RISE AND THRIVE
LEARN HOW TO EMBRACE CHALLENGES, OVERCOME SETBACKS AND AVOID THE TRAP OF VICTIM MENTALITY
Dear Community,
In the ebb and flow of life’s challenges and victories, I’m compelled to share a profound realization: the resilience found in rising after a fall. When harsh weather and snow halted my Karkloof 100-miler journey, my world seemed to crumble. I had pinned my hopes on this race for redemption, and the prize money was enticing. At the 50km mark, the Bushwillow aid station announced the race’s end, and I was overwhelmed with tears.
The week after was a saga of self-pity, as I marinated in my own gloom. But, like a phoenix from the ashes, I dusted off the blues and signed up for Run the Berg—a grueling 65km sprint with 2900m of climbing through the Drakensberg’s untamed terrains. It was more than just a run; it was a declaration of how sports can turbocharge personal growth, knit communities tighter, and pump up self-esteem. And guess what? With zero expectations and my heart left at the starting line, I nailed it. I bounded out of those mountains, buzzing with energy and a swagger in my step. From sobbing in a hotel room to whooping down the mountain trails, all it took was a dollop of self-love and a sturdy belief in my own prowess.
Embrace the Change
You can’t control the uncontrollable. As any seasoned ultra-runner or wedding planner will attest, you might not be able to influence the weather, but you can certainly prepare for it. I recently shared a video on social media detailing the layers and equipment I use to stay warm in frigid conditions. Despite a heavy snowfall, I was surprisingly comfortable. The lesson? While you can’t control others’ actions or words, you can choose how you respond. By maintaining integrity and humility, you might even inspire those around you.
From the canceled 100-miler to the Run the Berg, and now this newsletter, I’d like to shed some light on a few common conundrums we all encounter:
-Do I have to run 65km to feel complete? No, it isn’t a prerequisite for feeling accomplished (although I highly recommend it)! There’s an abundance of opportunities and ways to pick ourselves up. Whatever form it takes, if it boosts your spirits and self-esteem, it’s worth doing.
– Should I always pack extra rain gear, even in summer? Well, if you’re in South Africa, where the weather is as unpredictable as a plot twist in a soap opera, then yes. But seriously, always have a Plan B. Dealing with tough people or situations? Have a buddy on speed dial for a post-confrontation debrief, rather than doing something you’ll regret.
– Do we need to be super happy and positive all the time? Nope. Just last week, I was a sobbing mess, and now I’m all sunshine and rainbows. Emotions are fickle, but what we can manage is our commitment to being decent humans. Feeling grumpy? Flash a smile and greet a stranger—it works wonders. And if you’re itching to break something, lace up and hit the pavement for a run instead.
Conclusion
Life doesn’t always follow our plans, and at times we are stretched to our limits, fearing we might break. Yet, we often find that we are far more resilient than we imagine.
Here are some things that have supported me in the past two weeks:
Reading : The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts by Kimberly Snyder
This book introduces explores how heart coherence can revolutionize health, reduce stress, and enhance intuition. Kimberly shares practical ways to integrate heart-centered living into our cognitively driven world, transforming our relationships, work, and overall life satisfaction.
Watching : The Office (Currently watching S3 E5)
I’ve watched this show so many times and it never gets old. I laugh every night, and I only watch one episode so its 20 min of TV time in the evening. Laughing before bed is a great way to end the day.
Eating : Incorporating more fiber in the morning and cutting back on sugar (even fruit) in the afternoons
Thank you for being an integral part of our community. Let’s keep moving forward together!
Warm regards,
Jo Keppler
