Follow Jill McLellan through her journey of healing through white water kayaking from an injury that caused PTSD while serving in the Canadian Forces
The first time I was in a kayak I broke down crying, I was terrified. As part of my coping I bunker in extremely and need to plan my day to the minute and can not deviate from it, as well I do not do new things as I can not predict what will happen and it sets me off. Over time and learning to trust ive slowly been working through many "easy" tasks that most take a day to learn but its a mountain for me. I have my set backs but i keep positive and enjoy the beauty of whats around me and what im doing.
I find myself now being social, talking to people , laughing , enjoying the little moments along the river and talking to other paddlers!
This illness is a battle, I have my high days but I also have my low days . During my low days, I think back to the tools and the experiences and things I am learning. These are life tools and lessons and experiences I can't get anywhere else and will forever cherish!
I know it will be a few years of ups and downs in the path to recovery and building Jill 2.0 but this will be a solid turning point.
I will be funding this journey myself so if you see this and would like to help me along the way or have any ideas for me please let me know. Ive signed up for 2 weeks of courses this summer already and a weekend clinic and plan to travel more to hit different rivers, to push my comfort level a bit more.
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