Can an extraordinary life of adventure and pushing boundaries lead someone to find fulfillment in the ordinary? In this riveting episode, we speak with Beth Rodden, a pioneering rock climber who has scaled some of the world's most challenging peaks. Beth takes us on her trailblazing journey, from shattering climbing records as one of the best female climbers of all time, to a terrifying kidnapping by armed militants in Kyrgyzstan that forced her to grapple with trauma, mental health struggles, and her very identity.

With raw honesty, Beth opens up about her disordered eating, the challenges of motherhood for a professional athlete, and pushing past society's expectations of what a woman can or should do. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and redefining what it means to embrace a "softer strength." From the dizzying heights of climbing success to the depths of personal darkness after a difficult divorce, Beth's path reveals profound truths about finding purpose, joy and wonder in the ordinary moments of life.

Key Takeaways:

• If your current strategies aren't working, look to your loved ones - their approach may inspire new solutions.
• The things you're passionate about don't have to be pursued in one narrow way. Find freedom in new perspectives.
• Listen closely to your body's signals before your mind catches up - it can prevent you from exceeding limits.
• Don't self-censor based on assumptions. Ask anyway - you may be surprised by people's supportive reactions.
• An extraordinary life can prepare you to deeply appreciate the beauty found in the ordinary.

Learn more about Beth:
Website
Instagram

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Music credit: Limitless by Bells