Adventurekim.com 2015 Round-up

This was a year to set about big changes that would effect not only 2015 but that would set me up for success in 2016. I was finding that working full time as an Operational Paramedic and on my off days running around keeping abreast of all my charity work as well trying to keep everyone else happy was exhausting. I was running from pillar to post and it was exhausting leaving no time for my poor hubby and three children. All my leave is used up to do charity work none to spend with my family. So change had to come and come it did.

Many decisions needed to be made some hard and some easy. Once the decisions had be set in motion it became a lot easier to make these changes as the positive outcome of these choices became evident.

Various courses needed to be undertaking to carry out future goal, some more fitness training and planning to grow Adventure with a Purpose and streamline The Team Zodwa Project.

Creating monthly training hikes was a start as well as a 2nd successful Mt Kilimanjaro summit to raise awareness for Meals on Wheels SA in October 2015. Which lead to the creation of the challenge #trek4hunger Setting the SA 9 Peaks up for a charity group to run in 2016 has been very exciting and this includes another Kilimanjaro climb for 17 people. I am also setting up the 10 day 9 peaks challenge for another charity for 2017 as well as another Kilimanjaro 2017 climb for a group of 25.

I have taken on 2 big treks next year one for the Red Cross Children's Hospital in Cape Town to assist with the upgrading of their ICU unit.

I will be trekking 254 km through the tough Karroo to create awareness and raise funds. This will take place in May and I have funded myself.

In August 2016 I will tackle Mt Elbrus the highest point in Europe. A tough climb over ice and snow to create awareness and raise funds for CHOC - childhood cancer, collecting pajamas and items needed for the CHOC homes. This has created the challenge #trek4kidz

Earlier this year I approached my long time friend a TV producer and owner of Time Frame TV with an idea to create affordable bucket list adventures. Vanessa jumped at it and so the #bucketListOdyssey was created and we have wrapped up 4 stories and editing has begun. These will be launched onto YouTube for now and who knows where this will end up!

Still on the bucket list challenge I have a few of my own personal bucket list items that I need to tick off. The Blue train to Cape Town then Robben Island and Table Mountain.

and the Rovos steam train to Namibia trips are on the cards over the next 2 years which I will undertake with my long suffering hubby!!

As I work on the streets and inner city slums of Johannesburg as a Paramedic I decided to bring inspiriting everyday South African stories: "On the beat Inspirational Stories of Hope" and have had 2 stores that got much attention on social media. One story was that of a lady with her sewing business she runs outside a men's hostel on the dusty streets of the notorious George Goch.

The other of a petrol attendant whose dream is to climb table mountain and Mt Kilimanjaro.

I had to change the direction of The Team Zodwa Projects and create more freedom to choose projects that really touch my heart without any restrictions of being an exclusive Ambassador for any one cause or charity.

I also want to explore a few photography courses and workshops to improve my camera work. Photography is a real passion and I love to share my adventures and stories using some great photographs. For me 2016 is 365 great adventures and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.

my New Years wish as posted on social media: "As 2015 comes to an abrupt end and 2016 blasts in its time to reflect. We all went through a fair share of trauma, shattered dreams, tragedy, loss and illness - no one is ever immune - ever!!. Some just don't spill all. Some just always choose to see the gift of possibilities that every new sunrise offers or the sunset ending on what could not be changed and was just meant to be. 365 new days to change your life, to make a difference in the lives of others, to change the world one act of kindness at a time, one inspirational story at a time, one positive thought at a time, one adventure at a time. The choice is really yours you can either play the victim or grab life with both hands, kick it in its arse and be boss. Life is hard for everyone but your attitude will make it worthwhile and leave a legacy of hope in all the lives you touch. Happy New Year 2016 and make being happy your news years resolution. Oh and throw in a few outrageous adventures of course! !"