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Lightkeepers: The Power of Becoming Safe Harbour in the Mental Health Crisis
You can find light in the most extraordinary of places. Mike Shoreman learned this somewhere in the middle of the Great Lakes on a cold, black night after twenty-one hours of paddle boarding against waves and exhaustion. He was there, against all odds, as a call to action—to create change for the millions of others who aren’t able to do so for themselves .... because those millions were just like him, only a couple of years beforehand.
“Lightkeepers” is a powerful true story of resilience, transformation, and the impact of becoming a lightkeeper—someone who provides safe harbour to those in distress.
After a sudden neurological disorder upends his life and leads to a devastating mental health crisis, Shoreman turns his pain into purpose by doing the becoming the first person to paddleboard across all five Great Lakes. With every gruelling hour on the water, Shoreman battles not just for himself but for the millions suffering silently, proving that anyone can become a beacon of hope in the darkest storms.
This inspiring narrative invites readers to embrace the opportunity to act as lightkeepers—guiding, supporting, and standing strong for those lost in today’s mental health crisis.
ABOUT THE Mike Shoreman lights up stages, companies, and organizations across Canada as he speaks about resilience in the face of adversity and the importance of mental health support for the teams we work with. As he shares his Great Lakes story and his journey through mental health challenges and disabilities, it’s not long before the audiences begin to light up—for each other. He teaches all of us to become lightkeepers for one another—shining a light through the darkness and guiding the people who need us to safety—despite the forces of nature and depths of darkness. He just kicked off his Beacons of Light Tour speaking tour.
Mike is the first athlete to cross all five Great Lakes on a paddle board and leader of one of the largest mental health awareness campaigns by an individual in Canada. He has been honoured by the Ontario Legislative Assembly, House of Commons, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He is the recipient of the 2022 Marg Starzynski Mental Health Leadership Award and was recently named 2024 Changemaker of the Year. Mike is an award-winning film producer and TEDx keynote speaker, as well as a Royal Canadian Geographical Society Educator. For more on Mike, visit mikeshoreman.com
“Lightkeepers” is a powerful true story of resilience, transformation, and the impact of becoming a lightkeeper—someone who provides safe harbour to those in distress.
After a sudden neurological disorder upends his life and leads to a devastating mental health crisis, Shoreman turns his pain into purpose by doing the becoming the first person to paddleboard across all five Great Lakes. With every gruelling hour on the water, Shoreman battles not just for himself but for the millions suffering silently, proving that anyone can become a beacon of hope in the darkest storms.
This inspiring narrative invites readers to embrace the opportunity to act as lightkeepers—guiding, supporting, and standing strong for those lost in today’s mental health crisis.
ABOUT THE Mike Shoreman lights up stages, companies, and organizations across Canada as he speaks about resilience in the face of adversity and the importance of mental health support for the teams we work with. As he shares his Great Lakes story and his journey through mental health challenges and disabilities, it’s not long before the audiences begin to light up—for each other. He teaches all of us to become lightkeepers for one another—shining a light through the darkness and guiding the people who need us to safety—despite the forces of nature and depths of darkness. He just kicked off his Beacons of Light Tour speaking tour.
Mike is the first athlete to cross all five Great Lakes on a paddle board and leader of one of the largest mental health awareness campaigns by an individual in Canada. He has been honoured by the Ontario Legislative Assembly, House of Commons, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He is the recipient of the 2022 Marg Starzynski Mental Health Leadership Award and was recently named 2024 Changemaker of the Year. Mike is an award-winning film producer and TEDx keynote speaker, as well as a Royal Canadian Geographical Society Educator. For more on Mike, visit mikeshoreman.com
220 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 5, 2024
"Lightkeepers" by Mike Shoreman is more than a memoir; it’s a powerful call to action for each of us to become a beacon of hope in an increasingly turbulent world. Mike's story begins with the life-altering impact of a sudden neurological disorder that leaves him facing a mental health crisis and a profound reassessment of his purpose. Yet from this darkness, he charts a new course—one that will ultimately carry him across all five Great Lakes on a paddleboard, pushing physical and mental boundaries in pursuit of something greater than himself.
Through Mike's narrative, we witness his grueling journey on the water, where each wave and each hour brings him closer to understanding what it truly means to be a "light keeper." In his darkest hours, he finds purpose in standing up for others who are struggling, transforming his pain into a rallying cry for millions affected by mental health challenges.
"Lightkeepers" is not only inspiring; it’s also deeply practical, encouraging readers to recognize that we each have the power to be a "safe harbor" for those in need. Mike's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of human connection. His story reminds us that sometimes, simply being there—strong, steady, and compassionate—can be the light someone else needs to find their way through. I had the privilege of witnessing Mike’s journey and was in Toronto when he completed his quest across the Great Lakes. I’m proud to call Mike a friend and am honored to watch his rise as a leader for mental health.
Through Mike's narrative, we witness his grueling journey on the water, where each wave and each hour brings him closer to understanding what it truly means to be a "light keeper." In his darkest hours, he finds purpose in standing up for others who are struggling, transforming his pain into a rallying cry for millions affected by mental health challenges.
"Lightkeepers" is not only inspiring; it’s also deeply practical, encouraging readers to recognize that we each have the power to be a "safe harbor" for those in need. Mike's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of human connection. His story reminds us that sometimes, simply being there—strong, steady, and compassionate—can be the light someone else needs to find their way through. I had the privilege of witnessing Mike’s journey and was in Toronto when he completed his quest across the Great Lakes. I’m proud to call Mike a friend and am honored to watch his rise as a leader for mental health.
October 30, 2024
Mr Shoreman takes the reader on journey that not only educates but moves the soul. His heart is inscribed into every word. The parallels of navigating dark stormy waters, guided by the welcoming lighthouses along the way and the journey through the torrents of darkness to regain health paint a poignant picture. Not just a great read but also a wonderful journey of hope as the author encourages the reader to become beacons
November 5, 2024
Great, quick, and inspiring! I love Mike's idea to empower all of us to become lightkeepers for those who need help finding their way.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews