What Birkenstocks Taught Me About Bravery

You know those moments when your gut whispers, “This is a bit wild and crazy... but say yes”?

I had one of those in Oman on Friday.

It began innocently enough—an invite from a kind Omani man I’d met a couple of times. A local who knew the land, the stories, the culture and energy of the place. It felt right, so I said yes.  That “yes” led to an unexpected day that brought camels in the car, a machete in a backpack, and me scrambling up a cliff in a dress and Birkenstocks.

Not quite the calm, relaxed tour I imagined when we set off—but it was so much better than that. Why? I learnt heaps about myself.

It started with camels...

I’m in love with the camels here… such gentle, graceful animals. I love the way they walk and their long eyelashes. We stopped by a small wadi and I jumped out to get a closer look and take a photo.

Then they started to follow me.

I ran. No idea why. First time that’s ever happened, a new experience so unknown outcome!  We decided to stop for a quick snack, and before I knew it, there were four camels—yes, four—casually shoving their heads into the car window. Their faces were inches away. Totally chill. Just like my guide.  I, however, watched from the other side, with a big smile.

Lesson one: not all things that look scary are actually dangerous.

Then came the “short walk”...

We drove through Mirbat—rugged, sun-stained, and somehow both half-forgotten and yet life happening all around quietly—then onto Hasik for lunch, a beautiful small fishing village. We ate the most delicious fresh fish. So good.

Afterwards, we headed toward a nearby wadi and a beach beyond. I was excited. A quick walk and then a swim in a deserted beach sounded perfect.  We arrived at a small inland lake surrounded by thick palms and cliffs—an oasis. No one around. Just us, rocky terrain, shimmering light, and the promise of a swim on the other side.

My friend pointed toward the sea in the distance, flanked by steep cliffs and said, “It’s just over there.” Cool, I thought. Let’s go.

Spoiler alert: it was not just over there.

Before setting off, he pulled out a walking stick. Put on proper trainers. And yes—pulled out a machete and tucked it into his backpack.  “For safety,” he said.

For safety?! Cue my inner voice screaming:
“You’re in the middle of nowhere. You’re in a dress. And sandals. With a man carrying a knife. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?”

What I Was Actually Doing...

I was about to hike a slippery, rocky path on the edge of a cliff in the heat, trusting someone I barely knew, and confronting fear in real time.  Every step made my heart race. Not just because of the drop below—but because of what it brought up inside me.

What if he falls and I’m alone?
What if I fall?
What if I’ve made a terrible mistake?

But somewhere between the climbing, the sweating, and my face getting redder by the second, I found something else:

Stillness. Certainty. Self-belief.

I was scared. But I kept going. And with each step, something shifted.

 The Reflection: What That Day Taught Me

1. Self-Awareness & Acceptance

Fear doesn’t always mean danger.  Sometimes it just means pay attention.

In midlife, we often confuse fear with failure. But fear is just a feeling—it’s data for us to bring awareness, it doesn't mean its destiny.

I learned to observe my thoughts instead of panic over them.
I acknowledged I was out of my comfort zone—and I didn’t judge myself for it.
I just kept going—surely and carefully.

2. Transformation Through Action

Action is the antidote to anxiety.

I didn’t need to scale Everest. I just needed to take the next right step. Even if that step was onto a loose rock in my dusty Birkenstocks.

I proved to myself that I can do hard things.
That my body is capable (I was very thankful I had got back to weight training again)
That I can trust my instincts—even in unfamiliar places.

3. Community & Connection

We’re not meant to walk this midlife path alone.

The people we meet—unexpected companions, wild foxes (they were on the beach scavenging the freshly laid turtle eggs!), even a friend with a machete—reflect something back to us:
Openness. Curiosity. Generosity.

I remembered how powerful it is to share space and story with someone new. I learnt a lot that day, about Oman, about nature and about me.

So, What Can You Take From This?

Whether you're planning a trip, starting over, or simply navigating midlife transitions—fear will show up.

But here's what I believe now:

Fear is a compass. It doesn’t point to danger—it points to growth.

YOUR MIDLIFE ACTION STEPS:

1. Feel the fear—but ask what it's telling you.
Is it protection? Or possibility?

2. Say yes to something small and slightly wild.
A solo coffee. A new destination. A cliffside walk in sandals (Birkenstocks optional).

3. Strengthen your inner voice.
Journal your fears. Name your strengths. Laugh at yourself.

4. Find your community.
Share your story. Be witnessed. Be held.

Ready to start following your own compass and explore how travel can help you reinvent your next chapter??

Come join the Midlife Butterflies™ community for inspiration, retreats, and resources designed for women just like you.
www.facebook.com/groups/midlifebutterflies/