"Dude. I'm Scared Too."

Connecting a love of nature, Rock Climbing, and working with youth

By Our Common Ground: Stories Connecting Passion and Purpose.

Can you tell us about how you've been able to connect passion and purpose in your life?

I got into rock climbing in my 30s, and as someone with a fear of heights, it was one of the most terrifying and rewarding experiences of my life. It was so great for my mental health, and I met so many good people...the climbing community is amazing. I've also always loved being outside too, and have always felt connected with the rest of nature.

I got thinking, if I could somehow combine my love of working with youth, nature, and climbing, that would be really cool. I went through some hard times growing up, and kept a lot of things bottled up. I think part of all this was just trying to create something that maybe I would have actually done as a kid. With the help and guidance of some key people, I started Get Out Adventure Therapy. We pretty much combine traditional counselling with hiking and rock climbing as an alternative way to connect. I love it.

What’s been a favourite memory or moment along the way?

As much as I love climbing, my fear of heights is still there. My right leg still shakes when I hit about 45 feet. I had this one moment climbing side by side with a kid I was working with. He looked over at me and told me he was scared. I said, 'Dude. I'm scared too.' He just grinned, then kept climbing higher.

Can you share some moments of difficulty related to this? (Doubts, Mistakes, Hardships, etc)

Starting anything new for me is scary and vulnerable. Sometimes this all felt like a really amazing idea, and sometimes I really doubted it. For someone like myself with ADHD, starting a business requires a ton of tasks I find super boring and difficult (paperwork, sorting out insurance, making websites) and that pushed me to either learn it, or surround myself with people who could help. I almost gave up a few times...times when it just felt easier to do something a bit more established. I've had tons of failed ideas, this one worked out.

What would you tell readers who are struggling to discover what they are passionate about?

Part of me would say that it's right in front of you... to take a second and ask, 'what makes me come alive?' It may be that thing you loved as a kid, or the things in life where you totally lose track of time and get lost in it. Sometimes it's what you're good at, the things that feel like second nature to you. Those passions of yours can be the biggest gift to someone else.

I also know for a lot of us it’s more complicated than that... that the things we are passionate about get buried under really difficult situations and life circumstances. I think those passions and interests are still there, it just might take a bit of time to find them. I hope what we've created with OCG, and this passionate community that is forming, can be a help with that.

...and do you have anything to share with those who are struggling to find purpose in life?

I'm trying to sort this one out too. Part of where I find purpose is connected with my own struggles… to use some of that pain in my life to help others… to use that hurt for good. I’ve been the recipient of that too… when someone has gone through something difficult and has helped me through it. Knowing you’re not alone changes things. At Least it does for me.

Sometimes it's connected with what I care deeply about. I also think sometimes purpose comes from what really pisses you off. For example, the thought of kids hurting and not having someone they can trust and talk to infuriates me. It doesn't feel right. That has partially fueled me to try and make a small difference in this area.

How can we be part of your life?

I'm learning Spanish and would love to connect more with Spanish speakers. I'd also love to find a business mentor who has experience starting something new, who's gone through the good and the bad of it all. I find it can be super lonely being an entrepreneur and putting an idea out there. It's so vulnerable. I'd love to learn from someone who's gone through some of this. Who's risked something for what they believe in.

OCG Dream Question: You wake up tomorrow and you can combine any of your passions with any opportunity to make a difference... What would you love to do and why?

If I could somehow combine backcountry skiing or surfing with encouraging young adults who want to change the world, that would be a trip. I love talking with young people wanting to make a difference, sharing some of my mistakes and helping them find their path regarding how they might change the world. I get a lot out of those conversations too. I learn a lot from younger people... I picture a combo of us spending time up in the mountains, or at some surf break down south, while dreaming of ways to change the world... I can't think of anything better.

Anything Else?

Nope. Thanks!

Where Can we connect with you?

Get Out Adventure Therapy: Founder and Lead Counsellor

Our Common Ground: Founder and on Board of Directors

Can You Highlight some other Groups, Businesses, Issues, etc that are important to you or that inspire you?

La Choza Chula: I'm involved a bit with them. They're doing some amazing things in Guatemala, and their work with youth has been really inspiring to me.

Grand River Rocks (Kitchener/ Waterloo) This is the climbing gym where Get Out Adventure Therapy got started. They are an incredible part of that community, are constantly finding ways to help others, and have become family.

House of Friendship: I was part of this agency for years, and the staff here were an unbelievable support as I first dreamed of ways to combine nature, adventure and my community. I'm forever grateful for my time there.

OCG Profile Pics: What Do You Love?

Do What You Love. Make A Difference.

Changing the World Shouldn't Be So Hard. Or Boring.