With a Master's in Health Science, Verla Fortier is a former Director of Surgery at The Toronto Hospitals in Toronto, Ontario and a retired Associate Professor of Nursing at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. At 63, after a long and high-powered career, she was looking forward to retiring back to her hometown in Manitoba, when a routine visit to her own Doctor shattered her plans. Instead of moving back to enjoy life in the country she was confined to her bed and she felt like her life was over. That was when she had an epiphany and decided to go against the prescribed medical advice and take her life and future into her own hands. She is now an author and speaker, sharing the almost miraculous results she has experienced in her own life to help other people avoid dementia, live longer and reduce the effects of chronic illness. I am sure you will enjoy this show! Whatwe talk about: Ground-breaking research into green space and its effect on mental and physical health. What broken record thinking is and how to avoid it. Why you shouldn’t spend time in the Heartbreak Hotel How green space can help prevent dementia Why grass, trees and shrubs can help us live longer What an outside mindset is and how it can help people with chronic illness How we are positively affected when trees get defensive! Top tips for getting the most benefit from being outside. The difference Verla experienced between speaking in the corporate world and sharing her new message. Why you shouldn’t let one bad gig stop you from speaking your truth. Why stories are so important. Resources* All things Verla: Website - Treesmendus.com  Take Back Your Outside Mindset by Verla Fortier The Global Forest – 40 Ways That Trees Can Save Us by Diana Beresford-Kroeger Joanna Penn – The Creative Pen Podcast Other Resources: https://www.storyledspeaking.com https://www.standoutpitch.com https://www.saraharcher.co.uk https://www.thespeakingclub.com/speakingcourse  Thanks for listening! To share your thoughts:                                                  leave a comment below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. To help the show out: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and review really help get the word out and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes. *(please note if you use my link for the books, I get a small commission, but this does not affect your payment)