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Just over 25 years ago, I took a three month leave of absence and travelled to the South Pacific. Stopping first in Fiji, then New Zealand and finally Australia. The beauty of that part of the world is everything you have ever imagined and more.
Having bought a Kangaroo air pass, I was able to travel all over the land down under, for very little money. So being a free spirit, I went wherever my heart and the people I met told me I should go - Sydney, Melbourne, The Gold Coast, The Great Barrier Reef and then to the Outback. Camels, kangaroos, koalas, cane toads and dingoes - everywhere!
On a guided tour one day, I visited Ayers Rock - a magnificent and sacred landmark in the middle of the Simpson desert. With an elevation of over 863 m, I had the opportunity to climb it. Except for the strong winds and the extreme heat, it wasn't that difficult as there was a chain fence that guided us all the way to the upper-most ridge. When I got there I was relieved and the view was absolutely magnificent - yes that's me up there!
But, we hadn't yet reached the summit! To get there, you had to really stretch yourself - mind, body and spirit. Up and over a huge overhang of rocks - no security, no harnesses, and no fences to protect you. The tour company would accept no responsibility for deaths resulting from the climb. Ah, so very comforting. Several people decided to go the distance but, I was not one of them. As I looked up at those who made it - grinning with deep personal satisfaction, I envied them their courage.
Looking back, I realized that experience was to become a metaphor for how I lived my life - going to the highest point my spirit would allow. My comfort zone - a place where I felt content and unwilling to stretch myself further. I realized that the problem was not that I couldn't get to a higher place - I had simply placed limitations on myself and held myself back. All due to an underlying lack of self-worth. I didn't see myself as someone worthy of reaching my personal summit. And for years after that trip, I would sabotage myself and my success - in so many ways. That is until the day my coach, friend and business partner asked the question, why? I reflected on that for a day or two, came up with my own answers and simply made a commitment to be the best I could be. I then set goals that would propel me forward toward my dreams.
We all tend to hold ourselves back from our greatness and if my story resonates with you, it's likely because you recognize yourself. It is my hope that in sharing my truth, that you too will be inspired to overcome your limitations, go the distance and ultimately, reach your own personal summit.
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