Whether you know my story or not, it is one I will continue to share as I know it can really help many who are struggling with their own health and recovery journey.
So let’s dig in, nearly 12 years ago, the day marks the anniversary I was given a second chance to breathe on March 19, 2013 – a sunny blue sky day I will never forget.
Settle into your Sunday morning with perhaps a coffee or tea, a comfortable chair to take some time to read this. I’m going to go deep and share my story and how Mindful Method. was born.
Way back over 10 years ago, you may have never guessed that I used to wear a buttoned-up suit, slick backed hair, working in the fast-paced finance world on Bay Street here in Toronto.
After just getting by in university in 2007, I grew focused and attracted to the opportunity of building a wealth management practice – a client book of business as a financial advisor.
I jumped in with two feet and looking back I cannot believe it was over 15 years ago!
Deciding to dress the part, I got my first custom-made suit from Garrison Bespoke so I could look the part on Bay Street. I was determined to fit in and build a lifelong career and practice that would one day support a family and my goals to own a home and a nice car…
As a 27-year-old thinking it was that simple and I would have it all figured out by 30 – boy was I ever taken by surprise when my life flashed before my eyes.
I figured all I needed was a few nice suits, a big financial advising business, and that was the formula to be successful and live a happy life…RIGHT?!
I couldn’t have been more WRONG.
In literally a blink of an eye on March 19, 2013 – my LIFE changed FOREVER.
My brother, JD, and a friend Dave, and I set out on our final day of a week-long ski vacation.
We decided on this final day to set out hiking in the backcountry of Whistler BC, in the Corona Bowl. My brother, a former very experienced ski coach, and a very advanced ski racer who had been living in Whistler that season, was our very own guide for the trip.
Let me start off and paint the picture of the day for those skiers and snowboarders reading – it was a picture-perfect blue sky day with fresh powder blanketing the mountains…
It was a skier and boarder’s dream.
We hiked up over 2 hours on foot to one of the highest peaks in Whistler, yes we were out of bounds…
We were skiing at our own risk and chose our last day to live life on the edge.
My brother, JD had been skiing the Whistler mountains for several years and had prepped us with the necessary gear to be hiking the backcountry (beacons, a 10-foot-long probe that folded up compact to fit into your pocket, and a mini shovel in case the inevitable happened…)
We had skied (I was on a board) down into the Corona Bowl for those who know it.
It was surreal and I remember it felt like we were floating as we each carved out our lines down to the bottom of the bowl…
The game plan was once we reached the bottom was to strap our gear on our backs and then start hiking up the backside of the mountain to ski out back to the Whistler Village where we would call it a day and a few apres drinks…
We never made it.
At exactly 11:10 am, I received a text from my friend Rob (Dave’s) brother who was waiting for us at the bottom…” are you guys okay haha?”
I did not see this text on my Nokia red phone until later that day…
Moments after that text, in a matter of seconds I was buried… ALIVE.
At approximately 11:30 am.
I SUFFOCATED, I couldn’t BREATHE.
I was buried alive under 4 feet of snow.
We had been wiped out by an AVALANCHE.
This was a scene right out of a movie.
I was buried, they were guessing for nearly 4 minutes…any longer doctors said I would NOT have been here today to tell the story.
My very own younger brother JD knew he had to act quickly, moments mattered, the clock was ticking, and EVERY SECOND counted.
I was found at last, buried face down, goggles and helmet still on and intact.
I was dug out of the 4-foot hole and found unconscious, non-breathing.
I was black and blue, I was cold… I WAS BURIED ALIVE.
Minutes went by, checking and clearing my airway of snow, shaking me…nothing was happening.
Until…
I gasped for air.
I remember barely being able to open my eyes, shaking uncontrollably from the cold and lack of oxygen to my brain…
I could BREATHE again, slowly starting to come to, still shivering and in shock not fully realizing the extent of what just happened…
Stay tuned for the full story and the book I’m writing and look forward to publishing one day for all of you to READ…
This was the EPIC start and journey of my lifelong recovery from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and how Mindful Method. Was born.
Take a deep breath. And exhale out.
Crazy story right?
I count my blessings every day on how GRATEFUL I am to be alive to tell this story.
I lost my breath in 2013 and through rebuilding my strength and foundation by learning and practicing the fundamentals of yoga, strength training, and transforming my mindset… I regained my breath, and my strength to what it is today.
Today, I share, coach, teach, and GUIDE those who are ready, keen, willing, and committed to taking their health to the next level and are ready to transform.
Nearly the last 12 years of my life, I’ve spent and chosen to learn about how to recover, heal the body, the brain, and the mind with no medication – focused on only all-natural healing tools, techniques and strategies.
This was how Mindful Method. was born, as a way for me to show up and teach everything I’ve learned from my journey so far.
Today marks a special day for me.
I was given a second chance and not a day goes by that I ever forget it.
I am GRATEFUL. Every chance I get to wake up each morning and share my story with all of you, and one day my son.
Life is short, it’s the little in-between moments that matter most.
Never take life too seriously.
Learn from my story, and share it with others.
Take a deep breath for me today.
Breathe in, breathe out.
Need a Personalized Game Plan?
Want a second opinion on your routine? Need help fine-tuning your fitness and nutrition?
📅 Book a free 20-minute strategy call here.
