Ain't no mountain high enough

So, I climbed a mountain.

And it wasn't any old mountain.

It was a 3000+m  "active" volcano.

Active meaning it could erupt at any minute.

Now, weeks beforehand, when this idea was suggested to me, I jumped on and said, "count me in."

When I saw a video from our guide saying in his best Indonesian accent, "this is no joke, guys." I didn’t give it much more thought.

Then when 3 or 4 of the lads dropped out after seeing this guide's message, it still didn't put me off. (although it was five weeks before the actual climb)

What would put me off was an even more giant mountain than the one I would climb.

My Inner Critic and Fear, that voice of doubt playing inside my head.

On the eve of the climb, the lads watched videos and tik-toks of the experience, the risks, and the dangers faced by others before us.

I heard words that didn't appeal to me, heights and snakes, so I declined to watch.

I was determined not to add fuel to the fire of doubt, so I took a bubble bath in my outdoor bathroom in the villa instead. (bougie, I know)

In the end, to cut a long story short, we didn't come across any snakes, and the fear of heights was unnecessary as it was pitch black at 3 am, and we couldn't see more than 4ft in front of us, let alone look down at what we had climbed. But I am telling you, it was scary as hell. And the other five heroes on the climb agreed with me.

But had I allowed myself to convince myself that there were snakes (harmful or not, they are still snakes) or that the dangerous rock face was not the one typically used by tourists, this was life-threatening, I may not have followed through with what was one of my proudest feats to date.

It isn't about the mountain or volcano (task) ahead that's the obstacle.

It is YOU that is the mountain.

Once you get over your judgment and fear scenarios in your head, you CAN do anything you want to.

That first day, when you begin a new diet or training plan.

That 3rd week on that plan, when you don't lose as much weight as you have done in previous weeks.

The courage to leave that job that you are not happy in.

To try your hand at a new career path, to follow your passions.

That heartbreak, leaving a toxic relationship, giving up smoking, training for a marathon, going to therapy for the first time, even that dreaded fear of asking for help.

Whatever it is, the prominent mountain to climb is YOU?

Yes, that inner critic has probably stemmed from some experiences growing up, some unhelpful voices telling you that you CAN'T do something, that you are not good enough.

But the most fantastic thing about our voices to ourselves is we have the choice as to what is said.

So why not choose,

I CAN DO IT,

I AM GOOD ENOUGH,

I WILL GET THROUGH IT,

ALL WILL BE OK.

That volcano didn't erupt, and I didn't fall down a great height or get bitten by snakes, or else you wouldn't be reading this email.

I can tell you this because I went for it, climbed it, conquered that inner fear, and said I CAN.

So, for now, it is onto the next mountain.

Thanks for reading

Marcus