This week, I took a brief pause on my six-week yoga project (you can read about that journey in my health and wellness section) in order to complete the 60 kilometer Weekend to End Women’s Cancers walk in Sydney.
The walk took me from Darling Harbour to Meadowbank and back again in two days. Along with a team of 808 walkers, we raised $2.3 million for a great cause. It was a big challenge for me and certainly the longest that I have ever walked by far.
My previous record was probably about four hours of walking or two of running. This event saw me walking for around 12 hours (including a few breaks) across two days, including across hills, stairs and bridges. (In fact, we jogged much of the final 10 kilometres due to it being actually more comfortable than walking!).
I learnt a lot from the challenge. In retrospect, the biggest lessons and realisations for me were:
Focus is the key to achieving any goal.
During the walk, in order to complete the 60 kilometres, everyone only had one focus: completing the walk. Sure, there were the usual distractions including food, sore feet and blisters, but these were all secondary to the main purpose. Everyone was completely focused on getting the job done. It was all about moving forward, regardless of anything.
Every journey starts with one step
By putting one foot in front of the other again and again, eventually, you will get to where you want to go. It may not be via the path you anticipated – you may get an injury and need assistance to get to the next spot – but by continuing on your journey one step at a time, eventually you will arrive.
People make life better
The people that we share common goals and interests with make our lives happier and more fulfilled. By surrounding ourselves with others we create a lightness that can uplift even through pain and difficulty. Sharing and commonalities are integral to individual journeys. If you have someone you can share stories with, and a team that has your back, anything is possible.
Big things can be created from a small thought.
A huge, life-changing event is constructed from a single concept in one person’s mind. Never underestimate the power of wanting to make a difference. Never think that you can’t make a difference, because if you want to, you can.
The human spirit can transcend many boundaries.
You never know what is possible when you are faced with obstacles and challenges. The impossible is completely feasible. You just have to have the end goal in mind.
Please leave your thoughts and comments in the field below.
