Discover the transformative journey of 'Peaks for a Purpose' climbs and solo travel safety classes in Mexico City, where hiking meets empowerment, and self-defence becomes a tool for inner strength.
Welcome to the fourth part of my series about the evolution of my Beauty With a Purpose project during my three-year reign as Miss World Canada. In this chapter led me to an inspiring fusion of my love for the mountains and my dedication to empowering individuals. Set against the backdrop of my new modelling contract in Mexico City, I was driven by a vision to use my passion for hiking as a means to foster community and purpose. This inspiration gave birth to the Peaks for a Purpose climbs, beginner-level hiking groups designed not only to fundraise but also to create a space for meaningful conversations about purpose, the healing powers of nature, breath work, and healing. For me, guiding these hikes was a revitalizing experience, reigniting my connection with the mountains and allowing me to share this love with others.
The journey didn't stop at the mountain trails. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women travelling solo, and recalling my personal experience, I sought to extend the empowerment beyond the hikes to something more accesable. Partnering with a local boxing gym, Black Box, I used the donations from the group hikes to introduce a professional coach to our free solo travel safety classes, teaching basic self-defence as a key component of empowerment. This addition was crucial; it underscored the belief that our strength is inherent and invincible, a reminder that every punch on a heavy bag or pad resonated with the message that our power can never be taken away.
These classes, held every Wednesday for several months, evolved into the new heart of my project. From Canadian Herstory to solo travel safety, the focus shifted towards empowering people from diverse backgrounds - from Dubai, Switzerland, the United States, Ukraine, Mexico, and beyond. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the knowledge that even if only one woman rediscovered her inner power or felt safer abroad made all the effort worthwhile. Yet, week after week, the impact was evident, and the hands-on difference we were making added fuel to my fire of making a difference.
Upon my return to Canada to prepare for Miss World, I learned that the festival would be postponed. This twist in my journey led me back to Mexico City, where I began volunteering at the Red Cross, leveraging my training in crisis mitigation. This next evolution of my project, which I will delve into in the upcoming article, highlights the fluid nature of our missions and the endless possibilities for growth and impact.
My journey through "Peaks for a Purpose" and the solo travel safety classes has taught me that empowerment is a journey, not a destination. It's about finding strength in vulnerability, courage in fear, and community in solitude. As we climb our personal mountains, let us remember that the power within us is boundless, capable of transcending barriers and igniting change. Together, we can navigate the peaks and valleys of life, forging paths of empowerment and resilience for ourselves and those around us. Stay tuned for the next chapter, where I'll share how my project took on a new dimension with the Red Cross, further exemplifying the transformative power of compassion and action.
