For a long time, 4WDing was something I only knew from the passenger seat. I was the passenger princess, sitting back, enjoying the ride, eating the snacks, never having to think about the challenges of driving the tracks myself. From that seat, everything felt easy, safe, and almost effortless. But when I finally found myself behind the wheel of my own rig, it was a whole new world, one that demanded courage, patience, and trust in myself!
I still remember those first few events I went to, I didn’t know anyone. I’d find a group on Facebook, drive out on my own to one of their events, and tell myself: just put yourself out there, what's the worst that'll happen. It was nerve-wracking, walking up to groups of strangers, introducing myself, and trying to find my place. But slowly, those moments built connections. Some of the people I once said “hi” to on the tracks are now some of my closest friends!
When I started driving off-road, I was hungry to learn! I’d stand back, watch how others picked their lines, listen carefully to the spotters, and ask questions about everything I saw. Sometimes I got it right. Sometimes I got it very wrong. I made mistakes, I scared myself, I even did things, that I know now, weren’t the safest. But that’s part of the process. You don’t become confident overnight, you don't become an expert overnight. You earn it through trial, error, and persistence.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is that not every voice is the one you need to listen to. Some people might try to spot you through an obstacle in a way that doesn’t feel right. I’ve learnt that it’s okay to say no, it’s okay to wait for someone you trust, someone who makes you feel safe. Speaking up for yourself doesn’t make you difficult, it makes you stronger!
Through all of it, I’ve learnt to trust my gut! Sometimes my instincts push me to try something new, and other times they tell me to stop. Both are equally important. Growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone, but it also comes from respecting your limits.
The tracks have given me so much more than driving skills. They’ve given me resilience, courage, and a community I never expected to find. What started as nervous hellos to strangers has turned into friendships that feel like family!
Now, one of my favourite things about being out there is sharing what I’ve learnt. If someone is new or nervous, I love being able to pass on the same kind of encouragement and advice that helped me when I was starting out. There’s nothing better than watching someone’s face light up when they nail a track they didn’t think they could do. Seeing others find their confidence is just as rewarding as finding my own, and that’s what this community is all about.
When I look back now, I don’t just see the mud, the rocks, or the challenges. I see the journey of a girl who climbed out of the passenger seat, took the wheel, and found her confidence one track at a time with a huge smile on her face!
✨ Because the truth is, your confidence is always waiting, just beyond your comfort zone. All you have to do is trust yourself enough to go find it… and maybe share it with the next person finding their way too!
0 comments