Pearl Lara Slotar

I did it!

I set a goal… and for once in my life, I actually DID IT. I know — I’m shocked too. I had to walk 200 km during the month of October. That was the mission. I got my T-shirt, clipped on my keyring like a professional athlete (or at least someone pretending to be one), and off I went. Some people sign up for challenges to feel motivated. I signed up to make sure I didn’t sit on my couch like a decorative cushion. 200 kilometres for mental health. For a great cause. And for my own sanity — which, as you all know, is a delicate little flower. And guess what? I walked 201 km. Not driven… walked. Even I’m impressed with myself. Along the way, I met the most incredible people — the early-morning walkers - everyone of them became part of my journey. Then life happened. My dad passed away, and the world stopped moving. My heart broke. My drive disappeared. And walking suddenly felt like the least important thing in the - grief doesn’t care about deadlines. But slowly, gently, I started again. Step by step. Km by km. A little piece of myself returning each time. And today… I finished it. Completed. Done. Dusted. Tick the box, ring the bell, someone hand me a medal and a coffee. I feel proud, I feel alive, and I know my dad would’ve loved this! To the beautiful people who sponsored me — thank you. To the friends who walked with me, listened to me, and kept me moving — thank you. You made this challenge lighter. The Black Dog Institute is very close to my heart — as is the understanding and acceptance of mental health. Walking for this cause meant something real, something necessary, and something deeply personal. I hope I have found a new habbit. To the anonymous donors and the people not on Facebook Thank you! #blackdoginstitute #onefootforward #LivingWithBipolar 👍 Share

When i walk, my brain gets the memo: “time to switch on, lara.”

Walking has become such a big part of my daily life that sometimes I wonder why I ever bothered driving in the first place. It gives me more than just fresh air—it gives me a whole new perspective. When I walk, my brain gets the memo: “Time to switch on, Lara.” Ideas pop up, solutions arrive, my legs are stronger, my heart’s happier, and I feel like I have worked out the magic formula to ‘ Plus, it feels oddly satisfying to stroll past a row of cars stuck at red lights, knowing I’m the faster one for once. Meeting friends for a walk has become the cheapest form of social life support. No café bills, no interruptions, no phones buzzing—just love, support, and nature (with the occasional pause for Sheltie toilet duties, obviously). It’s like couples therapy, but for friendships. Walking has saved me money in unexpected ways. No fancy clothes required—my activewear is from Target. Makeup? Not necessary, and jewelry? Who needs it when the only accessory❤️ I actually use is my ancient Apple Watch counting steps like it’s still 2016. Walking lets me notice the tiny things I’d miss in a car: flowers, funny street art, neighbors’ new paint colors, and the most beautiful parks. Those little wonders make me smile and remind me that life doesn’t always need to be rushed. So yes, I walking for the mental health, 8km a day in October. I really hope that I continue this after I reach my goal of 250km. It is so good for my body, my brain, my budget, and my sanity. 😍 Share

Walking for coffee

I used to live like this — in survival mode. Waking up already behind, carrying yesterday on my shoulders, holding my breath waiting for something to go wrong. Just existing, not really living. And honestly? It sucked. That’s why this photo means so much to me. Walking together. Standing together. Stronger together. Today, I walk. One step. One foot forward. Because I know how heavy life can feel, and I know how hard it is to fight for a little bit of peace. But I also know what happens when we walk side by side — it gets lighter. It gets easier. It gets possible. I don’t want a perfect life. None of us do. We just want a break from survival mode. And if my steps can help someone else find calm, then every kilometre is worth it. And I can’t finish this without saying THANK YOU. 💛 Thank you to the people who sponsored me. 💛 Thank you to the people who walked beside me. 💛 And most of all, thank you to the people who love and support me every single day. In October I am walking for the #blackdoginstitute one foot forward. I love walking to a destination and today I walked to my cousins amazing coffee shop Cafe 218 on James Street Amanda Goldberg Salkow Ramon Salkow. And now I have to walk home 😀😀😀 We don’t have to do this alone. We’re stronger together. ❤️ 😘 Share

My husband ❤️ once said to me — no, he actually pleaded with me —“lara, i want to live with you, not look after you.”

Sean ❤️ once said to me — no, he actually pleaded with me — “Lara, I want to live with you, not look after you.”💕 Those words have never left me. They’ve been the quiet drumbeat behind every step I’ve taken on this journey. Because this hasn’t just been about me; it’s been just as much for him as it has been for me. There was a time when I couldn’t even walk to the front door and back. Getting off a chair felt like I needed a crane. Walking up stairs? An impossibility. Fitting into an average seat? A challenge. I snored like a freight train, my self-image was shattered, my self-esteem was fractured, and my confidence to walk into a room of people… well, it was nowhere to be found. I wasn’t living a healthy life, and honestly, I wasn’t really living at all. Fast forward to now — and at 57, I feel fit, alive, and genuinely happy. How? Step by step, with support from a PLEx (lived experience) counsellor who changed everything for me. And this October, I’m walking for mental health. Not just because walking keeps me well, but because I want to share the journey. It’s not just about raising money (although I’d love you to sponsor me 🙋‍♀️). It’s not just about getting fit (though that’s a great side-effect). It’s about connection. It’s about friendship. It’s about mindfulness. It’s about sharing experiences that remind us we’re not alone in this world. So I’d love for you to walk with me. Let’s walk and talk, share stories, laugh until our cheeks hurt, cry if we need to, and leave the path feeling enriched, fulfilled, and just a little bit lighter. If I can come from where I was — to where I am now — then anything is possible. This journey started with a plea from Sean ❤️, but today it’s an invitation to you. Come join me. ❤️ Share