Road to ClimbMuz: finding my voice
From a young age I had my heart set on doing extraordinary things.
I never thought it would be being the face of a community group. There are many reasons for this, I grew up with an overt stammer which impacted me speaking in front of people. I was always too afraid to put my hand up in class or do any form of public speaking. I would become incredibly nervous if someone called out my name to speak, I was afraid that people would laugh at me and most of the time when I was growing up that did happen. There were some people around me who did not give me the space I needed to speak and questioned why I spoke the way I did.
Over the years I have worked hard to try and find my voice and ClimbMuz has been the biggest game changer for this because I support and represent each and every single person who comes to the events.
Speaker: Kendal Mountain Festival
On the 19th November, I spoke in front of a larger crowd of people at the Kendal Mountain Festival. I did not think about this until I got there and saw the hall that I was speaking in. I immediately felt incredibly nervous at speaking in front of a big crowd and wondering if I will be able to be eloquent enough to express all that I needed for ClimbMuz. We did a rehearsal which was a surreal experience and I waited whilst the crowds gathered. We were up first and I was super proud to see the Adidas clip being played in front of a crowd of people.
During the talk as I was speaking I made a conscious effort at times to look at the crowd whilst I spoke to create a sense of engagement with the people in the audience. The response from people was great and I had people approach Shareena and I about how they felt inspired about the things we were saying.
For ClimbMuz and I it is an ongoing learning curve.
There are three main challenges I have faced and worked towards overcoming since starting the group:
Firstly
My anxiety about no one turning up to the session for the past 15 months has been incredibly real and trying to reframe what success looks like in terms of numbers is something that I have to constantly have to redefine and work towards.
Secondly
Being accountable. All that I see, post and do is my responsibility and sometimes I second guess whether or not I have said the right thing but ultimately I am learning, even if it’s in a very public space.
Thirdly
It’s time. Recently, I’ve been trying to manage my own mental wellbeing with family, work and ClimbMuz and realising that I need to get the balance right. At times I have no choice but to show up in certain aspects of my life because that role requires me to and that takes a lot of strength.
Read Siddrah’s ClimbMuz blogs to date…
The Road to ClimbMuz
ClimbMuz is an initiative to get more Muslim women into climbing. Organised meets create an inclusive space for women to try out indoor climbing and meet like minded friends. We learn about how this group began.
The Road to Climb Muz: part two
The success of Climb Muz continues – creating an inclusive space for Muslim women to learn how to climb. Siddrah includes testimonials from attendees.
Rope Chalk Bags
Unique, bright, handmade. Recycled climbing rope chalk bags.
