And how was your w/e?
Well – I pretty much…
Climbed over, through and crawled under things, dragged myself through thick mud, pulled myself up slippery walls, high ropes & metal poles, hung & swung from various bars, rings and other equipment, zip lined, slid & jumped into freezing water, became border line hypothermic.
Oh and have an amazing variety of different sizes/colours of bruises and cuts.
I also earned 2 of the most prestigious medals in OCR.
It was incredible!! lol.
But really…it was.
This may sound like some people’s idea of torture (I get that) but this was a huge deal for me, especially given my journey to get there.
Incase you missed it,
I was in London, representing Scotland at The OCR World Championships.
OCR = Obstacle Course Racing.
My Mum and I arrived in Brentwood, Essex last Thursday to pick up my race pack and scope out some of the ‘scary’ obstacles before the big event on both Fri & Sat.
That particular Thursday also just happened to be ‘World Mental Health Day’
(which is what this blog is really about)
This made me extra aware of my thoughts.
How I felt and the circumstances I’d created for myself:
– ‘how the heck are YOU at a World Championship Lee?!’
Having overcome a 15 year eating disorder, depression, prozac, an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, seen psychiatrists, counsellors, been an outpatient at Cornhill hospital and hired a life coach…
My mind used to be constantly filled with negativity & self destruct.
Fast forward from thinking I wouldn’t live to see my 18th birthday…
I was standing there in line registering alongside the best and most elite athletes in obstacle racing at The World Championships.
Feeling full of positivity, enthusiasm and a relentless drive to succeed.
It’s been quite the journey!!
One which is sometimes difficult to voice but so important to help others know that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
I know what it’s like to struggle.
To be in a dark place.
To think there’s no hope.
And to think life will never get better.
For anyone feeling in the same boat,
I can hands down tell you there IS hope.
And it CAN get better!
Here’s some tips I’d like to share that have helped me and hopefully may help you:
🔸Don’t be afraid to ask for help, often the hardest thing to do but the most important step to take.
🔸Be kind to yourself – nothing in the world will matter or have emotional value if you don’t love (or at least like) yourself.
🔸You matter. You’re important. The world is not a better place without you.
🔸Surround yourself with people who lift you up – positivity breads positivity.
🔸Do more of the things you enjoy.
🔸Exercise daily – without a doubt the most underutilised antidepressant available.
🔸Life won’t change overnight but that doesn’t mean it can’t change.
🔸It’s ok to not be ok.
🔸There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel – it just takes some us longer to reach it.
🔸Never apologise for being you.
🔸Help others – it’s amazing how this can make you feel.
🔸It’s not your fault.
🔸The only person who can truly help you – is you.
🔸Life won’t get better by chance.
🔸A support network is an essential part of recovery.
🔸Learn from yesterday, live for today, plan for tomorrow.
🔸You always have choices.
🔸A negative mind will never lead a positive life – stop focusing on the ‘bad’ things.
🔸Never underestimate what you’re capable of.
🔸You can.
The video below is probably one of my favourite from the w/e.
Purely because I’d built up ‘the fear’ of doing this obstacle so much in my head.
There was a high failure rate, I’d no idea how it would go.
This was my 1st attempt.
Proof that we’re capable of so much more than we think.
I know this blog won’t magically turn your life around but I hope if you’re someone who’s struggling it helps give you some motivation to know:
If I can do it – you can do it.
P.s
You can check out more pics/videos from my Championship adventures over on my Instagram page (channel below)
Lee ‘battered & bruised but can’t stop smiling’ Donald x
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