BANFF – When you open yourself to the idea of taking risks, anything can happen.
Banff author Meghan J. Ward is a prime example of how daring to go on a cross-country adventure can be a life-changing affair.
One year after the travel and adventure writer released her life story in Lights to Guide Me Home: A journey off the beaten track in life, love, adventure, and parenting, Ward welcomes the public for a free presentation Wednesday (Oct. 4) at 7:30 p.m. at the Banff Public Library.
The local author says the upcoming presentation, Redefining Adventure: Stories from Lights to Guide Me Home, is about life’s major transitions, letting go of expectations and embracing new opportunities.
“I think as Bow Valley dwellers, many people can relate to the idea that we develop a relationship with adventure over time and it can kind of compromise their identity when something threatens that, whether it's an injury or a major life change, such as having children,” said Ward, a mother of two young children.
In her early 20s, Ward journeyed across the country for a summer job in the Canadian Rockies. From the suburbs of Ottawa and inexperienced in everything mountain culture, Ward’s life suddenly looked a lot different, going into a world of travel, parenthood and marriage.
“By writing a memoir, I was kind of surrendering to the idea that I was going to reveal some things that might be seen as vulnerable,” said Ward. "I hope that by being more open and vulnerable, I help other people feel seen and heard and left alone in their own struggles in some of these areas.”
The presentation will be approximately 45 minutes of storytelling followed by 15 minutes of Q&A.
The author says despite themes of life’s transitions, her presentation is suitable for all to attend.
“I just really wanna encourage people that creating that meaningful life is really in our hands, especially when we come from a point of privilege,” said Ward.
“I recognize that I'm coming from a point of privilege that I'm able to really make these choices for myself. That's not something that everyone has, but I just want people to feel like they can come from any stage of life.”
Those pre-registering to attend through the library’s website will have a chance at winning a free signed copy of Lights to Guide Me Home.
The memoir will also be available for purchase at the presentation.
