Recently we had the opportunity to escape from the rat race and spend some time at Mabibi, a serenely beautiful and unspoilt beach location on the North Coast of Kwazulu-Natal. If ever you want to be completely cocooned by Mother Nature, then this is the place to be! You will not be disappointed.

White, sandy beaches running for miles on end in each direction are shouldered by a dense forest sanctuary on one side and the 'big blue' on the other side. You set up camp underneath the forest canopy and you are entertained only by the chirping of birds and the buzz of insects. Occasionally, the laughter of a handful of people reaches your ears. Otherwise, pure bliss!

Oh, and don't forget the snorkeling at low tide! What a treasure! A masterful display of colours and marine life sucks you into staying just a little bit longer than anticipated. The next day you go back for more!

But there is more to the story...

There are a number of things that may be considered as 'lowlights' by some people. For example, there is no electricity and the drinking water is saturated with iron (you feel like a vampire when you swallow it!). You are many miles away from anything remotely looking like a shop. You have to ensure that you take enough food and water with you to survive for a couple of days. You need to make sure that your portable freezer works - after all, that piece of prime-cut beef must be kept cool. Gas and other heating instruments must be in good working order. Matches or lighters are crucial...don't forget them. Torches must be at arms length from you at night - you can't see anything in pitch black darkness. Also, have your mosquito repellent on standby. If you miss out on these and other items you are in for a rough and unpleasant ride! It is true what they say: Africa is not for sissies!

Despite these challenges, it is difficult not to be swept away by the breathtaking surroundings of Mabibi.

While walking from the campsite to the rocky edge of the snorkeling area one morning, a thought came to mind. How often do we let go of our dreams and goals because of all the obstacles accompanying goal achievement? We had to let go of many luxuries to enjoy Nature at its best. How many would be willing to do this? 

How often do we choose to focus on the roughness of the terrain when we journey to our goals, instead of focusing on the beauty of the journey itself? We so easily become overwhelmed with fears about what can and can not happen that we sometimes quit before we've given ourselves a chance to begin. We often loose sight of the immense sense of self-confidence, fulfillment and gratitude that come our way when we face the challenges and stumbling blocks inherent to goal setting and achievement. We loose sight of this essential part of our being. If I had focused too much on all the 'lowlights' of this trip, I probably would have decided not to go. I would have missed out on one of the most thrilling experiences of my life! 

I immediately re-affirmed a decision I made years ago to rather embrace the rough lanscape of my goal-setting journey, with the comforting knowledge that I will always have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of my journey along the way.

Where do you stand with your goals and dreams?