Your Mind Can Be Your Best Friend Or Worst Enemy

I was recently given an amazing opportunity to attend a week long Outward Bound course. Firstly, I want to thank all those people that helped me get there, this was such a life enhancing adventure that I will always be grateful for. The Outward Bound course is designed to give you the opportunity to push yourself outside of your own comfort zone, to challenge what you think you are capable of, to build resilience, and to be refreshed.  

Right at the start our Kaiako set us up well with this statement; “You can either be cold, wet and miserable or cold and wet.” This really struck me as I took off all my warm layers and jumped into the cold ocean in the rain. Your attitude towards situations really matters and you can choose that attitude. So, choose to just be cold and wet!

Alongside adventure activities and physical challenges, we were also given opportunities to reflect inwardly. To expand your capacity, focus on personal goals and return home prepared to tackle them. I was particularly confronted by this during our cliff climbing session. I have feared heights for a long time! As a 10 year old I had done a high ropes course and got freaked out at a section. My instructor laughed at me as I panicked (at least that's how I remember it). That led me to feel unsafe, unsupported and like a loser anytime I did anything at height, even climbing a ladder!  

As I climbed that cliff face at Outward Bound, those same feelings were right there, unsafe, unsupported and looser. I got about ¾ of the way up and got stuck, I couldn't find the next hold to get up and I was deeply afraid. Here, as I clung to the wall, too afraid to move and shaking like a leaf. I had a choice; listen to my fear telling me I should quit OR that I was going to get to the top, my team was supporting me, I was safe in my harness, and the only loser here was my fear. I took some deep breaths and chose to trust my rope as I leapt for that hold just out of reach. As I made it to the top, I was still afraid, but I was so proud! I had proven to myself that I could do things way out of my comfort zone, I could master myself, and had shown my 10-year-old self that I was safe and supported!  

Your mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Take the time to do what you need to do to, to turn your mind into a safe place. So many of life's struggles are internal, we battle ourselves in our mind! I hope to bring my own learnings into my role in Naenae Boxing Academy. A place were Rangita feel safe, supported and championed.

-Tyler, NBA Manager