Canadian Dream

Where should I begin? Well, my name is Michelle. I'm 23 years old and I want to walk across Canada. You might think: ``what an absurd idea!`` But this is more than an idea or plan, it's a dream.

A few months ago I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. This was tremendously hard for me. In fact, you might say it was the icing on an already bad cake. I'd been having some problems for a few years, dealing with depression and anxiety, and with Crohn`s on top of that I truly felt hopeless for a time.

Lately, however, I have been pondering the meaning to my life, and what was in store for my future. I decided it`s time for a change. A change for the better. Happiness is a mindset, after all. I want to follow my dreams, take control of my life and overcome these great obstacles. I want to prove to myself and to others that life is what you make of it. So you could say January 1st, 2009 was a reset for me. I now have a goal in mind -- a hefty one at that.

My journey begins at the eastern most part of Canada: Cape Spear, Newfoundland. I will travel ever westward to Victoria, British Columbia, a staggering distance of approximately 7795 km. This will take a lot of determination and will surely be one of the greatest challenges of my life, but I'm ready. I want others to see that you can overcome adversity -- you can stare your demons in the face and laugh. You can live your dreams, no matter what. So thank you very much for reading this.

I appreciate all the support I am receiving from friends, family, and even strangers. If you remember nothing else from what you`ve just read, remember this:

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

-- Eleanor Roosevelt

If you wish to contact me here's my e-mail address: mycanadianwalk@gmail.com