Hiking and Building

“To travel is to live, but to prepare is to dream.”

The Point of No Return

Like with so many things in life there comes a point in any construction project where you ask yourself the question, what have I done?

You’re standing in the middle of what seems like the aftermath of some catastrophic event. Surveying your surroundings you can’t help but feel a slight sense of despair knowing you have no one to blame but yourself for getting yourself and everyone else to this point. You’re not alone. This point of no return happens in every project. Thank goodness it only lasts for a second because I remind myself of all the preparation that went into the entire project before even a single tile got chopped off. And then despair turns into excitement and curiosity and once again I have the energy to rush our project along to the next goal post.

The Universe Tests You

When I studied film in Cape Town one of the senior lecturers told us that the minute you decide to make a movie the whole universe will conspire to put every obstacle it can in your way. It will make your project as difficult as possible to accomplish. I feel the same thing happens when you start a building project. It is almost as if your resolve is being tested. So be ready, because everything that can go wrong will go wrong. You’ll need to persevere and overcome great odds to realise your vision. This might sound a little dramatic but think about it, our minds are there to keep us safe and prevent us from getting into harms way.  So when you want to embark on some great journey our minds, with the best of intentions, will come up with a myriad excuses and reasons why not to do it and it will feel as if the entire universe is against us doing this thing that we want to do.

You can’t give up. Believe in your vision, surround yourself with the right people, ones that know more than you, and trust that you’ve prepared well.

“Preparation is not just about having the right gear, but also about nurturing the excitement of what lies ahead.”

Embracing the Journey

At the begging of 2020, just before the COVID lockdown, I read an article about a local TV presenter that summited Kilimanjaro. “If she can do it I can do it”, I thought.  As if the algorithm read my mind an ad for SPCA Kilimanjaro hiking group popped up on my Facebook feed. I clicked on the link and it took me to an invitation to an information evening hosted by Stephanie Brown. I immediately confirmed my attendance.

Of course the whole thing was way more than what I bargained for. Never mind my very unfit state at the time, the cost of climbing Kilimanjaro and the fundraising needed to join was too much for me. But I signed up for their local hikes around Johannesburg. In the meantime SPCA Kilimanjaro became Kusudi La Purposeful Adventure Group. By changing their name they opened up their fundraising to help animal welfare organisations beyond the SPCA.

Stephanie Brown is the main driver behind Kusudi La. An absolute inspiration, at 60 she’s already climbed Kilimanjaro 7 times and shows no signs of slowing down. Her commitment to the cause is admirable. A random click on a Facebook suggestion landed me a friend for life and a constant inspiration in my life. Since August 2020 I’ve been hiking around South Africa with this amazing group of people.

I’ve been wanting to visit Morocco for many many years so when, in the middle of last year , my hiking group added Mount Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains to the itinerary I decided to join but not before roping my daughter Michaela in to join me. We’ve been wanting to do a mother-daughter trip for many years but circumstance just never allowed for it, until now.

For me a hike up a mountain for the first time is always a little unnerving. – Especially when I see footage of it being done by hardened guys telling me to “prepare to suffer”- . But instead of apprehension it fills me with anticipation and excitement. I want to go and see what it looks like from up there!

Just like our mind has no sense of humour and cannot tell the difference between big or small tasks, I believe the same is true for starting a building or renovation project or even climbing a mountain. You go through the same mental and even physical challenges. Things can feel hairy and nerve wracking at times but thats when you have to pause, take a breath and admire the view. And just like taking on a building or renovation project, you will encounter situations you couldn’t dream of coming up against. But don’t be intimated! Just as we’re dealt difficulties, seemingly willy nilly, the rewards for persisting with your vision are just as great if not more. Whether you’re tackling a daunting renovation or gearing up for a mountain hike, remember: every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Surround yourself with a supportive community, trust in your preparation, and embrace the journey. The view from the top – or the completion of your project- will be worth every moment of doubt and difficulty.

Warmly,

Lisa
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