“On a Mish” #427 The Year That Was 2024. New Zealand & Nepal. 31.12.2024. The year 2024 didn’t quite go as I thought it would, but over the last couple of years that is something I have gotten used to. That’s not to say that the year wasn’t a good one, far from it. Since 2020, 2024 has easily been the best year thanks to hundreds of hours of physiotherapy, yoga and training. I’m sure that 2025 is going to be a big year with many things achieved, the question I am currently pondering is ‘what will that be?’
At the start of 2024 I was still in a big slump after the death of my awesome little dog Ernest D Wilson. He was such a massive help when it came to motivation to get out and about and improve my fitness and strength. With him gone I felt like I had lost a key part of my recovery. Even to this day I still think about that wild little fella, and I know he will stay etched in my mind forever. I realised that I needed a training buddy so after a long search I found, or fate placed, another four-legged friend in my lap. Thanks to my mother I found Georgie Joy Wilson in Gore, and after getting through the turmoil that is raising a puppy, together we have gone on to achieve many awesome adventures together.
Another huge part of my year was getting myself ready for another wild wander through the foothills of the Himalaya with the Active Hearts Foundation Team. Knowing how much the trek helps others really kept me on track with my training and gave purpose to every step. Along with the training I gave talks to raise funds to get me up to the Northern Hemisphere and to the country I now consider my second home. After completing my 6th mish in Nepal I knew the effort put in to get there was well worth not only my while, but also the many people that the Active Hearts Foundation help in one of the poorest countries on the planet.
After several false starts I am still looking for a job that will suit a semi-broken battler. My old work wanted nothing to do with me until I was fully healed, which was heart-breaking to hear, as I am not sure if I will ever get to that level again. I worked briefly at a hostel in Te Anau, but after a month and a bit I was let go. When the going got tough I would just say everything was fine, unfortunately the manager could see that I was struggling with the physical side of the job. I was gutted because it was awesome to be part of a team again after being out of the workforce for so long.
A big factor that has helped with my recovery is doing yoga as often as possible. If you had told me that yoga was going to be the key to recovery, or at least help in a massive way, a few years ago I would have just laughed. Now I am fully hooked on it, which is ironic in a good way due to it being a big part of the Nepali culture. The mindfulness and meditation found in doing simple Yin yoga for 30 to 60 minutes is incredible and something I recommend to anyone who finds themselves suffering physically like me.
2025 is going to be great thanks to a new mindset and the unwavering support of my whanau and close friends. With Georgie Dog by my side, I am looking forward to taking many strides in a positive direction. Bring on 2025, it’s going to be a goodie with many missions and tons of fun!
