2ndchance

More PSA news

Download Maurice Bernard first edit

Here is another Mental Health PSA.  Went into the studio last week to record three more.  Just found out that our little venture won second place in a national award.  Way to go for all the readers and producers!

 

 

Need a Recharge

Here I am, sitting in the computer lab at the 4-H Conference Center on beautiful Smith Mountain Lake.  I'm here for the CELT Academy, which runs from today (Monday) through Friday.  CELT stands for Consumer Empowerment Leadership Training.  It is a training for and run by people living with mental health challenges.  We have about 22 people, plus 4 facilitators.  I came up here, primarily, to learn how to advocate for others when it comes to mental health.  I'm also interested in learning how to use grass-roots efforts to start up a drop-in center in my community.

So far so good.  I have been to many trainings and retreats in my professional life, and this one is starting on a good note.  The facilitators seem to be less interested in lecture type learning, and more into experiential learning.  The group is diverse. . .ranging from young to mature. . .from new with their mental health challenges to more experienced. . .and represent areas from all over the state.

What a beautiful place!  I arrived up here today around 2:30, and took a walk around.  Spring has yet to poke its head up here in the mountains, but I am looking forward to some spectacular sunsets.  I will journal here as I'm able. . .apparently, they keep us busy!

Oh yeah

It has been so long since I have posted here. . .several months. . .that I actually, finally have some things to post about.

Back in June I posted about starting a weight management program.  At the beginning of the 10 week 'boot camp', we all had VO2 submax stress tests done, and our measurements were taken.  This week, those tests were repeated; and next Monday I find out the official news on how I have progressed.

But I already know the following. . . .I have lost over 20 lbs!  As I move into the continuation portion of the program, the weight loss will continue and I will continue on my quest of getting physically fit.