I LEFT MY HEART IN THE MOUNTAINS

I’m a self-professed mountain girl/mountain lover/ mountain climber. Except that here’s the thing: I don’t even live in the mountains – not even close!

Years ago I traded in my mountain lifestyle for a new and exciting opportunity on the other side of the country – and I wouldn’t change that decision for the world! But I must confess what I can’t shake…the mountains stole my heart. Here’s why:

Being surrounded by the mountains has a powerful effect on something deeper. It’s as if being amidst something greater than ourselves, changes our perspective and insight on life and the things that really matter. Somehow without trying, you are able to confront your demons, re-evaluate your problems or your goals or your desires – you are able to widen your perspective and reflect on ‘the big picture’.

They have healing powers

Call me crazy or cliche or what ever..but there is no denying it. Maybe it’s that dose of fresh mountain air, the exercise or the litres of water I drink when I’m hiking, but I swear to you that after a visit to the mountains I feel enormously better. It’s as if there is an energy source in those summits that you can tap into and feed off of. Getting out there literally fuels you and rebalances you; you will notably feel more calm and happy, and less irritable or anxious. There was never a time that I left the mountains without feeling refreshed, happy and inspired – ready to take on anything that came my way.

They serve as an opportunity for personal growth

Through challenging yourself, both physically and mentally, you grow. Through pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and getting out there, you flourish. Through completing something you started and seeing it through to the end, you make progress. Through getting lost or falling down or failing to summit a climb, you learn to not only be kind to yourself knowing you TRIED your best, but you blossom into a more humble person! Through interacting with nature and wildlife, you develop respect for the earth and empathy for the wellbeing of the environment and of the animals.