A lesson in humility

We set off into the chilly morning with a tired and aching body to head up into the mountain passes of Hofu. It wasn't long into the morning that Michelle's breaks were busted. Cruising down one of the gentle slopes, she couldn't break properly and had to slide to a stop, throwing herself off the scooter. All the flipping and parkour training we did paid off because she landed safely on her feet!

There was a moment of alarmingly fear, when the reality that the fall could have happened down a mountain pass, but also a sigh of blessing to know that nothing serious actually happened. With sombre thoughts, we decided to walk down to the nearest station and take the train to Hiroshima instead of pushing through or walking.

A lesson in humility. We set off from Fukuoka with brash confidence, boldness enveloping our every step, certainty that our bodies can hold up to the gruelling task and our goals easily met. Having what we'd refer to as a tiny setback, has become a stark reminder that perhaps, arrogance is only for the fool-hearted and that to truly succeed in a great challenge, requires both humility and confidence.

Thanking the mountain gods for a lesson learnt!

- Michelle Yang