A blueprint ~ ideas and inspiration for my trail ahead giving all respect to the mountains and Mother Nature.
May 21, 2023
Climbing mountains is something I do, it is not who I am.
When others find a spark of inspiration from the choices I have made in response to traumatic brain injury and vision loss, I am reminded of the impact I can make and therefore see value in sharing my story. Keeping authentic, I aim to keep others informed and educated about the realities of my experience with only 30 % eyesight and how I have chosen to respond to all that has come in the wake of my TBI including keeping the story set in mountains, many above 8 000 m.
I certainly have learned life does not always go the way we anticipate.
Despite literally hundreds of attempts to procure financial sponsorship along with countless interviews, podcasts, school talks and media features, I have been unable to secure any partners willing to help fund Vision 8 000, climbing all of our world’s 14 peaks above 8 000 m. I am thankful for gear donations from Julbo, MSR, Hyperlite, Himali and Leki as well as the generosity of Mingma G. and Imagine Nepal. Despite such support, I have exhausted my financial savings and such circumstances pull from my personal why of climbing.
I am thankful for the support International friends and family continue to keep their ‘eyes open’, helping me connect with potential sponsors. I feel that with such, along with continued effort, income may eventually present itself to support my training, climbing and future yet, with gratitude for incredible experiences on Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, K2 , Broad Peak and Annapurna, I am choosing to pause 8 000 m climbing.
My smile ignites with thoughts of more technical mountain training, trail running and perhaps getting back on a bicycle before the powder tempts and waterfalls freeze.
Leaving shoulds behind, come along as I take you to new places on this trail lit up by the power of perspective and possibility.
Joanne Merkley says:
Good Luck! Really enjoy watching your adventures! Because I follow you I now get some really amazing suggestions on Instagram.
So thank you for sharing
Jill Wheatley says:
LOVE knowing that you are here following along Joanne! Your cheers are warmly felt and tapped into with every kick of my crampons as I climb on. With gratitude and much love,
j
Shannon says:
From the beginning Mountains of My Mind you have been so authentic, real, vulnerable and in the moment. Your courage to explore, expand, push the limits, find new passions and things that bring you joy are impressive and encouraging. You have been successful at finding ways to do what you love – even new things. I know you don’t pretend it has been easy.
The pictures are breathtaking. If we didn’t have your beautiful, powerful words they may tell a very different story.
What you experience with your TBI you make relatable to all of us with whatever we face within ourselves at any moment. I am grateful to read your words, to know I am not alone in my thoughts of worthiness, pain, fear of judgement, mind telling stories, bringing myself to mindfulness, paralysis of fear of the past and acceptance – and knowing it is my choice how I respond – move forward. I always am reminded of your wise words, life is impermanence. Your blueprint is impressive and exciting.
Jill Wheatley says:
Thankful to know you see and feel so much more than sunny summits my friend.
Keep choosing ‘forward’ ~ with you no matter the mountains between.
So thankful you are ‘here’ always
much love
j