Well its back to reality now after what I can only describe as a truly awesome experience! Those of you who know me will know that the two things concerning me most about my Everest trek, was firstly the flight to Lukla (the most dangerous airport in the world), in a teeny weeny plane & then numerous swing bridges that I would have to cross,…not being very good with heights!!
So on my return, it was one of the questions that I have been asked lots……. did I manage and how??
Well, the answer is YES, here’s how.
Before I went I made the decision that I was not going to be afraid of either situation. Obviously, fear of flying in small planes & fear of heights are all in the mind! That’s a fact, proved very well in a Darren Brown show……..
I’m a great believer in the way you think affects not only how you act but also how you feel.
I was doing this trek with a small group, of whom I knew only one other person, so not having ‘my partner’ or a person who was going to really look out for me, I knew I would have to rely on myself. In fact that was one of the reasons I was very keen to do this, I wanted to push myself, be outside my comfort zone and see if I could conquer some fears that have been with me for a long time!
I think that as I knew I was in a group situation, and therefore didn’t want to let anyone down also helped, I knew I wasn’t going to fail, so that meant no choice but to conquer my fears. Once I’d made that decision, I really didn’t look back,
I got on the plane with eager anticipation, choose to sit by the window and also by myself, on the way out there were 3 seats across and 16 people max, on the way back 2 seats across & 13 people max – we’re talking small! I can honestly say the flight was fantastic, being so close to the wonderful scenery was magical, if a little bumpy and the landing was really quite exciting – I came off buzzing!
I kept remembering my son’s comments ‘mum, just remember tuberlance doesn’t kill you!’ – whether thats true or not i really don’t know or care, every-time it got bumpy I kept saying that to myself!!
One down, just the swing bridges to go, well this time I barely battered an eyelid, I was so involved in the here & now of this most beautiful country, that it just seemed natural & right to be crossing these bridges! After all the Yaks cross them, so I really don’t think they’re going to collapse under our weight!
As usual, there’s always someone, who shall remain nameless – JAMES!!! – who thinks its funny to rock the bridge as we cross……but, I actually found myself laughing at this instead of collapsing in horror!
What have I learnt form all this?
Our fears are in our head, we can choose whether to be constrained by these fears or whether to overcome them.
We are capable of far more than we ever think possible, when you achieve something that has pushed you to the limit, then you feel amazing, confident, calmer in yourself and you really appreciate the value of the Here & Now!
That was worth every grueling step 🙂