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Each day we rise to the challenge of adapting our lifestyle to regain greater control and balance in our lives. There are good days and bad days on this journey no one expected to take. But every step forward in mastering this new normal is a step in the right direction. What may have initially felt insurmountable eventually becomes routine. Mountains turn into molehills. We discover new ways of moving, eating, sleeping, and dealing with stress that make every day a little better than the one before. We learn how to recalibrate our bodies (and minds) to keep forging on. And like all journeys, we will hit road bumps along the way as new challenges present themselves. Sometimes it feels like for every two steps forward there’s a step backward. While frustrating, these momentary regressions are simply new obstacles to overcome. New lines in the sand to eventually leap over. As we’ve done before, we push ourselves to take one more step forward—walking, running, dancing, climbing, or stretching a little further. Because what matters isn’t how far we go, it’s that we keep crossing new milestones on the path toward a life rebalanced.
“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” – Tony Robbins
Steps-2-Balance is the Vestibular Disorder Association’s (VeDA) annual call to all those living with a vestibular condition, to challenge themselves in taking a step forward on their journey back to balance. From May 17-23, 2020, VeDA is asking vestibular patients across the country to set a personal balance-related goal and to self-organize an activity to achieve it. While many vestibular patients are restricted in their everyday mobility, we also know that many forms of exercise or movement can help patients improve their balance. So regardless of where a patient is on their personal road to recovery, we hope everyone can find an opportunity to take a “step” forward and participate in Steps-2-Balance.
Anyone with a vestibular condition, ideally inviting their friends, family, and/or co-workers to join them in participating in their chosen activity. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to organize a Steps-2-Balance pop-up event at their office, hospital, or within their community and invite their vestibular patients to come participate. And VeDA ambassadors, board members, staff, and supporters will be joining in as well.
You decide where to take on your challenge. It could be in the privacy of your home, at work, or somewhere in the community (health office, park, community center, etc.)
On the road to recovery, it’s important to continue to challenge ourselves, and to gain a sense of accomplishment with the progress we make—even the small steps matter. And when we all take steps forward together, albeit in our own homes or neighborhoods, we grow our sense of shared community—that we’re not alone on this journey to regain balance. Steps-2-Balance also helps those around us better understand our challenges with balance and gain empathy along the way. By helping to raise funds, you’ll further VeDA’s mission, and continue to grow our community of support!
Purchase a Steps-2-Balance t-shirt, sweatshirt, mug and other merchandise. A portion of the proceeds benefit VeDA’s patient education and support programs. Designs include “Take a Step Forward” and “Vestibular Warrior.” You can also purchase our special edition “We Are Vesties” t-shirt. Let’s stand together to raise awareness about these invisible chronic conditions!
