Thoughts on the row ahead #3: On the mental challenges and coping strategies

A final short film on my thoughts ahead of the North Pacific row – this one talking about the mental challenges of the expedition and my thoughts on coping strategies.

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While I am out at sea, messages will be forwarded on to me from the blog by my team and also from the hello@sarahouten.com emails. So, do please keep sending your thoughts and questions, banter and poems et al. They are a great source of distraction, motivation, fun and inspiration.

Please also consider throwing a few pennies or pounds into the charity pot over here to help us reach the target of £100K for CoppaFeel!, Jubilee Sailing Trust, MND Association, WaterAid by the time I get back to London.

All best,

Sarah and Gulliver x

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21 Responses to Thoughts on the row ahead #3: On the mental challenges and coping strategies

  1. Christine & Kathleen says:

    Hi Sarah

    Your 3 talks were very interesting so moving yet so rewarding. Listening to you put the problems we face at home into perspective.

    We shall be following you every inch of the way.

    Sesible precaution what you have done, take great care and enjoy the last few dyas seeing those wonderful folks who have been with you. You obviously hadn’t had enough time hence the delay to give you more time.

    All good wishes

    C & k

  2. john Globemasterone says:

    Hi Sarah and Team,
    Oh yes… there are a lot of people cheering for you “to get to the other side”. This video was exceptionally moving particularly when you referred to your dad, Patrick and the wooden boat and the people of Japan. You are a remarkable person….I wish you strength and good health on your journey.
    john
    following from the Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario

  3. Gigi says:

    I have been following your journey thus far…and look forward to this next leg! You are *SO* right when you say while you may be physically alone on your boat, you have a lot of people “with you!” TOO TRUE!!

    I am a small business owner (I own an esthetics studio) and I’m thinking of ways that I can fundraise for your causes. I want to be one of the people on your boat!

    Godspeed, Sarah…

    ~Gigi
    Virginia Beach, VA

  4. Currin says:

    Sarah, Thank you for these three videos that explain so well the ‘heart’ of your journey. Together they are a ‘treasure-trove’ and more. Looking forward to following and supporting you all of the way. Currin

  5. Steve says:

    Inspiring Sarah. Real depth to your words. Huge thanks for sharing this journey with the rest of us

  6. Kiffy says:

    HI Sarah – just caught up with your latest news and blogs and MUCH relieved that you are being sensible (there speaks a Mum) I was also interested to hear your mental strategies for coping and that you’ll make sure you always have something positive for every event. I have every faith that you will do that but how about keeping Kool and the Gang on hand ‘Celebration’ (Celebrate Good Times) – it never fails and I’ll dance along with you in spirit!! Kiffy the purple xxxxxx

  7. JETWAKE says:

    Press on regardless and never give up! The sun will always rise tomorrow and who knows
    what tomorrow may bring to you.

    Godspeed Sarah.

  8. Robert Irvine says:

    Good Luck Sarah. As I said last time, I’m sure Shackleton would admire your courage, which I again salute. I will be praying for you. Take Care – Robert Irvine.

  9. Graham Thomas says:

    You had been in my mind so I looked to see how things are and found your launch day was due yesterday. It made me happy to know you are strong enough mentally to make a good and right call to delay. You will indeed be in my thoughts on your journey to Vancouver Island may fair winds blow

  10. Eduardo from Colombia says:

    Hi sarah,
    again, I can’t stop thinking of you as an inspiration to the thousands who follow your incredible journey.
    I have one question about your charities, I don’t see any news (CNN, Fox) related to what you are doing, it seems that there is not enough knowledge on this part of the world of this prodigious undertaking, for people to learn about you, wish you well and send donations for your charities. Good luck!!
    Eduardo

  11. Theresa says:

    CTV (Canadian TV) aired a piece on you last night Sarah and I saw on their website some audio from Friday http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/CanadaAM/20120427/lodon-2-london-trip-sarah-ousey-120427/

  12. Andy Hunting says:

    You are truly a Superwoman – what you are doing is way beyond the comprehension of us “ordinary” people and I wish you every success during the months to come. To say we have had really bad weather with lots of rain here in Oakham doesn’t really matter, does it?

  13. I now know that I am not the ideal person to offer advice on How To Enjoy A Row!
    All I can suggest is a load of good books, a nice big diary and a good pen. And loads of ‘Desert Island Discs’ podcasts, and also the American one called “Stuff you should know”…
    Ganbatte!

    • Sarah says:

      I’d say you’re the perfect one to suggest, Al!

      I think I have 600 podcasts now, 50 books on Kindle, 20 real books and looooooooots of music! And a few treats here and there too. Lessons learned from the Indy – lots of books needed and multiple spare headphones.

      Mata ne!

  14. James Proudfoot says:

    Sarah, greetings from Grande Prairie, Alberta. My comment concerns finds along the way across the Pacific. I don’t know how the currents run out there, but I thought that there could be some interesting finds to be made of the debris from the Japan quake and Tsunami. I have heard of a ghost ship out there. I’m not sure if you will find any of that stuff, but it could make for interesting days if you did. Anyway, I wish you safe passage, and I look forward to following your updates. Bon voyage! James

  15. Alix B. says:

    I saw a CNN piece on the trip. I put it on our local news website. http://wtvr.com/2012/04/29/woman-attempting-record-breaking-around-world/

    Very inspiring. Will follow along and send you energy for the road ahead.

  16. Darren Hunt says:

    Hi Sarah, You words and positive mindset are a true inspiration to us all. Total respect for your determination and dedication to accomplishing your goals. It is said that obstacles do not present themselves until we set our goals, it is only then we become the person we desire to be by overcoming those obstacles. There will be many more obstacles along the way, with your positive mindset, you will have the desire to dig deep to pull out everything you have ( and more) to succeed.

    Have fun and stay safe..

    Darren

  17. Tim-Bob says:

    Greetings from the Southern Coast Of Lake Erie, in Ontario, Canada…….glad you shared some of your insights into thoughts ahead. I will use the “tenacity” part on my motorcycle trip coming up, Around Georgian Bay 2012……. which is nothing compared to what you are doing….. but I will remember you and no matter what, will NOT give up. I will be following you and your team.
    Thanks for sharing,
    Tim-Bob

  18. Angus says:

    I know why you are doing this and i know phisically how you are doing this but the mental strength it takes to do all of the above is simply beyond me.All the best for the journey ahead its amazing what you are doing.I know some people have been sending in poems,this is the only one i can think of.

    I must go down to the sea again the lonely sea and the sky,
    I left my vest and socks there i wounder if they’re dry.
    Spike Milligan.
    ps if that doesn’t do the trick try and find the”junp into a dustbin and dance”song online. It keeps me smiling

  19. Jude says:

    Sarah. You are an inspiration. I so admire your tenacity and courage and for prompting us to step out of our comfort zones and see what is out there. I will be sending good thoughts you way as you move through this amazing experience. May you feel the support and encouragement of everyone who is cheering for you.
    Jude from Canada.

  20. June Bibby says:

    Would like to receive email each time there is a blog, instead of monthly. Is that possible please?
    Many thanks,
    June

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