Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone at Laomao Mountain 🥾

I actually walked on a glass bridge.

A Beautiful Morning in Dalian, China

Today started off beautifully as I joined a group of expats for an exciting hiking adventure at Laomao Mountain, located right here in Dalian.

With an entire itinerary planned, I was eager to dive into the day’s adventures.

Whole I appreciate the itinerary planned for us, I knew that I was going to do a bit exploring on my own and enjoy the aerial views that the mountain peaks offered me.

Getting Prepared

Before heading to the mountain, We made a quick stop at a local store to grab some snacks and, most importantly, some water. I initially considered McDonald's, but the long lines turned me away.

A little tip for anyone planning a hike: always stock up on water and snacks beforehand!

Facing My Fears

As we arrived at the hiking spot, I was greeted by stunning views.

Confession: I have a fear of heights.

Standing on a bridge with breathtaking scenery all around, I found myself gripping the railing tightly, refusing to look down.

As you walk along the bridge, you hear sound effects of glass cracking and breaking in addition to the computer-generated effects of broken glass

My friend John seemed unfazed, casually enjoying the view and taunting me as I walked carefully and oh-so-slowly.

I mean seriously, parents holding little children were walking faster than me.

Yes, the mother was laughing at me because I was speaking in broken Chinglish about how terrified I was. And it was hilarious - after I finally crossed over.

Pro Tip: If you're afraid of heights, don’t hesitate to bring a buddy along for support!

Despite my fears, I knew I had to push through.

As the group encouraged me, I took a deep breath and tried to focus on the beauty around me rather than the height.

Children and many elderly locals zipped past me as I inched along the glass bridge.

Embracing New Experiences

Hiking isn’t something I typically enjoy. In fact, I’ve only hiked three times, all during my time in China.

Even still, I believe in living life to the fullest and stepping outside my comfort zone.

Embracing new experiences is essential for personal growth, creating lasting memories, and building confidence. Embracing new experiences is essential as it fosters:

• Personal Growth: Trying new things helps you grow as a person. This allows you to develop new skills, challenge your perspectives, and discover hidden talents.

• Creating Memories: Adventures lead to memorable experiences that you can cherish for a lifetime, providing a sense of accomplishment and pride.

• Building Confidence: Overcoming fears boosts your self-esteem and confidence.

By embracing new experiences, you open yourself up to new possibilities, extraordinary opportunities, and personal fulfillment, ultimately leading to a more satisfying and significant life.

I may not be the best hiker, but I was determined to overcome my fear and keep moving.

And guess what?

I survived the glass bridge! 😬 Talk about a boost of confidence! 💪🏽

Finally made it to the other side and lived to tell you about it! That’s the bridge behind me.

A Day Well Spent

Overall, it was a fantastic day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and personal challenges.

From temporarily conquering my fear of heights to enjoying the company of fellow expats and locals, I walked away from Mount Laomao with a sense of accomplishment.

Celebrating with the Monkey King

So, if you find yourself in Dalian, don’t hesitate to explore the beautiful landscapes and embrace the adventure that awaits you.

Remember, life is about stepping out of your comfort zone and creating a story worth telling!