Why is THIS so important?

What is it that helps make us who we are and follow the paths that we do?

I was reflecting on this as I was preparing to head off on my current adventure.

I might never have been this person who enjoys doing these things that make some people say “nope, you’re mad!”, and others say “can I come, too?!”

I didn’t grow up in an ‘outdoorsy’ household.

My family aren’t campers, or hikers or into outdoor hobbies or pursuits. We spent a lot of time outside in a suburban way – enjoying parks and woodland and holidays on English beaches – but nothing more outdoorsy than that.

I never did the Duke of Edinburgh award programme (a programme run in the UK for young people to challenge themselves, including through adventurous activities and expeditions).

I was in the Girl Guides – but only for the social - I don’t remember learning a single thing about the outdoors, as I was too busying having fun with my friends!

I didn't pitch a tent until I was 28, and didn't learn to drive a 4x4 until I was 29, and was 30 when I did my first solo multi-day hike.

And yet… here I am (literally, right now, in a 4x4 in Zimbabwe!)

There are many events that led me here and when I think of the things that had the MOST impact, they are:

✔ Support
✔ Community
✔ Representation

For me, when I decided I wanted to do and see more, WHO I learnt from was key.

When I did my 4x4 training, I was apprehensive that it would be all men, both attending and teaching, and I wouldn’t know or understand anything because I was female! Sounds ridiculous, but that’s evidence right there of the impact of how our thoughts are impacted by conditioning!

I was pleasantly surprised and I remember being so encouraged that one of the instructors was a woman (and all the men were helpful and friendly and not patronising – which, sadly, has not continued to be my experience in this space).

When I wanted to find other people to join in adventures with and learn more from, I joined a number of Facebook groups, both mixed and single gender, and it was the women that I found the most inspiring – perhaps because I was so used to seeing great men’s stories be told, that it still seemed ‘unusual’ when I saw a woman doing something epic (happily that is no longer how it seems, as I am surrounded by incredible folks, no matter how they identify).

The online communities of Love Her Wild, Adventure Queens, Overlanding Africa (and more) have been SO vital for helping me learn, build confidence and do even more. I have made friends and adventure buddies, people have introduced me to skills and activities and I can ask any ‘stupid’ or basic question. Being part of these groups AND being able to give back to these groups is fantastic.

The support that I have received has been crucial – from everyone. Without people by ‘my side’, encouraging and cheerleading me on – whether that has been friends, family, online communities, mentors, coaches, instructors – I’m sure I would have backed out of some things many times.

These three things would be my recommendations to you – no matter what it is that you want to be, do or have.

Find spaces and people that helps you grow in confidence and skills – there is so much out there and so many incredible people just waiting to help you become who you ALREADY are.

If growing in confidence and getting rid of your inner critic and imposter syndrome is what you’d like support with, book a free introductory call with me when I am back: https://calendly.com/charlottefowles/60minuteconsultation?month=2022-11

And if you want to learn more about what working together could look like, watch this talk.

Freedom awaits 🙏💫