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Maggies Hike for Mental Health

By Margritha Dik Join Me

Help me make it meaningful

I am Maggie, I am a mother, a nurse, a family member and friend, I am a colleague and member of society. I have been impacted by mental health, both from people around me and also my own.

Mental illness and the shame associated with it are topics close to my heart, how can something so prevalent in society have this ongoing negative stigma, I would go out on a limb to suggest that there are more people living with a mental illness and/or impacted by one then not. How do we break down the barriers? For me its by talking openly about my own struggles and encouraging an open dialogue from others about theirs.

There have been times I have been the light in the darkness for people around me, but also times that I have needed the love and support of a village to get me through. Through the times that I have struggled with life, relationships, work, myself and when I just thought it was all to hard.

Personally I use many avenues to keep my mental health in check such as staying active, running, and walking. I also enjoy the calm that comes from being in nature be it the bush or beach and am soon to achieve a life long goal of obtaining my scuba ticket, the peace below the surface is indescribable. I also strive to educate myself about mental health, emotions and the impact that communication has in facilitating and fostering close relationships, be they personal or professional. Not forgetting my personal mental health A team (Psych, Gp and Me), the struggle is real, the work is continuous and sometimes it's exhausting.

You will rarely see me without a smile on my face, sometimes its an active choice I had to make that day to show up. Suffice to say life is a journey, sometimes a straight path, some ups, but also with its fair share of knocks. But I want you to know life is worth it and sometimes hope or light is just around the corner.

So continuing the journey of life, I want to give back, I want to say thank you to those who have walked with me through life, I am grateful to each and every one of you, because you have contributed to the person I am today and are part of my purpose to continue the track of life.

I want people living with mental illness to know that its ok to talk and its ok to ask for help, you aren’t alone.

With that said I am going to hike the 123km Cape to Cape trail between the lighthouses of Cape Naturalist and Cape Leeuwin in April 2023. It is something I was always going to do, call it a bucketlist item, but I have the opportunity to make it  meaningful to more people then just myself.

So on behalf of everyone I know and those that I don’t, I hope to ‘raise funds for the Black Dog Institute, to support crucial mental health research and support services that help Australians impacted by mental illness and suicide.

Mental illness doesn’t discriminate – it affects 1 in 5 Australians every year with symptoms like depression and anxiety. The impact can be devastating, not only for those living with it, but for those around them.’

One foot in front of the other, shade of the trees, sound of the waves, discomfort of the kilometres reminding me we are here, we are alive, you are not alone

 

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My Achievements

My Updates

Thank you

Tuesday 25th Apr
Thank you to all of the people who have supported me in my journey to complete the Cape to Cape while raising funds for a good cause.
Thank you to all of the people who have also donated to this cause. By talking about mental health we continue to reduce the stigma associated with it and make it easier for people living mental illness.
Once again thank you from the bottom of my heart, for now I am finished with this part of my goal and I return the batton to the BlackDog Institue to continue their work in research for mental illness of all ages.

Cape to Cape Blowholes

Tuesday 25th Apr

Footprints

Tuesday 25th Apr
This morning prior to my hike I received a message from Lochies family, with kind words to talk to God. So many times as I hiked I watched footprints, today they kept my feet dry as the person ahead essentially guided me to dry ground, other days I wasn't sure I was on the right track and was guided by unknown footprints. Several times along the track I was reminded of a poem.

Footprints in the sand

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.

Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.

He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.

He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:

"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied:

"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

Author: Carolyn Joyce Carty

We are never truly alone.

I completed the Cape to Cape!

Tuesday 25th Apr
After hiking 128km and walking more then 210000 steps I achieved the goal I set for myself and hiked the Cape to Cape. I was met at the end by staff from Cape Leeuwin who pushed me to touch the lighthouse as I was totally ok with just looking at it from inside the building warm and dry.

It is a huge achievement to have hiked the full distance alone, although I was supported along the way by family, friends, staff from CCET, other hikers and surfers on the track and other guests at Surfpoint resort, at the end of the day, if I gave up it would have been game over. So I am damn proud of myself for setting this goal and following it through while raising funds for the Blackdog institute.

Highlights of the day where being loaned wet weather pants from a hiker who wasn't hiking today, which then allowed me to truly enjoy the hike. Track highlight... the massive swell over the blowholes, I doubt it is something I will ever see again as it was pure luck that the swell and rain hit me at just the right time. Lowlight of the day, the massive swell and rain hahah

All in all I rate the track a 10/10 even with the rain and if I haven't talked you into booking your trip yet, just do it!

If you ever think of giving up remember there are so many people there with you supporting you, but at the end of the day, you have it in you to succeed, heal and achieve the goals you want. You are the amazing human who has got this!

Surfpoint resort

Monday 24th Apr
Homebase for Cape to Cape explorer tours.

Cape to Cape Explorer Tours

Monday 24th Apr
In an earlier post I mentioned that I would speak more about the company I am doing my hike through. Firstly I recommend these guys more then you can imagine. From the first email I sent service has been without fault.
If carrying a 12-15kg pack doesn't fill you with joy or camping on a thin mattress, or packing away a wet tent because the weather turned bad, then this is absolutely the way to hike. Options are a group tour or self guided which is what I am doing this time. The current group tour has had dinner at caves house and went to a winery after their hike today filling me with a little envy.
I am lucky enough to have a king size bed, you can also glamp, hot showers every night, breakfast, lunch and dinner provided and all transport. 
The staff are amazing! Gene the owner is very responsive with assistance and even the locals speak highly of him, each with their own story filled with love. Caretaker Nic is divine, she is like the kind sister there for you with open arms and brimming with conversational positivity, her husband Nic keeps the grounds and as you can see from images, the place is stunning.
There are too many people to mention individually but drivers and tour guides who I have met have the best attitudes, are there for a chat and full of tips, advice and support.
I have decided to go on a payment plan for my next hike, a spring group hike to see the wildflowers and meet new people.
If you want and adventure but don't feel confident taking on the task yourself, don't let fear hold you back.

The clouds that got me!

Monday 24th Apr

Day 5- washout!

Monday 24th Apr
As the title suggests and as all in Perth would know, today was a wet one! I started off in the beautiful Boronup forest, a stunning backdrop on a wet morning, the songs of thousands of birds and gentle raindrops the only sound to be heard. A gentle hill out of the forest before hitting the beach, for 6km of sand.... However again I feel the gods smiled on me for a little while, the storm last night leaving the beach firm to walk on, as this stretch is otherwise known to be quite difficult, I found 4k wonderful!
Then the smile turned into a laugh, the sky opened up and 12.5k into my 20.5k hike I was soaked! The rain didn't let up, unfortunately the se such a mess there were no rays at Hamelin bay, I messaged my driver and bought forward my collection time, I then proceeded to jog the last 5km. I wrung out my socks, changed into a dry shirt and jumper and waited for my driver.
All in all I'm, really glad I went through with the day as at 2am when I heard the storm I considered cutting todays hike. I can't say anything blew my mind today, vision possibly clouded by rain, wind and misery, but it was an achievement to get through it.

"Lovely days don't come to you, you should walk to them" Rumi

Thought for the day

Monday 24th Apr
"What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create" Buddha

Day 4 Spiritual, appreciation and fun!

Sunday 23rd Apr
Today was my favourite day so far, after over 80km and more then 140000 steps my body has realised what the deal is and is getting on with the program.

After the chatter of the morning a little bit of storytime about a spiritual indigenous area I was going to be entering, it is a place of women, an opportunity to pay homage to the beautiful women I know or have known. My mum, grandma, best friends, ex mother in law's (yes I have loved them all), sister, daughter, fellow nurses, women I have known both past and present, you have all bought love, support and sometimes lessons. I wouldn't be who I am without you. I must say thank you to the Wardandi people for letting me hike your land today.

So I said fun.... I got to play chicken with the ocean and I won! 2km of virtually no shore, basically the ocean met the sand dunes. So I ran a fair distance and wound run up the sand dune as required and rest anytime the beach offered me a little more shore. It was actually a blast.

Lastly I got to see hangliders at contos, it was pretty cool seeing the two of them take off and just float effortlessly through the sky.

What a day, I have ended on a high, feeling great and looking forward to the next 2 days!

Start of day 4

Sunday 23rd Apr
You know it's going to be a good day when you wake up feeling amazing after 9 hours sleep, muscles hurt a bit less and it's a beautiful day! Has been a morning of laughter and talk with staff and other hikers at varying places on the track. Bring it!

Day 3-The reason why...

Saturday 22nd Apr
Today I am broken, my feet are aching, my muscles are aching, I'm tired and I considered accepting the lift offered by some friends surfers who  who stopped to chat while I had lunch beside a 4wd track.
This is why I am doing this hike and now it makes total sense. People quit school, they quit jobs, they quit relationships and sometimes when things get really tough they quit life.
I wanted to quit today, I'm tired, I miss my loved ones and the loneliness of hiking the track alone put me in my head.
So I got out if my head, the first thing I noticed was that I was walking in a beautiful grove of trees, then I heard the bees and birds, then I smelled the honey. I sat down shortly after this ate, my lunch tasted amazing! Finally to round off all the senses we were blessed with there was a wonderful cool breeze on my skin, just enough to really enjoy. Mindfulness.... Right now is beautiful!

Day 2- Stunning!

Friday 21st Apr
I was set for this post to be about Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs which have been my favourite place on the planet thus far, a place I recommend people see who are visiting the Margaret River region, a place I visit when I'm here and a place I bring people when we visit together.

Then there was this staircase, so that was going to be my story, trip notes said 13km, thought I missed it, found it at 15km with a huge woop. Just wow, you need to visit the Wilyabrup staircase for the view.

But that's not what this post is about either.... This post is about an inspirational 11-year-old boy named Lochie.
I stumbled across a family of 4 hiking the track, mum, dad and 2 boys. Their hike was from Moses rock to Gracetown, so a good 10+ plus km. Well, now the story gets interesting... On the last day of school Lochie broke his arm. So along I come hiking toward them and see him in plaster cast wrist to elbow and it got a conversation started that would carry on over many kilometres as we took turns passing each other... That in itself is amazing as I don't think I walk slowly and yet we still managed to pass each as we took turns resting at different locations. Question 1 'Oh no!?!? Did you go and break your arm for the school holidays?' his answer a simple "yes, I responded with I hope you were doing something fun!

As I walked away, I realised I didn't ask how it happened. So next time we passed each other I asked... What happened? His response quite simply I was jumping on a trampoline' me-were you doing a double backflip?.. Matter of fact answer from Lochie- 'Nah a double front flip!'...... Well, my mind was officially blown! This break meant several trips to the hospital to try to set his arm, which eventually led to surgery the night before he and his family came to hike for 3 days on the Cape to Cape for grandad's 70th birthday, with his younger brother... yes, I said younger! Plans didn't change, the hike must go on! Clearly a super strong family! We part ways again....

Only to meet further down the track and starts the discussion for post healing of broken arm. Of course, this double front flip still needs to happen... Lochie informed me this was the second time he had done it, the first one his knee hurt, but will he try again??? A resounding yes! As soon as the break has healed, he plans to go back to training, you see Lochie does parkour, he is basically a ninja in disguise. Actually parkour would have come in handy heading into Gracetown descending the cliffs, hopefully he can go back again healed and bounce from boulders.

So, the best part of my day today was meeting a boy and his beautiful family. The realisation that just because things are tough, it doesn't mean we give up... We just try again. Tomorrow when I hike my longest day on the track, if I feel like giving up, I will remember Lochie and push through! If you ever feel like giving up.... Remember Lochie or another inspirational person you know and keep going!

Day One Done!

Thursday 20th Apr

I can't possibly describe day 1 in a way that gives it the justice it deserves. So many times, I turned a corner and was presented with something new to marvel at, too many for me to even attempt to list. I will however share just 3 of my favourites....

The ocean... This goes without saying, you can literally feel it's power in the rumble of the monster swell, but you also have the beauty of colours, from the rainbow in the spray off the back of the waves, to the deepest dark blue, to the palest turquoise, the ocean has always been my happy place, spending a full day alongside elevated my appreciation and love exponentially.

The rotary lookout.... It is up from canal rocks, it is a view I have seen before and both times it has taken my breath away, put it on your to do list.

Boardwalks... Because who doesn't love the sound of walking on wood and the romance of a boardwalk 😍

My first impression is wow! My second is if I get through this it's a massive achievement.... My third is why does anyone camp overnight when you are guaranteed to love the experience using a tour company. So far, I am absolutely stoked with Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, most importantly after day 1, their showers are amazing! ... More to follow.

Now on to the why.... The last time I did a large chunk of this hike I was in an extremely low place mentally, I didn't know what was going on in myself at the time, but I knew I wasn't well. I hiked and cried. I looked for the joy as I always have and saw very little. My world felt like I couldn't hold it up anymore and I felt extremely alone.

Fast forward to now... I walked, I sang a little, I listened and took in all that surrounded me. I hiked alone, but by no means did I feel alone. My day started with meeting new people, the tour staff and other hikers prior to walking, it progressed immersed in nature enjoying the experience and so many moments I remembered, such as being at Indijup with my best friend, seeing the octopus at the aquarium with my son and nephew, calling my daughter when I was visiting Yallingup. These are just a few of my many wonderful memories from this part of the hike. Small memories that mean so much.

My headspace hasn't been in a better place in the time that I can remember walking this Earth, I can say that I truly appreciate everything about myself from my adventurous nature to my softer kind and caring soul, from my sensitivity to my strength. I don't worry about the future or dwell on the problems of the past. I am so very grateful to be here, alive and having this wonderful experience. What do you love about yourself?

I know that sometimes life gets tough, but we are resilient, ask for help and when you can, work on yourself, you will get through this,. 

Its Time!

Tuesday 18th Apr
Several months ago, I decided to do a thing, I signed up to hike 135km. I did it at a time in my life when I felt lost, I had forgotten who I was and what I wanted from life, I had spent 2 years chasing something that was little more than a pipe dream and I was shattered when I realised.

Then I remembered how many times I had stepped through the hoops of adversity and come out the other side stronger, calmer, happier and more accepting of who I am, because through difficult times we grow.

This doesn't make me unique; it makes me human.

So was born my hike for mental illness, it gave me the opportunity to open a dialogue amongst family and friends- that just because people seem strong and outwardly happy, it doesn't mean that they aren't dealing with a lot inside.

When I called on those around me for help, they came through for me stronger than I ever anticipated, they gave me the support and space I needed to keep going. Knowing I wasn't alone, funnily enough, I learnt the biggest lesson, which is the value of myself, because I am an amazing human, you are an amazing human as well, I highly recommend taking the time to truly get to know and love who you are.

I am grateful for the wonderful people I know, the ones I have just met and the ones I am yet to meet, each person brings joy to my life and the lives of those around them.

So tomorrow I leave to begin a journey with myself, a person I have come to care about, appreciate and enjoy in a way I never had. I leave knowing that I have the thoughts and wishes of loved ones around me, and I am going to hike for a purpose, to show support to those finding life tough.

Are you ok?

And so the show must go on! Life ....As its the school holidays, I have been lucky enough to enjoy the company of my children, I learnt that to train with a child its easiest to fork out some money for an e scooters, that you gain more joy from watching your child enjoy an experience, then actually having the experience yourself. That the world is so very special because of the people you get to spend it with, but that also if you are alone, the world is so very very beautiful.

The training (and life) go on!

Thursday 6th Apr
What an interesting month on the training front it has been, I had an injury from running so physio had me cut running out of my life for a bit, which has been tough at times because I exercise for not only my physical health but also mental. Have so many other coping mechanisms in my little bag of tricks by now such as visiting family and friends, meditation, spending time at the beach and beach walking. How do you look after your mental health?

Only 2 weeks to go to the big hike and with a camping trip thrown in between, it is set to be a fun and busy 2 weeks. Before then though I have 2 long hikes planned this weekend as well as Moulin Rouge because life needs that sweet mix of physical activity and mental.

Looking forward to achieving my goal at the end of the hike and raising money for mental health.

Life

Wednesday 22nd Mar
What a busy few weeks it has been, we had very large trees cut down from our yard, lost a fence in the process, had a fence fixed, chopped my hair, had children sleepovers, playground hopping in Kingspark, worked fulltime, had family over working in the yard, removed a retaining wall, got multiple blisters from digging dirt (realised I should have worn gloves), met a great team of tree loppers, hiked with a friend, dinners with friends, dinners with family, visits with family, feelings of gratefulness for the people I am surrounded by, dog cuddles, made friends with neighbours dog as without fences there really are no borders, admitted to my manager that I was struggling with being a working mother, felt overwhelmed, cried, recovered, meditated, felt deep compassion for myself as I continue this journey called life, beach visits, snorkelling, swimming lessons, footy season started, reading books, just being. Sometimes it's hard, don't give up, focus on what matters. Now!
One day at a time, one step at a time, one moment at a time.
Life

Impermanence

Monday 6th Mar
"Enjoy the rain while it lasts.
 Enjoy the storms, the chaotic seas.
 It is temporary.
 It is an opportunity; calm seas never made a sailor.
 Smile through the struggle.
 Use it to become great." Anon.

Recently I began investigating the concept of impermanence, it is an ongoing chapter in my book, some of my thoughts follow.

Consider that everything is impermanent... What is the point of life then?
Consider that everything is impermanent, doesn't it make sense to value everything more, right now? It could be gone in an instant.

Recently a friend lost her brother and therefore another friend lost his uncle, my brother lost his dog and I lost a relationship that was dear to me.

Lives end, days end, possessions are lost, jobs are lost, the person you hate today could be your friend tomorrow, your neighbour might be the best friend you haven't met yet.

Last week I had some bad days, I cried and felt hopeless, I asked myself the question, what is the point? A friend pointed out that I was overly focused on the past and future, it triggered some introspection. I realised it was something I have done my whole life.... hoping for a better future because I wasn't happy with the present, focused on the past because if only, I realised I was stuck. I don't want to be stuck in the past or future when there is so much beauty right now. So, I focused on being present this weekend and it was nothing short of spectacular, I got to enjoy spending time with my son and nephew, deeply appreciate some art and meditation, the bush, ocean, sunshine and all of the little experiences intertwined into the magic of the moments. What was not to enjoy once I bought myself back to mindful appreciation.

Nothing is guaranteed, so live your life for the moment, live it for now and appreciate the beauty and joy of this exact minute, because everything is impermanent.
Final thoughts...
Is it possible that our relationship with ourselves is actually the only thing that is truly permanent?
Makes sense that we would value it the most out of every aspect of our lives.

The week that was

Thursday 23rd Feb

A week

7 days

168 hours

 A lot can happen in a week, a lot of living, a lot of feeling, a lot of growth.

I have laughed and cried this week, but the common theme was friends. I started and ended my week surrounded by friends and people I love.

 

Firstly, I spent a few hours with my best friend after collecting children from school, we talked and just got to be with each other, something we don't get to do nearly enough.

 

I then joined a very special group of humans raising funds for mental health. 2 Wheels to Wagin is an annual motorcycle ride that raises awareness and funds for suicide prevention. It really is something seeing and hearing 100+ motorcycles start their engine and pull out together as a team, like a force fighting suicide together. I was lucky enough to have my motorcycle mad 9 year old son along keeping me company, he loved his black dog "Winston" a mongrel whose game is to tear up suicide.

 

It wasn't a full week of joy though, still recovering from a traumatic period in my life pulling into Wagin stirred up emotions I wasn't expecting, remorse, regret, sadness, disappointment, cue the tears, I turned to my boy and asked if we could just go home (I wanted to hide), his joyful response showing concern and innocently questioning "No, why?" gave me some strength to push through for him.

 

So, on with the weekend, we spent time with Wagin friends and absorbed the spirit of the motorcycle event around us, welcomed into homes, hugs, talking and ending the weekend with paddle boarding on an extremely salty lake with my boy. Some time for meditations and self-reflection had me back on the right track to start my birthday week off on the right foot.

 

My birthday came and went, birthday messages and phone calls ensued, I came home from work to a house full of teenagers and hugs. Flowers, cards, chocolate and more birthday wishes. I went out to dinner with my best friend and children, it was honestly the easiest most heartfelt birthday I have had in years, no stress of whether I would see certain people, no stress that I was putting anyone out, I was finally able to just enjoy and absorb the love given to me and I have to say it was a birthday spent right.

 

Life doesn’t always go as planned, but a week can be broken down into days, hours, minutes and seconds. No matter how hard it gets if you shorten the time you have to get through, it becomes more manageable.

Your own Sunshine

Friday 17th Feb
"You were never asking too much, you were simply asking the wrong person" anon.

For most of my life I have searched for my tribe, for my person, the one who would accept me for who I am, for friends who were there there for me through the good and bad. I have been told I am too much, I need to tone it down, nobody would put up with me, that I need to change, that I expect too much. For so many years, I was looking for validation, love and kindness in the wrong place, I was taking to heart what wasn't meant to offend because of my own insecurities. Over time I came to believe that I wasn't enough.

To those with big hearts and sensitive souls, the feelers of the world, the ones who wear their hearts on their sleeves, who want to love openly, give freely, love deeply and be loved.

It is ok to have expectations, to expect to be treated with kindness and compassion, to have close friends who love and accept you, to have a special person who is as excited to be with you as you are with them. You deserve it, you are worth it.

Would you believe that you have already met your most important person? You don't have to look far, that person is YOU. Once you know who you are, nobody can ever make you feel like you are too much or not enough. Get to know that person and embrace them.

What would the world be like if everybody was insensitive to other people's troubles, hardened by life, governed by rules, closed off to the beauty of the earth and the people in it, without the ability to express feelings openly and honestly.

You are a blessing.... to yourself, to the people who know you and to the world. You are like icing on the cake of life. Don't stop being who you are. You are enough.

Once you show up for yourself, your tribe will come.

This is the latest lesson in my life, getting to know who I am, what I have to offer, the power of my love and kindness and most importantly how to be my biggest cheerleader. I have come to realise that I am enough.

Half my lifetime ago

Wednesday 15th Feb
Who were you and what did you want half your lifetime ago? Would you change anything? What have you learned? Any advice for yourself?

Half a lifetime ago I was just over 21, I wanted children, a husband, to own my own home and to have a secure financial income. 7 years later I was divorced, with 2 children, selling the family home and my sense of identity was tangled between being a nurse and a mother, two roles I didnt feel I was very good at because I didnt have the time to give my all to either. Fast forward to now, I am single, with 3 children half of the time, a career I love (though it has had its fair share of challenges through the years) and a mortgage.

Life hasn't gone according to plan, the pressure and urgency I put on myself to achieve those goals led to goals half covered, the destruction of my mental health and caused damage to relationships that were important to me. I relied on others too much; I wasn't true to myself and didn't believe in my own ability to achieve. Now I am rediscovering who I am, loving who I am, forgiving myself for the past, with a future focus to live my values, no pressure.

So, if I could go back, I would tell my 21 year old self patience little one, you have so much growing and exploring to do, get to know yourself first. Love who you are, you are beautiful, amazing, kind, loving, sensitive and adventurous. You won't be happy living the life the world expects or the life you desire, until you know, accept and love who you are.

I am beautiful, strong, independent, kind, sensitive, happy, adventurous... I haven't changed, but I know who I am, and I love who I am.

Scuba diving and mindfulness

Sunday 12th Feb
So today I did a thing, I ticked a huge item off my bucketlist. Today I learnt to scuba dive, and I got to do it with my daughter. I am so proud to have been able to be there with her, watching her tackle every single skill with grace, confidence and patience, from removing her mask underwater, to having to find a lost regulator, she is braver than she knows and truly one of my best friends. I am grateful she is my daughter.
Visibility wasn't great, but we saw hundreds of blow fish :D and a seal, which definitely got squeals on the surface once we realised the instructor, Ella and myself all saw it.
What an interesting concept, to have a profound experience with other people, but have no idea at the time and no simple ability to communicate it. You don't get this very often in life, but great memories come from experiences such as this.

Mindfulness is in the title of my post, what is mindfulness to you?

To me it is completely being in the moment, how good are you at this? I confess my head seems to want to pull me to the past or future, this is something I have found difficult, and I continue to do the work, living the present.

Scuba and mindfulness?

While I am under the water, there is absolutely nothing but my bubbles, my breathing, the movement of the ocean and coolness of the water, the warmth inside my wetsuit, the way the plants, animals and even debris just flow under the water, I could go on and on. I can say that when I am below the surface, I am 100% in that moment and there is nothing else that enters my mind except that present moment. This is mindfulness to me.

I can't believe it has taken me half my life to finally achieve this, I encourage you to take a leap and try something new that you have always wanted to try.

I also really encourage you to find something that makes mindfulness an easier practice for you, those moments with mental freedom are huge.

"Enjoy life today, because yesterday is gone and tomorrow is never promised" author unknown.

The training has begun

Saturday 11th Feb
Today I woke up in a great headspace.
I know who I am, I know where I'm heading, I know what I want, I know who my supporters are, I know where I stand. It might all change by Monday, but for today, I am in a good place.
My daughter and I started scuba lessons today which included a bit of retail therapy in the form of new fins and boots, masks and snorkels. Positive flow of the day well in motion. 

Today was a half day, which left me the perfect opportunity to start training for my April hike. Off to John Forrest National Park for a hike I go, all spurred on to hike the 15/16km Eagle falls trail...... 11km later I arrived back at my car.... Disappointed? Absolutely not! With some near vertical climbs, my heart threatening to jump out of my chest and a little bush bashing, as not really sure I was on the track (I wouldnt exactly call it lost), thank you trails app and GPS for getting me back on the actual track. I chose to cut my hike short and take the Christmas Creek Trail back, who doesn't love christmas?
I am really proud of my 11km, a long time ago I would have held a tinge of disappointment due to 'failing' to complete my planned route. But age has taught me (and some hard work on the personal growth side), that 'failure' isnt something to be feared, sometimes its a great motivator for the next time or just an opportunity to give yourself a little bit of self love and acceptance, we are after all our most important cheerleader.

Lastly today I had a few photo options, the yummy fish and chips I just ate for dinner, or the honey macadamia icecream which I am about to eat out of the tup while watching netflix..... Both have or are about to bring me joy..... But I chose this picture, images of bushland never look as amazing as when you are there so let me try give a bit of the feeling and emotion involved in that moment. 
This was about 9km into my hike, I was tired, sweaty and ready to drop, I paused for a drink and looked up. The sky was the bluest of blues, the leaves a beautiful green, moving gently in the coolest breeze. 
I that moment I knew this was a gift, I was wrapped in a loving bush hug and I was exactly where I needed to be.

A little bit more about me and how I got here

Thursday 9th Feb
I am a nurse.
In October 2021 I was a clinical nurse on a busy metro medical ward and I completely burnt out. When work effected my family I knew I was done. I resigned, after 17 years in the profession, I felt disappointed, completely rejected and lost. For the next 3 months I couldn't bring myself to work more then the occasional casual shift ('because I should'), I looked to leave the profession completely, looking at trades and even considering supermarket work. I was lucky, I randomly applied for a role with Brightwater where I have just passed my 1 year anniversary as an at home nurse.
My passion for life and my work has returned and I feel extremely grateful and lucky. Part of this I can contribute to the staff and clients I have met in the past year, the staff and organisation are kind, compassionate and want to make a difference, my clients are grateful and it is a joy to do what I do.
In part I also know that being active and being in the great outdoors, in particular the quiet and calm that comes from hiking and the ocean has contributed to my improved mental health and attitude about life.
I guess being a nurse is part of my identity, I have always loved helping people, this time I want to raise funds for a great cause while doing something that is about self love and good mental health for me, hiking.
The time is now and its all we have control over

Have you ever noticed?

Wednesday 8th Feb
'Have you ever noticed that when you are in a bad place, you cant remember what it felt like to be in a good place, however when you are in a good place, you can remember what it felt like to be in a bad place.'

I recently started listening to a podcast called "The Self Leadership Lab" which is a fantastic podcast about self growth. This was a phrase that resonated with me.

How easy is it to get caught in a funk? To be unhappy at work and not remember what it was about your job that you loved or to be in a challenging place in a relationship and only see the negatives. Can you remember a time you felt so overwhelmed inside, that the easiest feelings that come to you are anger, sadness or fear?
For me focusing on the positives is what has pulled me through and out of 'the funk', but its so hard!

So if you are in a good headspace right now its a good time to do some work on yourself to build your resilience to the times when life will inevitably throw you a curve ball or when your head will try to tug you toward the negatives.

Or if you are in a bad place, dont be so hard on yourself, give yourself a hug in any form that feels good to you, whether thats feeling the cool breeze on your skin, a pat on the back for getting out of bed, a walk to the beach (or just out your front door if thats all you can muster today), a bath or shower. For me right now its a morning coffee, listening to the birds in the trees before work, seeing the sun in the branches and feeling comfortable in my own skin.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$152.97

Hendrik And Camila

Love you sis - amazing to follow your journey on here

$75

Cliff Brockwell

$52

Craig Flynn

Hey Ms M, Well done for making a difference. You are a Super Star 🌟

$21

Tennille

You are an inspiration! Love you! xx

$52

Bree

So proud of you Maggie xxx

$52.50

Narelle Kobelke

$52.50

Ella

Happy Birthday beautiful human ❤️❤️

$52.50

Lenin

Donated on behalf of Lenin, a man who wouldn't take no for an answer and who surprised myself and his family today with walking extremely fast to deposit money into my bag.

$20

Helen Maxwell

$52.50

Nicholas Venetis

Hi Maggie, hope all is well. When I saw you were fundraising for mental health it put a smile on my face, as I knew, through experience, how much of a caring and cherishing woman you are and instantly knew your selfless intentions. This is such a beautiful way to contribute and I wish you all the best in the future

$30

Nicole Manganaro

$52.50

Deborah Makinson

Thank you Maggie for sharing your story and completing this amazing fundraising!

$20

Kerry King

$100

Cliff Brockwell

$21

Otto Bella

$26.25

Anonymous

$21

Mandy Hill

$10.50

Rebecca Summerfield

You're doing an amazing thing and so well written, thank you for sharing! Much love x

$100

Geoff Fleming

Having been there and still struggle daily I know exactly how these issue are shunned. Well done. Sounds like a great hike. Love this One foot in front of the other, shade of the trees, sound of the waves, discomfort of the kilometres reminding me we are here, we are alive, you are not alone

$10.50

Ella Damceski

$21

Simone And Geoff

$50

Timon Candice

$10.50

Lilie Alvaro

$21

Lisa Ostle

Maggie this is an amazing thing to do! Super proud of you and will be cheering every step of your journey both on the hike and in life xx

$78.75

Margritha Dik