Grief is not a journey anyone plans for, yet it’s a path so many of us find ourselves navigating. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that grief is not something we overcome or conquer. It’s something we learn to carry, something we integrate into who we are. For me, one of the most transformative tools in this process has been physical challenges—pushing my body to its limits while exploring the untapped resilience of my mind and spirit.
As an adventurer and explorer, I’ve faced both literal and figurative mountains. I’ve experienced the euphoria of standing atop the world’s peaks and the crushing weight of losing those I’ve led and cared about deeply. Losing five explorers under my leadership wasn’t just a professional tragedy; it was a deeply personal one. The aftermath left me questioning my decisions, my abilities, and my purpose. Yet, in the chaos of grief, I found clarity in movement. The act of climbing and running—both physical and metaphorical—became a lifeline.
When you’re scaling a mountain, every step demands your focus. The trail doesn’t allow space for rumination or regret. There’s only the next handhold, the next step, the next breath. I’ve realized that this rhythm mirrors what it takes to navigate grief. Physical challenges create a tangible framework for dealing with intangible emotions. They remind us that moving forward—even when it’s hard, even when it hurts—is possible.
Building Resilience Through Action
Taking on physical challenges can reshape the way we see ourselves. After experiencing profound loss, it’s easy to feel powerless. Grief has a way of making the world seem overwhelming and out of control. But when you’re running a trail, summiting a peak, or even braving a challenging fitness class, you’re reclaiming agency. You’re proving to yourself, one step at a time, that you have the strength to face the next challenge—and the one after that.
Physical challenges also allow us to reconnect with our bodies in ways we might have forgotten. Grief often feels like a purely mental and emotional experience, but it lives in the body, too. The tension in your shoulders, the heaviness in your chest—those are grief’s physical manifestations. By engaging our bodies in movement, we release some of that tension, make space for healing, and remind ourselves of the profound connection between body and mind.
Finding Meaning in the Journey
Every physical challenge has a destination—a summit, a finish line, a goal. But the most important part of the journey isn’t reaching the end; it’s the growth that happens along the way. When I founded Survivor Mind, I wanted to create experiences that embodied this truth. The physical challenges we design are about more than the miles traveled or the heights climbed. They’re about building community, fostering resilience, and rediscovering purpose.
I’ve seen it firsthand: when people come together to tackle a challenge, they form bonds rooted in shared struggle and mutual support. They find strength in one another’s courage. They realize they’re not alone in their pain. And in the process, they often uncover a deeper capacity for joy and connection than they thought possible.
A Call to Action
If you’re navigating grief or trauma, I encourage you to consider stepping outside your comfort zone and into the transformative power of a physical challenge. It doesn’t have to be Everest or a grueling trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro (although I’d love to take you). It could be as simple as a local hike, a run, or a swim. What matters is that you’re moving—engaging your body and mind in a way that opens the door to healing.
Through movement, we find meaning. Through challenge, we find growth. And through shared experiences, we find community. Survivor Mind is here to guide and support you on this journey, helping you climb through grief and discover the resilience within.
Keep an eye out as I work to organize our first Survivor Mind community challenge soon. Let’s take the next step together.
