My MS Journal: Women's Wellness Retreat

Women's Wellness Retreat

As previously promised, over the next week or so I will be posting about the Women's Wellness Retreat that I went to March 30-April 1 on Bainbridge Island. I was not only fortunate enough to attend this retreat but I was part of the planning committee, which was such a great experience in itself. I met many wonderful people who live with MS everyday. They are all strong, inspiring women and it was great to get to know them over the three days I was there.

The weekend consisted of several talks and activities. There was great food, all of which was either from the lodges organic garden or local farmers. The lodge (Islandwood Resort) is all built with sustainable elements. It is such a beautiful location!

Today I will not get into the specifics of the talks, but I will let you know what you can expect. We heard from wonderful speakers like Mo Manley - Life Coach/Olympic Cyclist, Allison Shaddy, LCSW and author of MS & Your Feelings (a book I highly recommend everyone getting), Melissa West, MS - Inspirational Speaker and author, Laurie Mischley, ND - Naturopathic Doctor who works with neurological conditions and nutrition, Lily Ju ng, MD - MS Specialist at Swedish in Seattle, Bobbie Severson, ARNP - practitioner at the MS Evergreen Center as a MS Specialist Nurse, consultant, lecturer and contributor to MS publications, and last but not least Molly Kenn y, MS-CCC - nationally recognized innovator, researcher and educator in the field of yoga-based therapy (she lead us through a yoga session, which was great). The topics included: Investing in yourself, Stress Reduction, Coming to Terms with MS, Sex, and more.

As I feel this was great information to get as a person with MS, I thought it would be great to share it all with you. I hope that you are able to take something from this and apply it to the areas of your lives that you feel may be helpful. Let's all live well with MS!

7 comments:

mouse said...: I remember the name "Bainbridge Island" from when I lived in Vancouver some 20 years ago. Don't remember anything about it though except it's in the strait. Looks beautiful! I'm glad that you had a pleasant and informative time. Thanks for the links!; April 28, 2007 6:22 PM
personallog! said...: I am so glad your doing well babe. It looks like you had a good time and that makes me glad. Great photo in the trees. Looks very relaxing. Thanks for all the links(always seeking perfection as always!hehe)
Love
Dave; April 30, 2007 6:46 AM
Stephen said...: wow, that sounds like such a great experience! i will have to search for something like that here in new england. it might even inspire me to travel! thanks for sharing!; May 24, 2007 10:22 AM
Iain Dughlais said...: Hey Jamie, nearly June. Where ya been???
-D; May 30, 2007 1:40 PM
Synchronicity said...: hi...i just got diagnosed with MS recently and i am looking to connect with other bloggers. so a big howdy to you and i hope you post more soon!; June 09, 2007 6:53 PM
mdmhvonpa said...: You ok? July coming up.; June 11, 2007 11:17 AM
Jaime said...: Hi one and all! I know it has been such a long time since I have been on. I am sorry for that. There have been a lot of things going on with me both medically and personally. Thanks for being here. I miss you guys! Hopefully things will settle down soon and I can get back to it.

Take care of yourselves!
Jaime; June 17, 2007 5:38 PM