Haley HeinrichWolfeboro, New Hampshire
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What moves you? As have most people, I've been through some tough situations that required me to build resilience and adapt to life's many changes. One specific challenge was when I was diagnosed with a seizure disorder as an adolescent. Prior to being diagnosed, I was out on the trails and in the mountains enjoying everything nature had to offer. When the seizures continued, and the doctors couldn't figure out why, I lost my love for life and stopped doing the things that made me happy. I was eventually put on medication that stopped the seizures, but at the same time, I had become an anxious mess that didn't dare to be out on my own, running, hiking, or doing almost anything. I knew things had to change because I was so anxious and unhappy. The summer before my final year of college, I got a dog, and he became my life. My dog helped me build the confidence to get back on the trails and into the mountains. I still can't believe just how much I missed being out there. I have the ability to run, hike, and really do anything I set my mind to. I made a promise to myself, that as long as I am able, I will take advantage of all life has to offer. I will challenge myself, and when things get hard in life, I will find my way to the trails and mountains. When I am on the trails, I feel confident, I feel strong, I feel blessed, and I feel at home. The knowledge of this capability is what moves me.
How does running inspire you to give back? Because I have had my fair share of hardships, I have learned the healing powers of running. I use running to build confidence and discipline, as a therapeutic outlet, to make friends, and to stay healthy and happy. This has inspired me to share my experiences through my work at a nonprofit called Youth Move New Hampshire. I am able to help those struggling, specifically with mental health, and share how exercise has helped me get to a better place. Not only is running beneficial for both mental and physical health, but the ability to set goals and work towards them makes me feel empowered and hopeful. I have found that encouraging others to be active, especially those struggling with their mental health, has made positive changes throughout different aspects of their lives. |
