At least once a week or so, I go into the backcountry via a bicycle or by foot. Sometimes I get pretty far in and realize that I am literally miles and miles from the comforts of ‘home’, my house, my friends, emergency care, coffee shops, etc. All of sudden this huge wave of fear and anxiety hit me.
I think, “well Di, you’ve gotten yourself out into the middle of nowhere again.” My thoughts, heart and breathing rate speed up for a minute, and then I switch my mind to the natural sounds around me. I close my eyes and listen to the birds chirping, the wind blowing, and then open my eyes to view the wild flowers, and the landscape in front of me.
It’s then that my mind calms, and I realize I’m at home, in the wilds, at one with nature. A sense of peace blows over me and all fear disappears.
Sometimes though, I get into these places, and the weather will change without much notice. It is during these times that my inner resilience comes into play. When a snowstorm, or thunderstorm comes at you, and there is no escape, you must find the strength within yourself to return home.
You can just sit and pray the weather changes or you can do everything in your power to get yourself out of that storm. Similar to life’s storms that come into your life, it’s how you choose to handle the situation that makes the difference.
Grace and calm is the best way, but how do you achieve it to live your best life’s adventures?
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Prepare Yourself
- Before you go out into ‘the world’ take care to look into the details of what you’ll be dealing with. Whether it’s into the wilderness or a social event, having some prior knowledge will help alleviate the anxiety that may ensue. Identify what you can’t control, let go of that and then move forward with what you can control.
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Risk Analysis
- Before I head out on adventures, I do a forward thinking process. I think about the possible challenges or ‘what could go wrong’ on that trip, and work out how to solve or avoid those potential issues. My other ‘go to’ is thinking about the worst that could happen. Is walking into a room full of people going to kill me? What kind of bodily harm could come to me if I were to do one thing instead of another? These thoughts can alleviate a lot of social anxieties as well.
“Reverse risk analysis also allows you to address your fears and talk them through, acknowledging their existence and facing them with cool-headed reason instead of acting on emotion and adrenaline in the heat of the moment.” Conrad Anker
- Before I head out on adventures, I do a forward thinking process. I think about the possible challenges or ‘what could go wrong’ on that trip, and work out how to solve or avoid those potential issues. My other ‘go to’ is thinking about the worst that could happen. Is walking into a room full of people going to kill me? What kind of bodily harm could come to me if I were to do one thing instead of another? These thoughts can alleviate a lot of social anxieties as well.
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Just Do It!
- Yes, I stole this from Nike, but… it’s 100% valid. When you’re caught in areas or situations that put the ‘smack down’ on you – there is no choice but to succumb or figure a way out. If you spend enough time in the mountains, Mother Nature will put you to the test. It takes perseverance (and a good attitude) to get out, or succumb to the smack down. Just like in life, your must persevere and take control of your life or the world will rule you.
Life provides environments and situations that are unpredictable. Don’t let these ever changing situations give you added stressors to your emotions. Honing your mental game, developing your confidence and diligence to handle whatever life’s adventures throw your way is how your build your personal resilience. Let me show you how.
Do not stay lost in the wilderness of your mind. I’m inviting you to fill your prescription now!
Upcoming experiences will included a summer retreat in July, and some hiking therapy sessions.
YOUR ADVENTURE RX TRUCKER HATS IN STOCK NOW!!!! 
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About Diana – Owner of Your Adventure Rx
Diana is an Adventurer, Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS), worked as professional outdoor recreation educator for people with and without disabilities for the last 20 years, traveled to over 20 countries and is also certified in Wilderness First Aid. She climbed many mountain peaks, biked numerous trails and paddled all around the world. Ladies, if you thought you couldn’t do it, think again. If you hang out with us for too long you’ll start believing in yourself and leave knowing you can accomplish anything.
