Way Out of My Comfort Zone
My friend Scott asked me to join him on a day hike up Donkey Mountain which is 950m above sea level located in the Wolgan Valley NSW and is part of the Gardens of Stone National Park. It never occurred to me that this hike would take me way out of my comfort zone. I was prepared with my Medronic pump and Free Style Libre sensor for quick testing of my blood glucose levels along with snacks and water although this hike would prove to be more challenging than any hike I’d ever been on.
The skill level of this hike is intermediate to difficult because of the steep canyons to navigate on top of the mountain . A moderate level of fitness was required to climb the 350m as it was at quite a sustained incline requiring a lot of scrambling.
There are no trails marked so it is easy to stray from the right path at any given time and we went off course many times!
The canyons were narrow and steep and Scott urged me to try a few descents between the narrow sandstone crevices. I really stopped to think long and hard about whether I should proceed and what to do. I decided to go for it and with him being there encouraging me I assessed the danger and proceeded with extreme caution. I tried to turn back a few times, but was gently nudged forward and I’m proud to say I really stepped out of my comfort zone into unknown territory. By the end of the hike, I felt as if I had achieved a lot more than just climbing a mountain. Without Scott being there, I never would have ventured so far out on a limb as I had – I don’t think I would have even considered it! It made me realise how often I stayed in between the lines of life not wanting to get too uncomfortable, but realising I needed to push things to grow and challenge myself. If I didn’t have a friend encouraging me, I doubt I would have gone through with it. I had a few spills, some more serious than others, including scuffed up and bloodied knees and elbows from rocks crumbling under my feet, but it felt good. I felt alive.
After losing direction a few times and doubling back to reach the summit we sat down and had lunch and I could reflect on my decision making which made me feel a sense of achievement. The total distance covered from the carpark to Donkey Mountain summit and return is less than 10km but it felt like a marathon.
As a type 1 diabetic, I very rarely take big risks although I’m finding if I’m meticulous and assess situations fully enough, I can decide how I’ll proceed without the usual stress and pressure I usually put myself under. I find then I can get out of my usual comfort zone and even push it further than I imagine when I plan ahead. Having someone who ultimately knows that you are a type 1 diabetic and how to deal with blood sugar lows is key along with finding the right buddy to join you who is knowledgeable and extremely supportive. Educating friends and people around you about type 1 diabetes is the key so if something does happen they will not feel helpless and be able to help.
After a long day on Donkey we found our way back to the car again after scrambling down a very steep and rocky incline which added to the excitement as we had a few tumbles. I had to pull out the first aid kit and attend to Scott’s two twisted fingers. Inevitably, it could have been so much worse and it was nice that I had to help Scott for a change – it gave me a wonderful feeling of empowerment.
After dinner reflecting on the day made me think about the times when I’ve gotten out of my comfort zone and being a type 1 diabetic hasn’t discourage me from pushing the boundaries and seeing how far I can go. Perhaps as a diabetic, I’m safer overall being good at connecting inside to check in and ensure I’m 100% on board with what I’m doing. Maybe I wouldn’t be so connected if I didn’t have diabetes? The way I feel really does keep me grounded and present and definitely keeps me safe. If I can help motivate you I’d suggest that you also be aware how you feel and push yourself as this is well and truly when you feel alive!