The Landy – Out and About had many emails of support this morning. I was a little surprised to find the inbox filled with messages…
I was even more surprised that one was from the good people at WordPress.com informing me that I had been Freshly Pressed!
I felt humbled…
There are so many wonderful stories on WordPress, many inspirational, plenty that are motivational, and of course there are those that give you a chuckle just when you need it.
It would seem unfair that anyone of these stories is singled out…
In fact, I have spent so much time reading them recently that I have a pile of books that I have put off reading, gathering dust in the study…
So to all, I simply say thank you!
In part, my blog is about my journey to climb an 8,000 mountain peak, the trials and tribulations, the warts and all account, but it is also an opportunity for me to provide a window into an average Aussie bloke’s day-to-day life.
The commas may not always be in the right place, or the grammar might be left wanting at times, but hopefully the story shines through…
I chose to share my story because the dream I have, my goal of high altitude climbing frightens me a little.
Who am I that I should dream of such an undertaking?
And there is nothing wrong with being a little bit frightened, but I am determined to give it my best shot, approaching the challenge in a logical way and seeking the assistance of those who have been there, who have the skills, to learn those skills, but above all else to have fun trying…
Since putting my story out there I have received many words of encouragement. This encouragement is the energy, the fuel that powers me on…
Many people are on a journey, pursuing their dreams and it has given me great comfort to know that others are scaling their own peaks, whatever they might be. It is the collective sharing of these stories that demonstrates loudly that ordinary people are achieving great things each and every day.
The legendary mountaineer, Walt Unsworth summed up many of us when he opined…
But there are men for whom the unattainable has a special attraction. Usually they are not experts: their ambitions and fantasies are strong enough to brush aside the doubts which more cautious men might have. Determination and faith are their strongest weapons. At best such men are regarded as eccentric; at worst, mad…”
That first kilogram of weight loss, or a new personal best in a running race, overcoming adversity, or baking the best cake you have ever made, these are the dreams of others, and they are no less or more significant than others, but the one thing these dreams have in common is they provide a starting point for us all to start our journey…
And for many of us the greatest support we receive is from our families, encouraging us to find the greatness that lies within us all.
In the words of someone who inspires me, TomO, our 12 year old son. On taking my place on the start line in the Coast-to-Coast adventure race across New Zealand earlier this year, he took my hand and simply said – Dad, just embrace it!
Xplore 
Well said! 🙂
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Congrats! 😉
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Thankyou, I was humbled with so many great blogs, and writings on Wordspress!!
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You’re welcome enjoy it 🙂 You have a wonderful blog.
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Yesterday I read your story on Freshly Pressed and today you visited my blog. Thank you for liking my post. I often wonder how people find me when I haven’t left a comment on their blog. I’m looking forward to following your climb up the mountain.
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I read as many as I can, especially those that are motivating. Your subject caught my attention, and what could be more motivating than running with your kids….!!!
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Thanks for replying. You’re right about being motivated when I run with the kids. Today I ran 3 800 m laps without stopping. Feels great.
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Congrats on the adventure, the journey, and on being Freshly Pressed.
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Thankyou!
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First of all, congratulations!!!! You’ve earned the prestigious selection that we all hope for, or at least I know I do! I am new to your blog but I can see why you were selected. Great job and keep it up! Good day Mate! I learned that on my trip a million years ago! ;0)
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I felt humbled as there are so many worthy that why should anyone be singled out..! And I can see you need to come and visit again your Aussie slang is slipping…hahaha G’day mate (ga-day)…
And take care with your arm!
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I KNEW you would catch that!! Hahaha! I couldn’t remember the correct way to abbreviate it! And thank you!
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Love your pictures and your determination! 🙂
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Thanks Denise, it is such a lovely setting the photos couldn’t help turning out well! Mind you, Janet my partner, and TomO our son tend to do the photographs as they seem to have an eye for it…! I trust you are well??
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Nice to have good photographers along with you on the adventures!
Yes, I’m doing well -thank you!
PS-I like the ‘crikey’ slang and am wishing we Americans had something so fun to say!
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Aussie slang ya gotta love it!
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No wonder =) I surely got inspired!
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Thank you very much!! I trust all is well for you???
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Congratulations, interesting read
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Thank you very much…!
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woooo hoooooo and congrats :}
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Thanks BG….
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Awesome, congrats on your fresh pressing, totally deserved!
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Thankyou, humbled!
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