My year of Gulps!
When I went solo bikepacking in Oman earlier this year I noticed that being out of my comfort zone wasn’t as familiar as it used to be. And I decided to do something about it.
I’m also writing my next book: Gulp! How to Embrace Risk and Live Boldly.
Bringing these together I’m embarking on a year of GULPS - 52 things that’ll take me into the unknown, uncertain and uncomfortable. These aren’t massive adventures - a mix of things, from trying new sports, to abseiling (I’m scared of heights) and more. I’m excited and also slightly apprehensive! It’s going to be an interesting year…. Let’s do this.
Gulp#1
Sunrise to Sunset Walk (Unplugged)
My first Gulp was a sunrise-to-sunset walk in a part of the Royal National Park I hadn’t been to before. It was unplugged - no music, audiobooks or podcasts. Just enjoying the experience.
To begin it was raining, which meant there weren’t many people around and added to the experience. It was beautiful. Then the weather cleared up and turned into a sunny afternoon.
It was a time to think and to be. To be present and in the moment. To explore a new place, surrounding by some of Mother' Nature’s great work. It was physically testing - tiring and my feet were very sore but I loved it.
COST: Petrol and snacks (maybe A$20 in total)
Gulp#2
Speaking at Sydney International Boat Show
Speaking is part of my work, but I think I’ll always be nervous before. And that’s ok. Compared to how I used to be - the nerves are so much less!
I spent my professional career ducking and weaving to avoid any kind of public speaking. The nerves were completely debilitating. Things have definitely improved, and I’m hoping they’ll continue to get better.
It’s something I really enjoy doing - always buzzing after. So I’ve just gotta keep putting in the reps.
Speaking here in such a beautiful location was pretty cool. And got to be on a panel led by Katie Spithill with 8x world record holder Lisa Blair, Annie Wilmer and Laura Harding, two of our Americas cup team and Lily Peel was a privilege and fun!
COST: parking and public transport- approx A$50
Gulp#3
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
This one was having a crack at Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, something I’ve never tried before. I did an intro session and then an all-levels class. In a nutshell - heaps of fun and a good workout despite having no idea what I was doing.
I love trying new sports and hobbies. It’s opening new doors and you never know where it might take you. I had a go at kayaking (on surf skis) in my late 30s. If I hadn’t done that I would never have gone on my life-changing expedition down the Nile.
Sometimes, with diaries already crammed full, we might only try things if we can justify it. When we can see where it might take us or the value it will bring. Rather than having a go, just because.
In which case, we might miss out on discovering new passions, meeting people we otherwise wouldn’t and potentially a whole raft of other opportunities and experiences.
COST: A$20 for the trial.
Gulp#4
Getting up at 4:30am and getting in the water
For 7 days I was up at 4:30am and other than one day when I was paddling I walked down to Mahon Pool in Maroubra and got in the very refreshing water (this was during winter and the mornings were cold!).
To begin it was tough - going to bed early (I’m a night owl), getting up and then getting in. But it got easier. This was about toughening up a little and getting out of bad habits (snoozing and staying trapped under my doona).
Being in the water - floating and looking up at the stars with an orange glow on the horizon- feeling the water - hearing the waves and the birds - it was heaven.
And I met and connected with people there I otherwise wouldn’t. It was gold. So glad I did this. It helped me break the bad habits, I got some evidence I can still do uncomfortable things. I've continued doing this a couple of times a week - I love the physical and mental benefits I get from it.
This experience reminded me of the power of embracing discomfort and changing routines, even in small doses.
COST: A$0
flying trapeze
I have a fear of heights, so while I like the idea of trapeze, it scares the crap out of me. But that’s what this is all about. Facing fears. So off I headed, on a Saturday afternoon when really all I wanted to do was hang out at home.
It was so much better than I expected. Yes, it was scary - standing on the platform 7m up, one hand on the bar, being told to grab the other, at which point there was only one way off. But I trusted in the instructors and I forced myself to trust in me and jumped. The first run through I wasn’t listening to what the instructor was saying - I was completely focused on what we’d been told to do on the static bar.
It was hard, but so cool. We had another go and then told the next one we’d do a back somersault dismount. You what?! And then the next one was being grabbed by one of the instructors. It was heaps of fun. I was buzzing after - the adrenaline still in my system might have had something to do with it. But it was also feeling chuffed at what I done (put a lot of that down to the instructors). So much better than hanging at home!
COST: A$80
Gulp#5
Speed dating
Language warning 🙊 Sorry - videos are a bit sweary.
The expectations were low coming into this. Surprisingly there were some takeaways (a future husband not being one of them).
Since the event conversations about the night have led to one possible business opportunity related to online dating and separately a business idea. It was a reminder of the value of opening new doors - even those we really don’t think will lead anywhere. We have no idea what might come of it.
Our brains try to connect the dots between experiences and challenges encountered sometimes resulting in creative ideas and seeing new opportunities leading to unexpected results.
COST: A$49
Gulp#6
technology fast
This was 24 hours of no phone, computer or TV. This was vastly more enjoyable than I expected. I got to completely switch off and enjoy some training, meditating, reading, cooking and being mindful throughout. The time went much quicker than expected - I thought it would drag, but quite the contrary.
One that I’ll repeat.
COST: $0
GULP#7
GULP#8
3-hours exercise a day for a week
There was lots of walking on top of paddling, cycling and gym sessions.
It was a stretch. Going out and moving when I was tired and wanted to stay in. The result was a reminder I can push myself, and take discomfort over ease. Perspectives shifted too - for one it made my normal training schedule seem easier. And then I’ve added some extra walks into my regime.
It increased my trust in myself to do the harder things when I don’t want to, and gave my self-esteem a little boost. Saying that, I was very happy to enjoy a rest day and sleep-in when it was done!
COST: A$0 (nothing extra - already have a gym membership and equipment e.g. bike and surf ski)
Go to a gig solo
This was a great reminder to break out of routines. Normally by 9pm on a Friday night (or any night for that matter) I’d be going to bed 👵🏼
Certainly not heading off to a gig. But I was so happy I did. To be back seeing music live - something I used to do pretty regularly but stopped doing.
The shift in my energy at the start vs the end is clear. I’m so glad I went. Here’s to heading off to see music live more often.
COST: A$45 (plus bus fares)
GULP#9
VEGAN FOR A WEEK
GULP#10
This was my least favourite so far. I’ve been vegetarian before and didn’t find that too challenging. But it no milk, yoghurt and eggs made this tougher. The food was fine, but it was pretty much impossible to hit my macros. I’m currently having quite a high protein diet and I found this tricky on a vegan diet.
I did manage to find a protein powder that wasn’t too bad - in fact the consistency was better than my normal protein powder. I used Emrald Labs plant protein powder.
I was very happy to get to the end of this. One positive - my coffee tasted especially good when I was able to have cow’s milk once again - oh the joy!
COST: Nothing extra (there was the protein powder, but it’s no more expensive than my usual one)
SALSA DANCING
This was trying something new. Salsa dancing.
I hung up my ballet shoes when I was four and any dancing since then has generally been under the influence and late at night. And that was a while ago.
It ended up being so much fun! There is something incredibly liberating about being a complete beginner. There are no expectations, you open yourself to the new experience and get to go, simply have fun and learn.
The first half hour was learning the basic steps. Then it was into the beginner class. The energy was high - everyone was there to have fun. The steps were built up gradually, changing partners every few minutes. I made lots of mistakes, but that’s what it’s all about.
This is one I’d like to keep going with!
COST: $15 for a two week trial