navy and Georgie, my guide dog, gracefully navigated around (what I thought was a person!).  As she was navigating between the aisles I felt myself slightly bump tino what I thought was a person.  I turned to the direction of what I  and said so apologetically, Oh I am so so sorry.  Silence ... I walked a few steps away and realized that it was not a person that I had bumped into .. it was a padded beam :).  I giggled at the funny moments sometimes blindness brings and how emphatically I had apologized :).