State 32, Montana! 8700 miles : mental health

After several hard days of  challenging climbing in equally challenging cold, rainy, and even snowy conditions, (including graupel) Scott's legs and body were tired but his spirit remained strong. We both appreciate that we are on the final stretch, and it won't be long before we are headed into Itasca State Park that final ride day of June 15th!   

Some have labeled May "mental health awareness month," an opportunity to take an inventory of how well we are mentally adjusted to today's life and mental health challenges. (I would suggest just doing an evaluation just one time a year for one month is not enough.) I have repeatedly stated, as have others, that we are in awe of Scott's strong mental strength in the daily pursuit of this journey, which got me thinking even more about mental health. 

Scott and I have both had many challenges to face in our lives and on this journey. Most recently for  the 'big" challenges, Scott has been fighting advanced cancer, and dealing with the grief of  losing his son to suicide from schizophrenia. 

On this ride Scott has also repeatedly stressed that it is not the physical part of the ride that it is the hardest but the mental part of the ride.  We both think that is true of life too.   

I also have had many challenges throughout life, fighting many common mental health challenges such as depression and addiction.  Most recently with this journey's challenges, such as  the isolation in the camper, the constant daily moving of the camper, working from the camper, and the heavy time/energy commitments between work, charity, and SAG support for Scott, I had really work on maintaining a healthy mental health.    

We have had many people suggest "they could not bike day after day in these conditions..." or "they could not possibly drive the truck and trailer, work remote, do SAG support, on just plain LIVE in a camper for a year...!"  Frankly at least once a week someone comments on it... and perhaps that is why it makes the journey inspirational to some asScott is doing, and I am going, something that not too many would attempt.  We acknowledge it has been hard. Very very hard. 

Scott and I are blessed that we both possess positive attitudes to start with - and nourish that positive attitude with our strong faith and  a daily gratitude practice.  We know that if we don't take care of our mental health it will degrade. Scott just finished reading the Bible, in its entirety, in this journey.   For me I do daily verses, and have my runs and walks in nature as an opportunity to pray.  Both of us connect to family and friend through phone whenever possible to fill up our tanks.  These are things we do to maintain our mental health - there are many ways of doing it, it does require paying attention  to what is needed, and acting on it.   Easier said than done! As Scott says on his rides, the mental part is harder than the physical part - so true of life too. 

As we have met new people along the way we have heard many stories that folks have shared on their challenges - personal battles with cancer or their physical health, and those that have lost children to suicide or cancer, or that are currently suffering with severe mental health challenges.  What we have learned - every single person has their own mental health challenges to some degree, everyone! Not everyone shows it or shares it. We seek to share, listen and show all kindness with an open door and patient ear.      

So in this "mental health awareness month", we urge all to not only take stock and care for yourself- but have kindness toward others because you may not know what type of challenges they are facing, but  know they absolutely are facing something.   

As always, thank you for your support, your encouragement, your donations to the two charities we are supporting. milesformoney.org