When I wrote the title of this blog, I was reminded of the joke:
'how do you eat an elephant?......... One bit at a time!' And really, climbing
a mountain is all about taking one step at a time. Same metaphor, different
players. This is a photo of me and my brother on the top of Caer Caradoc
in Shropshire, taken in early July 2014.
My sister lives in Shropshire, near Caer Caradoc, and when we get together at
her house, I have become used to watching the rest of them go for a long walk,
which usually includes scaling Caer Caradoc. I have never believed that I would
be capable of doing it - how unhelpful is that??
Well, as you know I've been working on my weight and personal fitness with
Darren, Dave and Chris. And I am also working equally hard to get rid of those
unhelpful beliefs which are connected to issues of weight, self esteem and
physical abilities. They are falling by the wayside, one by one. I am choosing
to be brave and try things that I'm not sure if I can do, but having a go
anyway.
So in early July 2014, during a family reunion, an opportunity arose to go on a
walk into Church Stretton, via Caer Caradoc. So I took it. I'm not sure if my
siblings believed I could do it, and my attitude was 'if I don't try, how will
I ever know'. As you can see, I made it. And it was good. I had a few stops to
catch my breath. But making it to the top was a defining moment for me. Of
choosing to believe in my own ability, being confident that I can achieve these
heights whilst being supported by people who love me, and best of all, sharing
the elation with them on reaching the top. You just can't beat the feeling.
I wonder what mountains you will choose to climb and when you will ask for
support to help you along the way.
