Shelly Coulson
Cause: The Salvation Army
Adventure: Trek for Hope 2018: Great Wall of China
As our Adventurer of the Month, Shelly has scored herself a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher! To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.
What inspired you to take on your Inspired Adventure with the Salvos?
I have always had great respect for the Salvos and the tireless work that they do in the community. Having the opportunity to participate in a challenge that will help make a difference to Aussies experiencing homelessness is a privilege and an honour.
How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to China before?
I have never been to China before and I am very excited about ticking the Great Wall off the bucket list.
What have been some of the highlights of your fundraising and training experience so far?
I have enjoyed finding creative ways to raise funds. Conducting bake sales has meant trying new recipes and learning new skills. I had my first experience at icing mini Christmas cakes and was thrilled by their popularity. It has been encouraging to see my fitness level improving through my training. I am looking forward to testing the fitness in January with a week of hiking in the Snowy Mountains including climbing Mt Kosciuszko.
"Having the opportunity to participate in a challenge that will help make a difference to Aussies experiencing homelessness is a privilege and an honour."
What have been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?
Time is the one thing that is the most challenging as life was already full before signing up for this adventure. Training and fundraising are both time consuming so planning ahead and being organised are essential. Also, changing “fat” to “fit” is a big challenge. By taking on the task of helping to support needy Australians, I have found the motivation to work hard at making this happen.
Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?
Who would have thought that the things I hate could so quickly become the things I love? I have always hated hills and stairs but now I seek them out, knowing that I need to conquer an awful lot of them!
What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming adventure?
I am looking forward to seeing the Great Wall with my own eyes and the sense of satisfaction that comes from completing a huge personal challenge.
What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?
Challenge your fears and go for it. Even the impossible becomes possible when you set your mind to it!
What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?
When you want to succeed as much as you want to breathe then you’ll be successful. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Fear is what stops you. Courage is what keeps you going. It’s not who you are that holds you back. It’s who you think you’re not. The reason we grow is so we have something to give of value. Things don’t always work out the way we’d like. When you don’t give up, you cannot fail. We cannot change the cards we were dealt. It’s never too late to start again. Believe in yourself, even when no one else believes in you.
Become our Adventurer of the Month to win a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher
Take a picture whilst on your adventure or when you’re training and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with an adventure, and fitness focus will be our Adventurer of the Month – it’s that easy!
@INSPIREDADVENTURES
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