Find your island.
Monday Editions
How can we recharge our batteries in our hectic everyday lives?
We can look for the next island.
2025 has turned out to be a challenging year for many, and because of that, it has become even more important to manage our energy reserves wisely as we’re preparing for what’s to come. Seeking these little islands on a regular basis might be one such helpful step. I’ve found such an island in the form of my new sport – bouldering. Since spring, I’ve been training regularly and slowly but steadily, the bouldering gym has become a constant in my day to day. A safe space to recharge when needed. I’ve since found my way into this whole world, and the people who are part of it have also become part of my life.
One thing you’ve got to know about the bouldering community is that the people are usually very uplifting and supportive, and at the same time, there doesn’t have to be any pressure to perform, even though I find myself surrounded by people way better than me almost all of the time. But I love that for two reasons. One is that I learn a lot from them every time I train with them, and the second is that it doesn’t matter that they’re better because nobody ties their ability to the way they treat others, especially beginners. It’s all about passion and connection. The bouldering gym has definitely been one of my anchors throughout this year, and I’m really grateful that I found it. This is what brings me to today’s topic, because I feel like since we are collectively experiencing quite stormy times, seeking these islands of joy is truly a necessity.
A safe space is supposed to make us feel like we can fully be ourselves there and let go of the pressure to perform.
That might look differently for everyone. There are people like me who really thrive on doing risk sports. Others might find their little islands through making music, for example, or pursuing some other form of art. There are book lovers, too, or passionate chefs and bakers. Whatever it is that we might want to pursue, it’s so worth carving out some time for it, and especially finding something that is there for us all year long. Not necessarily just tied to a specific season, so it can light up our day or week all the way through the cold and dark season.
Ideally, these islands can even be there for us even when we’re out and about. Just a couple days ago, I stepped into a bouldering gym in Austria. I’m never there, I don’t know anyone, and the beautiful thing is that it never feels strange for long. There are these little conversations that just keep naturally forming as you’re discussing solutions to a bouldering route with someone who offers a tip. It seems to be part of the bouldering culture, and probably a main reason why it feels so wholesome.
Finding such an island for ourselves can be what gets us through the week, and as we’re wrapping up this year, navigating the new one could potentially be a lot easier if we allow ourselves to not just seek those spaces, but to integrate them as a priority. Energy levels aren’t naturally at an all-time high, and most of us don’t enjoy the privilege to just cut off the things that drain us. We’re often asked to function in unchangeable circumstances and challenging surroundings. And while that might not be within our control, finding a space that allows us to catch our breath again is.
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