As a 64 year old I was quite worried about coming, whether I could keep up (I couldn't but it didn't matter), and if I could talk about me!

In 2013 I had breast cancer, mastectomy and breast reconstruction, followed by several surgeries.  Quite a body transformation and rejig of my muscles. When I came (to a Mind Over Mountains retreat for members of the police force) I'd only recently come off 10 years of medication to help prevent the return of breast cancer, of which I'd lived with side effects akin to menopause (and some), then side effects coming off it.

I was a single parent while my kids were growing up and still single going through breast cancer. You learn to keep feelings inside so you don't worry your family. You drown yourself in work and keeping busy so you don't have to think about it. You let everyone think you're doing ok when inside you're screaming. 

Walking has always been my saving grace. With my dogs, my family, my friends and that's what drew me to apply (through work). My head was always full of 'stuff', so although the walking was good I wasn't really benefitting from the peacefulness it could bring.

That brings me to the mindfulness. I don't always need to talk, I just need to feel. Feel my surroundings, feel my senses, hear my surroundings, the birds, the church bells, the breeze in the trees.

What did I achieve - something that I would never have thought I could!  Something that I did because of the people with me giving me encouragement, praise, advice and help - never caring that I was at least 10-20 years older and slow! 

I climbed a freaking mountain!