Goals or Gratitude
As the calendar pages flutter towards the end of the year, I find myself standing at a familiar crossroads. The air is thick with the anticipation of New Year’s, a time synonymous with resolutions, goals, and the promise of a fresh start. Yet, this year, I’m torn between the allure of arbitrary goals and the pursuit of something more concrete and personal.
Looking back over the past several years, my journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. There was a time when I was at my physical peak – a dedicated climber, a passionate race runner, an avid long-distance cyclist, and a windsurfer who felt most at home riding the waves. However, life had other plans. A serious back injury plunged me into a world of chronic pain and uncertainty, rooted in SI joint dysfunction and hypermobility. This marked the beginning of a challenging chapter, one where the adventures I so loved seemed like distant memories.
The path to recovery has been long and winding. Having physiotherapies to help me walk without difficulty and pain was only the beginning. It’s only in the past two years that I’ve begun to rediscover the joy in my adventures. This journey wasn’t just about physical healing; it was a deep, introspective process of learning to move again without re-injuring myself. Through it all, I chose to focus on gratitude – for my body’s resilience and its ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
Rediscovery the joy of adventure
As 2024 beckons, I’ve set my sights on a few ambitious goals. First, to conquer the Laugavegur & Skogar Trail in Iceland come June. This trek, known for its breathtaking landscapes, represents more than just a physical challenge; it’s a testament to my journey of recovery and resilience. In March, I aim to climb the north face of Ben Nevis again; a daunting yet exhilarating venture. And as summer wanes, I plan to hike and wild camp along the Trotternish Ridgeline in Skye, immersing myself in the raw beauty of nature.
For a long time, the shadow of my injury loomed large over my adventures. The fear of re-injury, coupled with the trauma of my past experiences, led to significant weight gain and a retreat from the activities I loved. It was a cycle of pain and disappointment, one that seemed endless. But, as I slowly emerged from this cocoon of fear, I realized that my desire for adventures never really left me; they were just waiting for me to find my way back to them.
In setting goals for the future, I’ve learned an invaluable lesson: it’s not about what you ‘should’ do or how you ‘should’ be, especially in comparison to others. Yes, I am more cautious now, my movements deliberate and measured. But this doesn’t diminish my capabilities. It simply means I approach my adventures differently – with mindfulness and a deep respect for my body’s limits.
What’s important is not the speed at which I climb or the distance I cover on my bike or on foot over mountains. It’s about the experience, the connection with nature, and the sheer joy of being able to do what I love, albeit in a new way. Every step I take on a trail, every climb, every ride is a celebration – of life, of recovery, and of the human spirit’s indomitable will.
As 2024 nears, my heart is full of hope and excitement for the adventures that lie ahead. The mountains call, and I am ready to answer, not as the athlete I once was, but as the person I have become – stronger, wiser, and grateful for every moment, and every movement. My journey is a reminder that even in our darkest hours, there is always a path leading back to the things that bring us joy. So, here’s to a year of adventure, resilience, and rediscovering the beauty of the journey.
Follow my journey back to the joy of adventure inthe mountains and in nature on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok where I regularly post videos of my days out in nature. Subscribe to get updates on when my next story is released.
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