When an injury, illness, or sudden life change derails us, our natural response is to curl up and retreat from the world. But it’s when we harness adversity and step into the storm that it becomes possible to recover, and even come out stronger.
Meet Jill Wheatley – a true Alchemist.
In 2014, Jill was a Phys Ed teacher in Europe when she was hit in the head by a rogue baseball during class. The severity of the blow resulted in a traumatic brain injury and a 70% vision loss. In addition to the physical wounds, it left Jill in a deep state of despair.
After 26 months in 7 hospitals in 3 countries, she was finally on the road to physically recover but still felt emotionally lost. Inspired by the mountain view from her hospital bed, she formed a goal: to run trails on mountains all around the world – a challenge to her broken body and the return to independence that she craved.
In her own words:
“For two years I faced darkness; my dreams of being an independent, international educator and coach were instantaneously snuffed out. How could I face this storm?
But, what felt to be an ending had proved to be the potential of a new beginning. No trail, regardless of how steep the climb, could challenge me more fiercely than my TBI [traumatic brain injury] and so, I mapped out a journey around the globe to rediscover myself.
Running in mountains softens my reaction to adversity, provides perspective, enables me to face anxious thoughts, and find gratitude for all the ways previous chapters have shaped me.
Now, nearly 3 years into this adventure, I have run mountain trails across the Pyrenees, the Swiss and French Alps, Italian Dolomites, the Himalayas, New Zealand, Patagonia Argentina, Peru, Colorado Rockies, and Iceland. The storm has finally calmed. I realize now that I am whole and complete exactly as I am.”
I am looking forward to hearing more from Jill about her continued adventures. Jill, you are No Barriers.
