When Fear Isn’t in Charge

Monday’s Long Buckby walk gave me one of those little moments that makes you stop and think, Blimey. When did I become this person?

I climbed over a stile and found myself facing a field full of cows. Not that many years ago, that would have been enough to send my heart racing. I’d have wanted to get across the field as quickly as possible — and if someone else was happy to deal with the cows, I certainly wouldn’t have been fighting them for the job! 😂

But this time, I took a breath, calmly moved the cows away from the footpath and stood between them and our group while everyone walked safely past. I didn’t panic, rush or flinch. And I was incredibly proud of myself.

I genuinely believe meditation has played a huge part in that change. Learning to use my breathing to calm my nervous system means that when fear arrives, I can slow things down and focus on what actually needs to happen next.

The cows haven’t changed. I have. And perhaps that’s worth remembering about the things that scare us: we don’t necessarily have to get rid of the fear. Sometimes we just need to learn that it doesn’t always have to be the one in charge. 💚

What’s Inside This Week’s Newsletter?

In short…

• 🇸🇮 Julia’s adventures in Slovenia begin!
• 🥾 Mick & Marjorie’s Camino Inglés adventure
• 🎃 The Halloween Haunt is filling up fast
• 🇮🇲 Fancy walking around the entire Isle of Man?
• 🤸 Bungee Fitness is coming to Adventure Geek
• 📅 October’s walks and events are now live
• 📸 A new theme for the AG Photo Competition
• 🥾 Camino Inglés 2027 — a gentler way to walk to Santiago
• 🌎 Three rather lovely good-news stories
• 📱 This week’s surprisingly useful little gadget
• 😴 A very early start on next week’s walking calendar!
• 😀 A special Camino milestone birthday
• 🇭🇷 More from the Croatia travel journal

That’s it for this week’s update.

I hope you’ve enjoyed having a little peek into what’s been happening across the Adventure Geek community.

Wherever your adventures take you this week, I hope you find some fresh air, good company and a reason to smile.

See you on the trails.

Julia x