#TheSomedayShift: From ‘I can't' to canyon conqueror
Two years ago, I received a call from a fast-talking, very nervous woman.
'Hello,' she blurted out. 'I want to join your programme, but I'm unfit, carrying more weight than I'd like (who isn't, I thought to myself), and I can't even walk around the block.'
I listened and simply replied, 'Come and try. You'll be fine.' I reassured her she would be safe. It's important to create spaces where people can show up, even when they don't feel like they belong in an active setting. They may look different or not fit a mould and that is okay.
That woman was Nicola Smuts, and she recently crossed the finish line of Kruger2Canyon, a multi-day trail event through some of South Africa's most breathtaking and demanding terrain. The race spans the northern Drakensberg, the Blyde River Canyon and bushveld near Kruger National Park.
But Nicola's journey didn't start with a grand goal. It began with one brave decision: To move, to try, to step outside her comfort zone.
She pitched up and kept pitching up. From struggling to walk around the block to completing her first 5km, then 10km.
Her family began to notice the change. Nicola wasn't dabbling in a fad, she was creating a new normal.
She wasn't sure where it would all lead, only that she needed change. With support from the Ordinarily Active community, consistent effort and a quiet shift in mindset, transformation followed.
'I never saw myself as that person,' Nicola reflected. 'But over time, I hesitantly started to believe I could be.'
That's what living life actively is about. Not being the fittest or fastest, but showing up, especially when it feels hard. It's about becoming the kind of person who does things they once thought impossible. It's about contributing and inspiring others along the way.
Was Kruger2Canyon hard? Absolutely. Did she doubt herself? Yes. Was it worth it? A resounding YES.
So if you have been waiting for a sign – this is it. Start walking. Start moving. Start believing.
Because what if 'someday' became today?
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
Justin Timberlake's ‘debilitating' battle with Lyme disease
Sad news for JT fans… the pop star and actor is currently battling with Lyme disease. Justin took to Instagram to share his experience with the illness, describing it as 'relentlessly debilitating.' The 44-year-old star, fresh off the end of his world tour, additionally explained why it was important to finally share his story. On 31 July 2025, Justin Timberlake took to Instagram to share his reflections of the world tour he just wrapped up. He described the tour as being the most emotionally gratifying, as well as the most physically demanding experience of his life. And there's a reason. The star opened up about his battle with Lyme disease, which he described as 'relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.' He reveals that when he was first diagnosed, he found himself at a crossroads: he could either stop the tour or he could push through the pain. In the end, he chose to keep going, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to his fans. In his post on Instagram , he wrote: I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I'm so glad I kept going. Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but, I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget. The star went on to say that he decided to share his experience with Lyme disease in attempts to feel more connected with his fans, as well as to do his part in helping others struggling with the disease. According to Mayo Clinic , Lyme disease is an illness caused by the Borrelia bacteria, which is typically transmitted to humans through a tick bite. The disease is most commonly associated with activities where ticks are prevalent. The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary widely and often appear in stages, although some stages may overlap. In addition to that, not everyone may experience the classic early symptoms, which can make diagnosis difficult. Some symptoms to look out for include, but are not limited to: Fever Headache Extreme fatigue Muscle aches and pains Swollen lymph nodes Rashes Pain, numbness or weakness in hands or feet Painful swelling in tissues of the eye or eyelid Lyme disease is typically treated with antibiotics and the treatment plan depends on the stage of the infection. According to Cleveland Clinic , most people who get Lyme disease and receive treatment early will be fine. While treatment cures the disease, individuals affected may still struggle with some long-term effects. Though the disease may contribute to other serious health problems, it is rarely fatal. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Cutting-edge technology caps 750 surgeries
A MASTER of his craft, an Entabeni Life Hospital orthopedist has reached a milestone of more than 750 surgeries using above-the-edge technology to save lives. Dr Andrew Baker's Visionaire mode of surgery uses 3D cutting blocks that are printed in the USA using the patients' MRI scans. The blocks are then sent back to SA and used in the patients' surgery. 'The steps are that the patient goes for an MRI. The images get loaded onto the website. An engineer and a surgeon plan the operation on 3D models on the computer. The engineer then 3D prints and cuts a guide that fits the knee anatomy of that very patient. The blocks are made sterile and then sent to South Africa and opened in surgery,' explained Baker. He added, 'Since incorporating Visionaire patient-matched cutting blocks into my practice, the transformation has been remarkable. The precision and efficiency it brings to total knee arthroplasty have significantly streamlined my surgical workflow. Not only has it enhanced surgical accuracy, reduced the risk of surgical exposure by markedly decreasing theatre time, but it has also allowed me to deliver more consistent outcomes for my patients. Visionaire has truly elevated the standard of care in my operating room, and I couldn't be happier with the results.' Also read: Life Entabeni Hospital launches groundbreaking robotic surgical system One patient, George Pretorius, hailed the surgery method. 'I was patient number 750 to have knee replacement surgery done by Dr Andrew Baker. I need to highlight what a great surgeon Dr Baker is and the amazing quality of his latest method. I had the operation on June 3, and I've not looked back. My knee is pain-free, and I almost have full mobility of my knee. This operation is a game changer for me,' Pretorius shared. The surgery is reportedly less invasive and reduces theatre duration, proving beneficial to the patients. It also enables the surgeon to plan the surgery virtually before he cuts the patient open, which renders accuracy and improved outcomes. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
#BestofBallito: Superb skincare with Skin MD Dermatology
After his unique birthmark was misdiagnosed and mistreated, Dr Ranjan Pillay developed an interest in skin that has persisted throughout his life. Now a seasoned dermatologist with a sub-specialty in skin cancer surgery, Dr Pillay is living out his passion by ensuring his patients get the most out of their skin. That dedication to his craft is evidenced by a first-placed finish in this year's Best of Ballito Readers' Choice Awards, in the Best Dermatologist category. Originally from Port Elizabeth, he grew up in Durban as the son of a well-known general practitioner and never wavered from a career in medicine. Dr Pillay studied locally and internationally and quickly confirmed his focus on dermatology after doing a rotation into the specialty during his training. 'The skin can also be a 'window' into underlying conditions, and it is very stimulating to be able to help someone through early diagnosis.' Dr Pillay has well established practices in both Port Shepstone and Scottburgh and recently expanded to Ballito. 'My family lives in Ballito and I have slowly been making a move back towards my mom's cooking!' he said. 'I love the outdoor nature of the North Coast community and the progressive nature of the medical fraternity which supports my work outlook.' KwaZulu-Natal's coastal communities also have an outsized need for dermatology given the unfortunate prevalence of skin cancers. 'Prevention is always better, but I am also skilled in surgery as needed, with a focus on minimally invasive options that prioritise natural-looking results.' 'When I'm not working, I enjoy spending outdoor time with loved ones and the man of the house – my English bulldog Mafuta!' Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
