Michael Olesky

01/12/2022

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have decrease much less stop your outdoor activities. It does mean you have to pay more attention to your surrounding, especially your footing. It can get a bit treacherous at times but the scenery in winter is worth it. Just want more snow.

And don’t forget to dress in layers with form fitting breathable options. I’m partial to wool base layers. Four layers of Smartwool on my upper body has allowed me to be quite comfortable at 14 degrees. Now if only someone had a solution of mini crampons for vibram fivefingers footwear. I’ll wear my minimalist snow boots but I prefer the mobility of my vibrams.

These pics are from Money Rocks in Lancaster County and I gad great conversations with Michele….

10/30/2021

Ran into this scene about 6 miles from the West Virginia border on route 250 heading west. As impressive as nature is, this wasn’t a rare sight. Beautiful scenery can be around every corner if we only look for it. Michele always wanted me to slow down. Now I understand why. It wasn’t for safety, it was to see what was in front of me…the beauty of nature.

10/30/2021

I wouldn’t mind starting every morning with a view like this. Nature is good for the soul and mine still needs some work. These excursions into nature especially into West Virginia have been incredibly helpful. While I’m not where I want to be, I could be tremendously worse and for that I am grateful.

10/28/2021

You won’t find this in southeast Pennsylvania. Words can’t really describe this so I will let the video speak for itself.

I am so grateful to have the opportunity to travel to locations such as this. I am also incredibly sad that Michele is not standing by my side enjoying this with me. Such is life. It is no longer the journey I am on so I have no choice than to blaze my own path.

I hope you are doing well and don’t forget to hug and say kind words to a loved one…

10/28/2021

I’m back, not just posting but to the healing nature of West Virginia. There is something about this area that draws me back. While not everyone can come here to get back in touch with nature, I’m sure you can find a space near you. It is well worth the time and effort.

09/06/2021

Just got back from a hike, the Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Loop near Hamburg. The view from the Pinnacle was gorgeous and worth it. Just have to watch out Copperheads sunning themselves. Saw three, sure there were more.

Been feeling a bit more anti-social the past few days so I thought a hike would help. Met a handful of people on the trail and at least for a bit was the only one at the Pinnacle and my mind was in a good place, calm, relaxed and rather therapeutic.

I’m Getting into a good place to contemplate my place and purpose and then I hear the voices and people start showing up. Then more people. Then they see a snake or two and start making a big deal about them. Snake wants to be warm and people being people have to try screwing with nature.

I’m no longer in that good place so it’s time to leave. Unfortunately no other quiet, scenic location to get back to that relative ‘good’ place.

Maybe tonight on the deck, if it’s quiet I can return and contemplate my future. It’s always easier in nature, just hard to always find good one on one time.

Overall, pieces are starting to fall into place. Still missing Michele…..hearts still in little pieces

07/05/2021

Amazing how nature provides exactly what you need when you need it most. The North Fork Mountain Trail in West Virginia is nature showing off and offering its healing love at the same time.

I do have to admit, my cardio system is not used to hiking at 3500 feet elevation. Heck the first two miles to the ridge line was just about all up hill.

Regardless, it’s worth the effort. As much as I miss Michele, I know she’s with me and enjoying the scenery. I can feel her at is glorious.

If you are struggling, for any reason, go embrace nature! It doesn’t have to be to this degree, though you may build up to it. Just find a tree and give it a hug and sit up against it. You’ll feel the difference

07/05/2021

Day one of my mini road trip. And the first time in over 27 years that I have been on an overnight ‘vacation’ alone, by myself, without Michele….

I’m in the mountains of West Virginia, specifically, Smoke Hole, WV. The plan is to smother myself with nature’s healing energy.

I plan on grieving as needed, support healing with a good hike or two. If I’m fortunate, I’ll gain some insight into my purpose and place in this next phase of my life. Currently, I’m lost.

I really miss Michele…..especially right now.

06/21/2021

Soon after losing a loved one you rarely have ‘good’ days. Typically they are ‘acceptable’, ‘bad’ and ‘awful’. While today didn’t start badly, it changed like flipping a switch and went from acceptable to awful in an instant. There is no point to resist what is felt. It will find a way to get out one way or another. Best to let the emotions move and flow and do what they have to do. Clear it out of your system and then move forward the best you can. Hopefully the ‘awful’ times will become less frequent and less intense. But if you do break down, doing so in nature is a good place….. Thanks for listening.

06/14/2021

This topic of connections and friendships has been bouncing around my head for a few weeks. Generally speaking, my social needs were largely fulfilled by Michele’s presence. With her gone I need to fill that void. I have met a lot of individuals directly through Michele. She was the connection. The question is if any connection was created between myself and any of those individuals strong enough to survive without Michele’s presence. After 4 months there are only a handful of connections that appear strong enough to survive. I guess I will see over the next few months as lives continue and people move on. While my situation is unique to me I ma sure others can relate and benefit by knowing it is not just them. Thanks for listening.

06/10/2021

Just finished a 16 mile hike in Valley Forge Park and I worked up an appetite. I’m about do something I haven’t done in over 26 years and something I really have not wanted to do since Michele passed away. I’m going to enter the Nook & Kranny Kafe, which I strongly recommend, and eat a meal by myself. Jut me alone with my food. I have tried this a few times over the past few months but haven’t been able to do it. This may appear to be a minor thing but for me, it’s a huge step in the healing process. I’ll let you know how it goes….

05/14/2021

I’m hiking in Valley Forge Park and find myself on what is ironically called Mount Misery. I recently started bereavement counseling and a term which accurately describes my current state of being came up - untethered. My rock, my foundation, my anchor, my better half, Michele, is no longer at my side. Every action and plan took her into consideration. It was never just about me. She is no longer in the equation. My previous way of thinking is now sub-optimal. I am merely floating with no direction or purpose. I need to acknowledge and accept my current reality if I wish to rediscover my North Star and move forward. While I may be existing, I am not living, much less thriving. Thank you for your thoughts, love and prayers, it all helps…

05/02/2021

Had a rough morning. Emotionally a mess as anything of Michele’s became a trigger and as you can image, that is many things in the house. The anxiety was intense. I had to get out of the house. A drive was likely a bad choice so grabbed my pack and water bladder and went for a walk. It’s been just over three hours and I have about another two miles if I continue straight home. Just when I though I made progress nature gives me a reality check. This journey of loss and healing is unpredictable and at times rather painful. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and love.

03/31/2021

It has been 7 weeks today since Michele has passed. At times it feels like only yesterday.

I have only looked at social media in the last day or two. The Introvert in me has been trying to hide out in my cave, but I know that is not what Michele wanted and she encouraged me to reach out and ask for help whether I felt I needed it or not. Just posting this video and writing these words is a step to putting myself out there and not closing myself off. 

I want to thank everyone for your thoughts, words, prayers, love and the incredibly helpful hugs. If there is one thing I have learned, you can never have too many hugs or in-person interactions.

If I am being honest, I can’t say I am doing well or that everything is ok. It  isn’t. My entire life has been turned upside down. I can tell you, I am working on it . . . day by day, moment by moment. 

I can only describe this as an awful emotional rollercoaster ride with no end in sight. I do know that it will get better and eventually I will be able to move forward and continue my purpose. 

I miss you greatly Michele. You have been the center of my life for over 28 years, ever since that eventful first date. Everyday I continue to discover how you have impacted not only my life but also the lives of those you have interacted with. For this you will always hold a special place in my heart and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to be with you.

02/11/2021

May you rest in peace Michele! The past 25+ years of wedded bliss were absolutely amazing. You made me a better version of myself and you will forever be held safe deep in my heart. The metastasized cancer took you far too quickly and too early in your life.

As I try to find myself and continue on my path without your physical presence I will be taking a break from facebook and other aspects of my life. I am not sure when or how I will return, but I will return, with renewed focus on making the world around me a better place. After all, without family, friends and loved ones, what have you got? Nothing of true importance…..

https://www.harrismountain.com/obituary/Michele-Olesky

Share memories & support the family

02/10/2021

Whether you are suffering from an unwanted illness, or a care-giver supporting another or just trying to get by in today’s unhealthy society, this is an exercise we can all practice and benefit from.

True self love and acceptance is vital to one’s journey through life where we are meant to embrace our humanity rather than judge it.

Once you truly love and accept yourself, you can love and accept others where amazing results will manifest. 

I recognize that this flies in opposition to what we are being told and led to believe is generally true by our governments, politicians, media, celebrities/royalty (same thing) and even educational system. But that is okay. It is okay to recognize the truth and follow it even when in direct opposition to the masses. 

Embrace yourself, embrace humanity (immediate family, neighbors, local community etc.) and make your little part of the world a better place. Imagine if this took place throughout the world. 

Move Better, Feel Better, Live better!

*I don’t know who designed this image but kudos for an amazing message and the artwork portraying it!

02/02/2021

Woke up this morning to this beautiful view of mother nature showing off.

There is something special about winter when everything is covered by a thick layer of white and you go outside and it is eerily quiet as the snow absorbs all ambient sounds. 

It is truly something special if you just allow yourself to see what is directly in front of you. 

Happy winter to everyone and let’s look forward to more of nature’s shows

Move Better, Feel Better, Live Better!

01/19/2021

Sometimes the universe throws you a curveball which disrupts any and all daily routines and can’t be ignored. To maintain one’s sanity and sustain your current health status it is vital to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves. 

The foundation of health and physical performance include diet, rest (sleep), exercise, stress reduction and the intelligent use of supplements. While it is highly unlikely to have an opportunity that includes all five aspects, it is very likely that you can act upon one or more at a time. 

I haven’t been able to maintain my normal exercise routine lately and I have really needed to burn off some stress and get the body moving. My neighbor had some Ash trees taken down and I was offered the opportunity to take the wood. All I had to do was remove it from his property. Sounds like a win-win for me. 

Without a deadline I can spend 20, 30 minutes or more whenever I feel the need, or time allows, to get a workout, reduce stress through movement and ultimately support better sleep. An added bonus is my sanity is maintained. One activity is supporting three foundational elements. Plus, I have future opportunities by splitting and then stacking the wood. I will ultimately be busy for many months to come.

While you may not be able to do everything you want, when you want, opportunities always exist that can be taken advantage of. Don’t allow the universe’s curveball impede your goals any more than it has to. You have choices.

Move better, feel better, live better!