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Arriving Ready for Adventure, Leaving with Something Far Deeper 

By Belinda Vesey-Brown, Founder, Brio Group & Meet Aandi

Have you ever had a moment so special you wondered if you’d ever feel that way again?

Now that I’m home from Nepal, after finally reaching Everest Base Camp, a goal I first set 12 years ago, that’s exactly how I feel.

But here’s the truth: it wasn’t just standing at Base Camp that made it so special. It was everything in between. The preparation, the altitude, the cold (-20°C mornings) and every step along those steep, uneven paths that tested not only our bodies but our minds.

After two previous attempts, one paused by pregnancy in 2012, another cancelled by COVID in 2020, this was the trip that almost didn’t happen. Maybe that’s why it was so transformative. I arrived ready for adventure, but I left with something far deeper.



The Power of MyEO Adventure Hikers

What made this journey truly unforgettable was the people I shared it with, a group of EO members brought together through MyEO Adventure Hikers. We came from different locations, industries and levels of fitness, but we all had one thing in common: a desire to push our limits and grow.

Every day brought new challenges and new lessons. We laughed, supported one another, and shared stories that reminded us how universal our struggles and dreams are. Somewhere between the prayer flags, the yak trains and the icy air, we discovered not just the Himalayas, but ourselves.

When I asked the group what they learned, their answers moved me deeply:

John: “This trip gave me space to reflect and get clarity on my life. I realised I can set hard challenges and achieve them, that changes how I’ll face the future.”
Will: “Climbing Kala Patthar pushed me beyond my limits. I learned that even when you’re going through hell, you can keep going.”
Rob: “Being surrounded by something so vast and awe-inspiring put everything in perspective. And yes that helicopter ride home was unforgettable!”
Gerard: “I rediscovered joy in simplicity. Life gets complicated, but this reminded me to slow down and accept what’s already here.”
Olivia: “The quality of the conversations surprised me. I left with new friends and a deeper appreciation for the simple luxuries we take for granted, clean water, a warm bed.”
Leigh: “I didn’t train for this trip and paid for it with altitude sickness. It taught me to stop being complacent, in hiking and in life.”


The Magic of Simplicity

With no phone signal and only a yak-poo fire to keep us warm, we lived simply. We shared ginger, lemon and honey teas at the end of long climbs, watched the sunrise spill gold over snow-capped peaks and relearned what it means to be present.

The people of Nepal, with so little by material measure, radiated joy and generosity. Their humility and warmth reminded me that simplicity grounds us and connection gives us meaning.

This trek wasn’t just about conquering a mountain, it was about rediscovering perspective, presence and purpose.

To anyone holding onto a dream that keeps getting delayed, whether it’s personal or professional, don’t give up. The timing may not be yours to control, but when it finally happens, it will be worth every step.


Join the Next Adventure

The MyEO Hiking Adventurers will take on a new challenge every year, with a goal of blending adventure, personal growth and connection with EO members from around the World.

If you’re ready to stretch beyond your limits, build lifelong friendships and experience transformation in motion, join us for the next trek.


 
 
 

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