How are you doing today? If you are reading this, thank you for taking the time to do so and I am grateful that you are here, for your interest and for your support.
So it looks like my Sunday Evening note to you might now become the Monday Evening note if the last two weeks are anything to go by. Sundays seem to have become "Challenge Sundays" in recent weeks.
The Sperrins Challenge
One of my hiking buddies recently suggested that we attempt the Sperrins Challenge - a 33km/13hour hiking trail across the Sperrin Mountains from Mullaghcarbatagh Mountain above Plumbridge to Crockbrack Mountain above Moneyneany. And yesterday we did it!
I would love to say that it was thoroughly enjoyable but it wasn't. Of course - there were many moments of joy, laughter and beauty along the way but it was a tough and painful challenge with the majority of the hiking up, down and across wet bogs. But we did it and I am incredibly grateful that my body - my feet - my mind and my spirit got me through it.
I captured the above photo whilst descending Mullaghdoo Mountain on route towards Dart and Sawel Mountain - the county high point of Derry and Tyrone.
Commitment is what keeps you going
So I wonder what it was that kept me going? I believe that it was commitment - to the challenge - to my friends - to getting to the end point before dark. Also, there was no question of doubt that we would do it - whatever it took!
For today's Focus on our live morning meditation and journaling, I chose the word "Commitment" again. I invited each person on the call to reflect on these two questions: What am I committed to in my life right now that is best for me? How does this commitment make me feel?
I invite you to take a few moments now and do exactly the same. I'd love to hear about what you are committed to?
Guided Walks and Adventures
On Saturday morning I lead a beautiful walk along the Causeway Coast Way from Dunseverick Castle to Ballintoy Harbour. It was Earth Day so I invited every walker to gather some rubbish along the coast. And to our pleasant and joyful realisation, there was very little rubbish to be found.
As we left Dunseverick Waterfall, I spotted a pod of dolphins beyond the rocks. We all stood in the morning sunshine and just watched in awe as their fins rose up and out of the ocean in unison. Just beautiful and so very special.
And then to finish, a few of us went for a cold water dip on arrival back to Ballintoy Harbour. Invigorating! I feel so incredibly blessed to live close to this stunning shoreline.
We head to the Mourne Mountains on Saturday and then to the Sperrin Mountains on the 6th May. There are still some spaces on both and it would be great to see you.
Why not book your place now and enjoy a heart and soul-filling day out on the hills with a group of wonderful like-minded people!
Have a great week ahead and hopefully I'll work out through the week whether I'll commit to Sunday or Monday to send out my weekly note to you ;)
Be well.
Nuala x