Prepare to be inspired

HOW DO THE INSPIRERS STAY INSPIRED?

We asked and they answered. These are the stories and moments of truth from just a few of the North Shore’s most inspirational people. Look around, look in the mirror, because they are everywhere.

The most important thing that you will learn from these stories is that the people sharing them did not sit around and wait for inspiration to strike. They all have found the energy in a singular moment or culmination of experiences that motivated them to take action, to own their own truth, and be the change they want to see in the world.

Ignite Your Inspiration

Inspiration can be transformational. We have all met people who we say have change our lives, or in some way ignited something inside us that just needed a little kindling to get started. Living an inspired life becomes a practice. Most of us don’t just wake up that way. It’s like good penmanship, crow pose in yoga, or making a good risotto. It takes work and it takes patience. The most inspired people still face adversity and have their mettle tested. How they handle the challenges is what other people are drawn to and look towards for inspiration in their own lives.

Inspirational people live their legacy, they don’t just leave it behind. As you step into these stories, we hope that you take this time to think about what inspires you and how you can be the spark that ignites something powerful in someone else. We know it’s in there.

MAYBE SHE’S BORN WITH IT

HOW RESILIENCE AND HAVING SOMEONE TO BELIEVE IN HER CHANGED SHERRY BLINKHORN’S LIFE

BY CRYSTAL MURRAY PHOTOS BY STEVE SMITH, VISIONFIRE STUDIOS

Sherry Blinkhorn curls up into the corner of her sofa. Late winter sunshine fills the living room of her home in Lochbroom, Pictou County. She takes a sip from the glass of water that is resting on her lap and a delicate black scripted tattoo peeks out from under her sleeve. The words Goodness Prevails emanate from the inside of her forearm like a beauty mark that has been imprinted in her DNA.

There is a lot of discussion these days whether or not resilience is something that you are born with or something that is learned. Is it as black and white as nature versus nurture? Or, is it a trait that is found someplace in between what biology has given you and your learned experiences? Resilient people are a curiosity and an inspiration. Sherry is asked all the time, “How did she do it? How did she pull herself out of the turmoil of her childhood and her youth and become the person that she is today?” She says that she owes her life to

Sherry’s tips for leading an inspired life... water

I really believe that water is calming. When I need to de-escalate I go to the water. I know it sounds contradictory but the water grounds me.

Sometimes it’s just good to escape to a different place. For me, sometimes I have to go somewhere and not be Sherry Blinkhorn for a bit. My house is now my favourite escape.

someone who took a leap of faith. Someone who looked at her and told her that she had potential when her young life was unraveling. The words were not a magic cure and it took years for her to pull herself away from a fragmented childhood but it was enough to ignite something in her that smouldered until the meaning of those words really caught fire. Sherry was born in south west Nova Scotia near the town of Yarmouth. Her father was mostly absent during the first few years of her life and eventually died from a drug overdose in Toronto. Her mother and grandmother both struggled with mental illness. Sherry and her siblings struggled as the collateral damage. While she does not dive too deep into the details of her early years she eludes to the abuse that resulted from vulnerability of living in a house with mental illness. She shares her story with the underpinnings of forgiveness as an adult armed with the knowledge of what happened to her as a child was, to an extent, outside of the control of her mother because she was sick. By the time Sherry was five years old she entered her first foster home. She was made a ward of the court at eight, but the perceived child protection provided little more stability. She remembers being “kidnapped” by her mother from different foster homes and the rollercoaster ride until she went into a permanent placement that should have finally given her a safe place to land. Looking back, she says that her adoptive family was just as dysfunctional and threatening. Throughout these tumultuous years, faith played a significant role in her survival. She would spend hours studying her bible and the deep feeling that there was something out there bigger than herself. But there was

also something else stirring in the younger version of Sherry. She wanted to understand what made her mother sick.

“I remember being 12 years old and being at newsstands reading Psychology Today. What is interesting about my story is that I knew that this was all very peculiar behaviour but, even though I was young, I felt that there was a reason for it. I would try to

learn about mental illness and educate myself. All people thought was that I had a bad mother, not that she was ill. I wanted to understand these behaviours. I didn’t know it at the time, but I think there was a mental health advocate emerging in me,” says Sherry. Despite believing she was hard-wired to eventually succeed, there were several years where Sherry says she does not even recognize herself. While she tried to rise above the chaos and feelings of abandonment, the edges of her life continued to fray. By the time she reached her mid-teens she rebelled and fell into a vortex of depression and drug abuse. She failed grade nine twice and dropped out of high school. She clung to a bad relationship with a young man and almost married him at 17. By the time she was 21 she had been in detox four times.

In the midst of the years of destructive behaviour Sherry left her adoptive home in Shelburne and lived largely on her own. But during this time Sherry made a connection with church Pastor Bruce Parsons and his wife Sharon. They provided the first modicum of stability and Sherry credits their investment in her life as the reason why she was able to dig down and find the good pieces of herself that still remained. “I remember the night Sharon looked at me and told me that I had potential. She had come to pick me up late at night. I was

out doing something that I shouldn’t have been doing. She turned around from the front seat of her station wagon and said those three little words to me, “You have potential.” It was the first time I had someone believe in me,” says Sherry fondly remembering the woman who would be a friend for the rest of her life.

The words didn’t change her life overnight but the trajectory shifted slightly. A few years later when Sherry’s first son was born she knew that she wanted change and the impact of that night resonated with her. She didn’t want her experience to be the experience for her son. And so began a new chapter in her life.

There was a bit of a travelling road show before Sherry started to set down roots in Pictou County. A place that she says feels more like home to her than any other place she lived before. She married in her early 20s and had been working in a fish plant on Cape Sable Island in Shelburne County. She left there when she was 26 to follow her then husband to Port Hawkesbury where he was studying to become a Master Mariner. Sherry was able to get on the TAGS program that spun

Sherry’s tips for leading an inspired life... connect with friends

Even when I don’t feel like it. After I have made time to be with friends I feel so much better and re-fueled.

of the Atlantic Ground Fish Strategy to provide retaining for workers in that sector as employment dried up. She was a young mother and her marriage was falling apart. She had to make a choice about where she would attend school. Not feeling attached to the mill town she picked up stakes again and made the move to Stellarton and enrolled in the Human Services program at NSCC.

Sherry excelled in the program and graduated with honours. But while she was working on case studies in school she started to get her feet wet in the world of real estate taking over the role as superintendent for the town houses she was living in. From there she rolled right into property management for wellknown businessman Joe Shannon. “I realized that I was making million-dollar deals and driving a neon,” says Sherry. “I decided that it was time that I went into real estate myself and in 1998 I got my residential license.”

While life appeared to be on track there were still dark days. She lost an infant daughter who would be turning 25 this April and there would be episodes of depression. For ten years she worked with a therapist. “There were days that I just felt

like life kept punishing me over and over again. Today when I am feeling this way I just need to go back where I came from and I take comfort in knowing that I really did beat the odds.”

It’s only been in the last few years that Sherry has been able to talk about her life

in any amount of detail. When she hears other people share their story she says she feels inspired to do the same.

Last year when Sherry took the stage to receive the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Award for 2019 she says she was completely overwhelmed by the moment and instead of delivering the prepared message she wrote on the chance the she did pick up the

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award she strayed into a short but powerful statement of gratitude and revealed some of the adversity of her youth.

As surprised as people from Pictou County might be to hear her story, Sherry say that it’s the people from her past that are astonished at how far she has come.

Again, reaching for her humour she shares a time when someone from her home met of one her boys and when they learned who his mother was, they told him they thought that she would have either been in prison or dead.

“Five years ago my family doctor was coming to town to do a talk. When he drove into New Glasgow he saw the real estate signs with my name on them. He looked me up and he was overcome when he realized the life that I have built. These are some of the moments that keep me going. For the longest time I felt shame but know all I have to do is think about where I was or take a trip back home and I realize that I have a pretty good life.”

Knowing Sherry today it’s hard to believe there was a time in her life that she wasn’t anything other than a successful businesswoman and a compassionate gentle soul dedicated to making her community a better place. But it’s the stripes that she earned during the troubled part of her life that has given her the sagacity to stand up for what she believes in. She says that she has the reputation of being a bit of a pit bull. She prides herself in being assertive when she needs to be and she is a firm and effective negotiator. Her volunteer time dedicated to mental health advocacy and other community projects has earned her awards and praise. “I have worked with a lot of non-profits in Pictou County over the years. I can honestly say that I have always come away a better and more empathetic person by trying to help someone in some small way. Being their voice when they can’t find it

Sherry’s tips for leading an inspired life... help other people

You don’t have to move mountains. There is just something that feels so good knowing that you have done even the smallest thing that can help someone.

or maybe when no one else will listen,” says Sherry.

There are days when she says she doesn’t know if she works in real estate or mental health but she acknowledges that it’s something that she will continue to dedicate time to. “I have to keep doing this. I know that there is impact in focusing on these things and helping the people that need it the most.” Sherry finds inspiration in the friends that she has made through her advocacy work. Other than her wife Julienne Doucet, she counts Starr Cunningham, CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia as one of her dearest friends and often thinks of Provincial Court Judge Tim Daley who shared his story of digging out from years of depression when he spoke at the Pictou County Wellness Centre several years ago on the same ticket as Olympian Clara Hughes.

Looking in the rear-view mirror Sherry says it’s like seeing the reflection of someone else’s life. It has only been in recent years that she has been able to free herself from the pain and shame she

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experienced growing up with mental illness in her family, an abusive foster care environment, and substance abuse. As she continues to peel away the layers of her life she finds more clarity in her sense of self and what she means to her family and her community. She still has days that are tough and moments when the sting of the past is very real but, more importantly, it’s the days when she meets someone on the

street or receives a phone call or an email from an individual who says that she has made a difference in their life and thanks her for sharing her story that she finds her footing again.

“We all need to be the change that we see in the world,” says Sherry. “To the world you are someone but to someone you maybe the world. I always try to pay it forward and see the good in people because that’s what someone did for me. They saved my life by loving me unconditionally and believing in me.” Sherry has collected a number of mantras over the years that she says have continued to empower and inspire her to do more but she puts all of her faith in knowing that despite all of the hardships there are in the world that, in the end, goodness prevails. n

Sherry’s tips for leading an inspired life... seek positivity

It’s always there if you look for it and when you find the positivity in things it can make such a huge impact on the way you see everything else.

STAYING MOTIVATED TO GET THE MOST OUT OF LIFE Shawna NORTHOVER

BY DEBBI HARVIE | PHOTOS BY LOUSHANNAROSE PHOTOGRAPHY

On the outside, Shawna Northover is an active, physically fit mom of two. But on the inside she struggles with a debilitating disease. The 34-year-old had always tried to fit physical activity into her life, but four years ago, she knew something wasn’t right when she couldn’t run anymore. In and out of doctors’ offices and ERs, Shawna couldn’t get answers for the constant pain and numbness in her knees and hips.

Her symptoms grew worse as her fatigue became overwhelming and it got to the point where her doctors were suggesting she reach out to mental health because her symptoms weren’t a result of a physical ailment.

It wasn’t until March of 2018, after being hospitalized, that she learned she had MS.

“I had a lot of mixed emotions,” she explains. “On one hand I was thankful to finally have some answers.” Most of Shawna’s lesions are on her spine, which is why it took so long to get a diagnosis, but now that she has one, she is more determined than ever to stay physically fit. “I really started to take my health and fitness seriously after being diagnosed,” she explains. “Seeing how bad things can get was a real eye opener.”

So every day, she tries to get herself moving in some way, whether it’s strength training with weights, cardio, or stretching.

Shawna says her number one motivator for staying fit and active is her children.

“I want to be at my best for them and myself for many years to come.” Like everyone, there are days that she finds it difficult to get started, days she wishes she could just stay in bed, but knowing that has a much harsher reality for her than most is also a strong motivator.

“When I don’t or can’t exercise or eat healthy, I feel it. I just feel awful. More often than not, when I’m having a bad day and my symptoms are acting up and all I want to do is sleep, if I just force myself to “press play” and get going for a walk, a run, a workout, whatever it is, I always end up better for it.” It was a lot of trial and error at first for Shawna, learning what exercises she could do and which ones she couldn’t, what foods she could eat, and which would cause a flair up. But now through research and her own experience, she knows what works for her and what doesn’t, and keeping on a strict diet, minimizing sugars and gluten, while making sure to get some sort of physical activity in each day, has helped her leaps and bounds. In fact, she notes that at her most recent MS appointment at the Dalhousie MS Research Unit, Shawna’s neurologist encouraged her to keep doing what she is doing.

“He thinks my diet and exercise is doing wonders for me, along with my long-term therapy medication. He said there are many studies showing that diet and exercise are similar in effectiveness to early injectable medications used to treat MS years ago. So with my exercise and treatment plan, it’s like having a double dose of medication.”

Shawna never thought she would run again, now two years later, she’s running and walking 10 kilometres a day and exercising more than the average person. What’s most important is finding your “why”. The motivation, the reason you keep showing up for yourself each and every day through physical activity and healthy eating. It doesn’t have to start by throwing everything out the window. Small, incremental changes are what can help get you on the right track to eating healthier and exercising.

“Don’t get me wrong, there are days where I have a difficult time doing simple tasks, like opening a pop bottle, that should and used to come so easily. I get frustrated, but I remind myself how thankful I am that I can still do what I can. It also helps to have an amazing support system like I have with my family and friends. They’re always there for me and so understanding. I couldn’t do it without all of them.”

As much as Shawna’s family is her motivator, she too motivates them in ways she never knew.

“It’s motivation for the family to witness such a persistent determination to overcome obstacles in order to achieve her wellness goals,” explains Ryan Northover, Shawna’s husband. “The visible commitment required to keep moving forward is a great example for the kids, one that highlights the importance of never giving up when life gets in the way. The whole family is very proud of her!” Knowing that she is motivating her family and friends in this way is a blessing for Shawna and it helps her to continue on her path.

And her motivation doesn’t stop there. Shawna’s children continue to be inspired by her daily as well.

“It makes me happy (to see mom exercising and being healthy),” noted her youngest Benjamin. While her oldest Ethan chimed in, “I’m very proud of her and her dedication. It shows how strong she is.”

Knowing that she is motivating her family and friends in this way is a blessing for Shawna and it helps her to continue on her path.

But Shawna cautions, not everyone is the same and not all MS patients, or anyone for that matter, have the same symptoms and abilities, so it is important to find what works for you.

Andrea Munroe, Physiotherapist at the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation and Arthritis Centre says,

“Exercise is great for almost anything. It’s important to get an assessment and a program geared toward what works well for you. The best options would include a global program with strength training, flexibility, and balance work. But fatigue is always generally an issue with MS patients, so getting the opinion of a professional is always best before beginning any new programs.”

Shawna adds, “I will do as much as I can for as long as I can, and though it’s not easy, I am just so incredibly thankful I can still do what I can. I highly believe a healthy diet and exercise is critical. Do as much as you can, when you can and don’t beat yourself up when you can’t. A positive attitude goes a long way when to comes to your mental health.”

Shawna is a beacon of inspiration, not only for MS patients, but anyone who is trying to stay motivated to live an active, healthy life. n

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inspired by THE COURAGE TO ACHIEVE

Thivjan THARMA

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOWN OF NEW GLASGOW

As a child, my inspiration came from my parents, who sacrificed and risked a lot when they decided to move from Sri Lanka to Canada for the benefit of their two children. I have always found motivation and ambition in their story of hard-work, perseverance and the desire to build a better life. In particular, my father’s work ethic and ability to overcome different obstacles to achieve his dream of owning a restaurant is very admirable. Over the years, I have met different people who have overcome to achieve. These types of stories, and sometimes working with these people through their journey, has filled me with the motivation to follow my own dreams. Today, I am inspired by all sorts of different people. I believe everyone has a story that we can learn from. I am especially grateful for the people who have supported, mentored and advised me over the years, professionally and personally. The belief and confidence they placed in me has had a great impact in my life. I’ve also gained inspiration from the community connectors, builders and innovators; the people who engage and build up others. I was lucky enough to marry one of those humans and continue to find inspiration in my wife and partner, Kailee Brennan. n

As a child, my inspiration came from my parents, who sacrificed and risked a lot when they decided to move from Sri Lanka to Canada for the benefit of their two children.

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Melanie Lawson

AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER

An appreciation of natural light means I have a keen awareness of a seemingly endless series of beautiful scenes. I always have a camera available.

On my early morning walk, the dark night sky transitions in the east through bands of pure colour: dark blue, pure orange, deep gold and yellow as the morning sun approaches the horizon.

An elderly woman sits near a kitchen window, the clean, soft natural light illuminates the texture of her face and the ‘catchlight’ in her eye…the pure light reveals all that is beautiful in her being. A snow-covered courtyard outside my office window: small trees cast strong black shadows along the level white snow.

A simple coffee mug on the kitchen counter, the window light defining its shape through light and shadow. Driving home seeing a stand of trees backlit by the low, late afternoon sun….long shadows spread out before them.

At the end of the day, nature puts on another spectrum display as the sun departs in the western sky.

An appreciation of natural light enriches my life…beauty is revealed in the ordinary. As an amateur photographer, I want to record it all and make others aware of the beauty in this world. n

inspired by THE LIGHT

inspired by THE PEOPLE SHE LOVES

Nicole LEBLANC

NEW GLASGOW HEALTHY PICTOU COUNTY

When faced with particularly challenging times, which we all have at some point and capacity, I often reflect on the encouragement I would receive from my grandparents, Bert and Evelyn Gorham. I had a very special bond with both of them, and I don’t know if I’ve ever had bigger cheerleaders. From the smallest accomplishments to challenges that would arise, they would always let me know how proud of me they were, and to keep my head up no matter what. They’ve now since passed, however, I keep the pep talks, the encouragement and little celebrations with me to keep me motivated to be positive; knowing that difficult times will pass. Though we grew up in different times, their advice and guidance has remained timeless and continues to guide me to be positive, help others and to keep going. Process the challenges and then look to your cheerleaders. n

HEAD SOCCER COACH STFX UNIVERSITY

I’ve been a coach for 39 years, and I have lots left in the tank. It’s been my full-time profession for two decades, and I feel like I’m just starting to get it right. My inspiration to get into coaching, and then stay for the long haul, can be attributed to many things. Perseverance, hard work, and enthusiasm for sure, but more than anything, it’s the relationships that keep me going. For me, it has always been about people.

Growing up, many coaches invested in me and helped me develop a love for competition and to respect the preparation required to compete. As I progressed in coaching, I had several mentors. I learned that the best ones invest in those who dare to stick their necks out in exchange for knowledge and new understanding. For mentors, it’s also about people. n

To me, inspiration is about the free sharing of energy. When we genuinely listen, share our time, or patiently guide someone, we give and receive the life force of energy. This fills my cup, and I can share that cup with others.

inspired by THE POWER OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Christina MARTIN

PORT HOWE | AWARD-WINNING SINGER/SONGWRITER “There have been a lot of people over the years, friends and mentors, who I saw doing things that helped other people and helped me, and that was inspiring – the act of helping. I could see the benefit, and it made me want to do things that make a difference.

It was probably going to see other musicians play live that inspired me to want to do something similar. It’s always other people who inspire me. Reading always triggers something. Seeing other live acts. Art inspires art. Travelling; I’ve always loved doing that and learning to take care of myself and meeting new people. There’s no shortage of adventure and inspiration if you’re willing to take a risk and make mistakes and put yourself out there. The one thing I’ve found is that no matter where you go, there are these common things between everyone in every culture that resonate with people: love, loss, pain, suffering. I wouldn’t have known that if I hadn’t travelled so much. n We’re all doing the same thing: trying to work and be healthy and raise a family, be happy and have fun.”

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inspired by THE BEGINNERS AND THE CHAMPIONS

Michelle SUTHERLAND

MARATHON RUNNER

Running has become my life. It’s where I feel the most like myself. If something feels off, I want to take care of it right away. Luckily for me, there was really only one time that I had to take a short break for treatment and within weeks I was back out there picking up where I left off. When it comes to training, I always have a plan and stay focused which inspires me to keep going. I don’t let injuries or bumps in the road stop me, I do what needs to be done to get myself back out there. I have met some pretty amazing elite runners that inspire me. I was in Boston running the marathon in 2014 when I met Katherine Switzer (the first female runner to run the Boston marathon before women were allowed to run marathons) and she was an inspiration to me because she was so genuine when she spoke to you. She spent time with each person she met and gave you the confidence you needed to run the Boston marathon. In fact, I was so touched by what she said to me that I got a tattoo of her Boston marathon number and mission 261 fearless on my arm. Of course, I cannot forget the ladies of MRC Michelle’s Run Crew. Seeing how far everyone has come and showing up each night to train inspires me even more than training for my own races. n

inspired by THE PULL OF THE WATER

Archan KNOTZ

PUGWASH | MULTI-DISCIPLINARY ARTIST AND OPEN WATER SWIMMER “We had just moved to the shore and I decided to take up swimming again; I used to swim competitively as a young child. I saw myself as a pool girl and I’m intimidated by the open water so I feel empowered after I’ve swum my thousand meters. At the same time, there is a recognition of being part of being the ocean, our original home, where we all came from. The open water is a challenge but at the same time, the water calls out to a person. Open water swimming is influencing my paintings all the time. I really think it has something to do with working on finding myself. Not being separate. I have to work to get in the water but once I’m in there, it’s like my DNA recognizes a home. It does something in me. The same thing happens when I paint: there’s no separation. I become one with what I do. Swimming is beautiful when it flows but sometimes it’s just a struggle. It’s the same with painting. When you relax into it, and say ‘This is how it is today,’ there is a feeling of acceptance.” n

inspired by THE EMPOWERMENT OF SELF-LOVE

Chelsea SUTHERLAND

CREATIVE SPIRIT AND ENTREPRENEUR

For myself, a mother, an entrepreneur, and a creative being, I can, at times, be faced with obstacles that interrupt the peaceful, positive, and productive way I choose to live my life. It’s easier, it seems, to find gratitude in flow, than in ebb. Ironically, I find in these moment, lies the greatest of opportunities. In a “rock bottom” type effect, we may become the most inspired in the darkest of times if we choose to do so. In the way that disturbing social affairs provoke strength, protest, and action. A health scare inspires attention to self care, and a rut or general boredom can be exactly the blessing we need to start actively searching for the solution.

For myself, a need to shine light on self love, and to unify the women in our community, inspired me to organize a body confidence calendar, raising money for an award given to local high school girls who have done something kind, to empower another girl. A fear of becoming irrelevant as a mentor in the beauty industry gave me the courage to do my first post-baby photoshoot, and re-enter the world of competition after a three year hiatus. n

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“If we interpret adversity itself, as the opportunity, I’ve found it is often densely packed with the most meaningful inspiration.”