Do something that scares you…
When I tell people some of the things I do there are normally two reactions; 1) You’re insane, I could never do that or 2) awesome, I could never do that. But you know what, you can and more to the point you SHOULD!
So why do I push myself to climb higher, walk further, paddle more or as with my latest adventure go caving? Here’s why…
1. To Challenge myself – taking on a new challenge, be it getting outside every day for 15 minutes (with no music or tech in my case) or caving keeps me on the edge of my seat, it makes everything I do memorable and that is what life is about, making memories.
2. Learn new skills – focusing on something new helps to test and develop my brain, it enables me to gain knowledge which for me is always a thrill.
3. Have an adventure – to me adventure is what its all about. Officially, an adventure is an unfamiliar, exhilarating or intrepid experience. Doing something that scares you is all part of ‘adventure’.
4. Find myself – cheesy I know, but it is so true. It is only when you are pushing yourself out of your comfort zone that you really start to find out who you are. You may surprise yourself and discover that you are stronger that you think (see No. 7).
5. Test my limits – two years ago I couldn’t get to the top of the small indoor climbing wall and had never climbed outside, now I enjoy climbing and testing my limits. I am continuously improving my ability to channel mind over matter and this means that I am progressing and developing. Win – Win.
6. Meet new people – the people I have met, be it in person, on the hills, at the wall, on the river or on social media have been an inspiration. The commitment these people have to the pursuance of adventure keeps me going.
7. Discover I am made of stronger stuff – testing my limits has made me realise that I ‘can’ do stuff, that I really am stronger than I ever realised.
8. To make that cider taste even better at the end of the day – Come on, you have to admit there is nothing better than spending a long day in the hills and heading in to a cosy pub and sinking a pint?? You’re with me on this yeah?
9. To show that I AM always ready – despite lists, laying kit out on the bed, reading books, practising knots over and over again I rarely feel truly ready for my adventures, but you know what, I have done a few now and I AM READY!
These are just some of the reasons why I do what I do. As you know if you are regular reader or insta-follower I love the outdoors and it is my therapy. So, outdoor adventure is part of what I do, but having started years ago I have seen myself develop, I understand myself better, I know that I CAN do this and nothing would make me happier if those people who always tell me they ‘can’t do it’ would come along with me one day so I can show them that they can.