You can do anything.

bradthemedic

Over the last few years I have had my confidence rocked by a lot of situations. I gained a lot of weight since my early 20s and I was in a miserable relationship and job. After torturing myself for 5 years I broke free, and was a broken man.
Then earlier this year a friend of mine recommended MFP. She was having crazy good results and I thought "I can do that too."

I started logging my food which lead to some changes in lifestyle. I added running, and calesthenics to my routine.

Here's the stuff you've been waiting for though:
Over the summer I set a challenge to myself that I would do something that pushed my limits and boundaries. So I went out and embarked on a hike that would challenge my mind and body. Mt Finlayson is a mountain in the Victoria area of British Columbia. I took a drive, got into my gear and started the hike. A friend told me it was fun and a mild hike.

What I didn't click in to at first is that his girlfriend is a personal trainer and he was in amazing shape. To him mild was my "INFERNO" level. I spent 2 hours climbing the mountain. It got difficult, and even became rock climbing in some parts. I almost quit 7 times. But instead of quitting I kept telling myself: "You ALWAYS quit. Just push through it. Yes it hurts. KEEP GOING!"

I made it to the top. It was one of the (if not THE) most physically and mentally demanding tasks of my life and even today I am shocked I did it. I felt so accomplished when I hit the top of the peak. I sat and did some nature watching for about 45 minutes before starting the descent.

But here is where it gets interesting. Not satisfied with just that, I went and drove to Squamish BC and did "The Chief" which is basically level INFERNO+3. This was 3x harder than Finlayson. Luckily I had a friend with me. There were parts of the trail that were LITERALLY mountain climbing. We had to use ropes and chains and ladders to get to the top. It was the most intense thing I had ever done and probably the most intense thing most people will ever do.

That's when I sat back and knew with 100% certainty:

I CAN DO ANYTHING!

Anything I set my mind to I can do. If I could push my body and mind past the 1,000 hurdles I went through on those hikes and climbs then I can handle any challenge life sends my way or that I embark on.

So what I am telling you is that even if you doubt yourself, even if you KNOW for fact you can't do it and you have 0 confidence like I did that I would complete the task, just keep going. We are capable of breaking through anything and doing whatever we want, and you can too. Even full of doubt and with no self worth, you CAN do it. Just don't stop.

Lesley2901

Great post. Having the motivation and determination to push yourself has meant you have achieved a lot and will continue to achieve more. Good for you and glad you are on my friends list, you inspire me to work harder

MsNewBooty83

AMEN BROTHA! great post friend

bradthemedic

You're welcome, happy to be a help to anyone.

Iron_Maiden

Thank you for sharing this! I've always been inspired by mountain climbing and interested in trying it myself but never taken up the courage to do it (yet). Very motivational to say the least! :drinker:

bradthemedic

You bet, thanks for the FR.