One Step at a Time: Moving with Purpose for the One Foot Forward Challenge

This October, I am stepping into something that is both physically demanding and emotionally fulfilling—the One Foot Forward challenge. This will be the 5th year in a row I have proudly taken part in this challenge.

Over the next 31 days, I will be moving my body each day to walk and run a total of 248km. Rather than being about the kilometers; this challenge is about finding strength and courage in each and every step I take. This journey is a commitment to raising awareness for mental health and standing in solidarity with those who face unseen battles every day.

Each journey begins with a single step, but each step that follows carries its own meaning. This challenge has given me an opportunity to continue to move with intention. Every kilometre I cover is a reminder that small actions lead to big changes—whether that’s in terms of physical health or contributing to a cause. Walking or running each day not only improves the strength of my body but connects me to the wider community, reminding me that I am part of something much larger than myself.

I am now five days into the challenge and have completed 45 km so far. The feeling of progress is both exhilarating and grounding. Each day presents a new opportunity to push myself a little further, both physically and mentally. There is something truly empowering about waking up, lacing up my shoes and knowing that every step I take matters. With 45 km behind me, I am motivated to continue stepping forward with courage and strength, knowing that this journey is just as much about the small moments as it is about the final goal.

It’s easy to think of physical challenges like this as purely fitness-based, but the mental resilience it requires is just as important. There are days when I wake up  the last thing I want to do is step outside for a walk or run. It might be raining, or maybe I’m feeling emotionally heavy, these are the moments where courage comes into play. I have learned that courage isn’t always about big, bold acts—sometimes it’s as simple as lacing up your shoes and taking that first step, no matter how hard it feels.

Isn’t that true for life as well?

We all face challenges that can feel overwhelming. Just like this walk, it’s about taking it one step at a time, placing one foot in front of the other. With each step forward we take, we move closer to our goals. We get stronger, and as we accumulate those small wins, we find that what once seemed impossible becomes achievable.

Committing to 188 km for the month is a physical challenge, but it’s also deeply symbolic. Walking and running are such primal, natural movements that represent forward motion. Whether you are covering 2 km or 20, every step is a symbol of progress. It’s about moving forward, even when the path is unclear or difficult.

For me, this challenge is a reminder that no matter where we are in life, movement—whether physical or metaphorical—is a key part of healing and growth. Each run or walk becomes a space for reflection, where I can process my thoughts, clear my mind, and reconnect with myself and my purpose.

Strength doesn’t just come from achieving a goal or hitting a target. It grows in the small, quiet moments of perseverance. Whether I am running under the warm sun or walking through a cool evening breeze, I remind myself that it’s not just about reaching the 188 km mark—it’s about the journey. With every footstep, I am building resilience.

Some days, the steps come easily. Other days, they may feel heavy and these are the days where growth happens. The moments when you don’t feel like showing up but do anyway—that is where the real transformation lies.

What makes this journey even more powerful is knowing that I’m not walking alone. The One Foot Forward challenge brings people together from all walks of life, each with their own reasons for participating. Some are walking in honour of loved ones, others are doing it to raise awareness, and many, like myself, are doing it as a way to connect with a larger cause—mental health.

Walking 188 km feels monumental, but I am reminded that every step I take is contributing to something bigger than myself. It’s a reminder that we are all connected, and that through collective action, we can and will make a difference. Whether it’s through raising funds, sharing stories, or simply spreading awareness, we’re all moving toward a future where mental health is prioritised, supported and understood. 

This challenge has also become a deeply personal journey. It’s a daily practice in finding strength and courage, not just in my body, but in my mind and heart. As I walk or run each day, I have found myself reflecting on the personal challenges I have faced, the ways I have grown, and the steps I have taken to get to where I am now.

There’s a beautiful parallel between physical movement and emotional movement. Just as our bodies grow stronger with each step, so too does our capacity for resilience and inner strength. As we move forward physically, we move forward in life, even when the path ahead is uncertain.

As I continue on this journey, I am reminded that every step, no matter how small, counts. Whether it’s a slow walk through nature or a fast-paced run, each moment spent moving my body brings me closer to my goal. But more than that, it reminds me that progress is not about perfection or speed—it’s about showing up, consistently and courageously.

Whether you are joining me in this challenge, cheering me on from the sidelines or simply reflecting on your own journey, I invite you to think about the steps you take each day. Each one brings you closer to where you want to be. Let’s move forward, one step at a time, toward a healthier, more connected world—both for ourselves and for those who need our support the most.

If you feel inspired to support my journey and this incredible cause, you can make a donation here to help fund emotional and mental health services: Support me here

Together, we can make each step count.