I did a hard thing!
Top tips for persevering
On the 9th of June together with 44 other fundraisers I climbed Mount Snowden to raise money for parenting mental health. We set off at 1 am with the aim to reach the summit for sunrise. I found it so incredibly tough. It was dark and cold. The winds blew at 30 mph and the clouds rolled in. On top of that I had not managed to do the preparation I had planned. I was not challenge fit. Despite these factors I completed the challenge. I had wanted to give up on multiple occasions but I kept going. Here’s how I persevered.
I remembered my why
Parenting Mental Health is a charity that helps parents whose children are struggling with their mental health. I have buckets full of gratitude for what PMH did for me when my son was struggling. I was at a loss for what to do, PMH provided me a safe place to share. I was given advice support and friendship. It was a real lifeline. With my son now thriving I wanted to give back. With such an important why and my kind sponsors behind me there was no way I was giving up. PS - it’s not too late to donate click the link to my Snowden for Sunrise Just Giving page.
I took it one step at a time
I have joked that it was a good job it was dark, I could not see the steepness of the ascent ahead of me.I was focused on the path directly in front. As I set off again after pausing to breathe I celebrated that one step.I conquered the mountain with a series of small steps. According to my Fitbit 30,665 of them!
I was with someone who’d been that way before
My husband Julian joined me on the challenge, he had walked up Snowden before. I don't often big him up but he was brilliant. I knew he had experience, more than that he was kind and encouraging. When I had a a panic near the beginning and thought I should stop before barely starting, he calmly told me I could do it. He stayed with me and went at my pace all the way.
In summary here are my top tips for taking on a challenge:
Be clear of your why before you begin
Focus of the one next thing
Get support from someone with experience