Life is like riding a bicycle – in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving. – Albert Einstein

I came to this conclusion early in my recovery from my setback. What was supposed to hold me back, propelled me further. I became concerned about assisted living, Medicare, the rights of persons with disabilities, and quality of life for others in similar situations.

It came to a point where I could either just accept things or attempt to be part of the solution. I researched groups that shared my concerns and started making connections, volunteering my time to listen, observe, and attempt to make a difference.

I now proudly sit on several committees including Friends of Medicare (www.friendsofmedicare.org), The Brain Injury Association of Alberta (www.biaa.ca), Municipal Boards for the City of Edmonton (Advisory Board for Services for Persons with Disabilities; Trails, Parks, Pathways). The crowning achievement is being able to share my knowledge and findings by becoming a contributor to this fine paper!

I guess I could say keeping busy and involved maintains my balance. I feel I am making a needed change necessary for myself and my community. As a huge believer in quotations I had a good friend tell me when I was feeling overwhelmed that “With Recovery Comes Responsibility” – words I live by.

In my downtime I participate in community interest groups to keep myself informed, whether it is a meeting for a proposed change in my community or life.

My balance is knowledge and information, not to mention the amazing people I have met along the way!

Ian is a resident of Boyle Street, a member of the Advisory Board for Services for Persons with Disabilities for the City of Edmonton, and the recipient of the Glenrose Award of Courage.