What a Wonderful World

By Lisa Marshall

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.
(Thiele and Weiss)

Recently I’ve taken to waking up with a smile on my face. It might sound strange, as most of us tend to roll over and grumble at the alarm clock as we whack it off and hope for a few more minutes of solace before facing the day, the kids, work etc. But my one year old wakes me up each morning with cooing and baby chatter and giggles and smiles, and it really has made me appreciate that if you wake up determined to be happy and grateful that you have the strength and ability to bound out of bed, then the day ahead is so much brighter.

It’s amazing how infectious a toddler’s delight and excitement can be, as they discover the world for the first time. I watched in amazement at the sheer joy and delight that Noah expressed when I gave him his first juicy mango to devour. Sure, there was juice everywhere and his clothes were ruined, but the look on his face is something I’ll never forget. I’m learning to take time to delight in the amazing world around us. It’s like re discovering life again! I no longer take for granted the stunning beaches and clean blue sea at our doorstep. Instead I relish the chance to jump in to the cold water and marvel at how lucky we are to have all this beauty around us.

Wild Women On Top has taught me to seek out beautiful places in nature and to enjoy the opportunity to build fitness, strength, mental toughness and longevity in the amazing outdoors. I want to pass this opportunity on to as many women as possible. It’s a chance to rediscover the world around you. How often I have heard someone say, as we explore a new rock walk or hidden trail - “Wow, I never knew this place existed and I live just round the corner!” Australia is a treasure chest of beautiful, wild and secret locations, and the best part is you don’t have to leave Sydney to find some of them!

So this term I encourage you not to miss a single session of Trek Training, and if you do – take the chance to do a make up session in a group you’ve never been to, in a location you haven’t visited, because you’ll be amazed at how invigorating and exciting it is to discover yet more beautiful places in your own city, whilst Wild Walking.