When Your Compass Changes Direction

Sometimes life quietly reminds us that progress isn't always about moving forwards at full speed.

A few months ago, I was preparing for one of the biggest adventures of my life—an Arctic expedition with Climbing Out. Like many big goals, it represented far more than snow, mountains and pulling a sled. It symbolised resilience, confidence and proving to myself that life after trauma can still be full of extraordinary experiences.

Recently, I learned that the expedition has been postponed until March 2028 due to organisational circumstances.

Of course, my first reaction was disappointment. When you've been working towards something, it's natural to feel a little deflated when the finish line moves.

But after spending three wonderful days walking the Northumberland Coast with six incredible women, I realised something. Maybe this isn't a setback at all.

Twenty-One Miles of Perspective

Over three days we walked 21 miles from Amble to Bamburgh, following one of England's most spectacular coastlines. We walked across endless beaches, admired castles standing proudly against the sea and shared countless conversations that only seem to happen when you're walking side by side.

There was laughter, encouragement, tired legs, coffee stops and that wonderful feeling of belonging.

It reminded me that adventure isn't only found in the destination—it's found in the people who share the journey with you. One of the greatest gifts of the weekend was experiencing that sense of sisterhood. Women supporting women. No competition. No judgement. Just kindness, patience and genuine friendship. Those moments matter.

A Stronger Foundation

The walk also gave me something unexpected: clarity.

While I completed the distance comfortably, I recognised that if I truly want to enjoy an Arctic expedition—not simply endure it—I need to become stronger.

Not tougher. Stronger.

So, instead of seeing this extra year as something I've lost, I'm choosing to see it as something I've gained.

Time to rebuild my core strength.

Time to improve my overall fitness.

Time to lose some of the weight that's been holding me back.

Time to prepare not just for one expedition, but for a lifetime of adventures.

Brice & Beyond

One of the messages I hope Brice & Beyond always shares is this:

Life rarely goes exactly to plan.

Plans change.

Jobs end.

Dreams get postponed.

People come and go.

But none of those things have to stop us moving forwards.

Sometimes success isn't about sticking rigidly to Plan A. Sometimes it's having the courage to rewrite the plan without giving up on the dream.

The Arctic is still there.

I'll still get there.

Just not quite yet.

In the meantime, there are more coastlines to explore, more mountains to climb, more stories to create and more opportunities to help others realise that setbacks don't define us—our response to them does.

So today, I'm choosing gratitude over frustration.

Patience over pressure.

Progress over perfection.

And I'm excited to discover where this unexpected detour will take me.

Because sometimes, the scenic route turns out to be the most rewarding one of all.

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