How Ann Kimunyu Battled Anxiety in the Wilderness

Ann Kimunyu's evening runs were a necessary escape from the gloom and anxiety that had been her constant companions for the past five years.

As a journalist working at a corporate training firm, her days were spent behind a computer screen, stoking the flames of her inner turmoil. The rhythmic thumping of her feet on the sidewalks of her estate echoed her need for a distraction, a passion that could ease the sadness that accompanied her anxiety. While the evening strolls and occasional runs provided some relief, they were merely the first steps towards a larger goal. The transformation began in 2014 when Ann, then 25 years old, embarked on a trip to Sagana, Kirinyaga County. Her love for adrenaline led her to bungee jumping and water rafting, igniting a spark that would change her life.

For the better part of the year, she called the wilderness home, working as a guide in the great outdoors. Her speciality became hiking and backpacking which she refers to as "outdoor education." As Ann explored the wilderness, her fitness improved, but more importantly, she discovered a sense of fulfilment. Each adventure, whether hiking or camping, became her therapy, helping her understand herself better, even on a social level. The adrenaline rush of bungee jumping eventually gave way to the joy of hiking, and every weekend became an opportunity for a new challenge. With each passing day, Ann's desire for growth intensified. Scaling Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro multiple times only fueled her hunger for something different.

The focus shifted from reaching the summits to the journey itself, the experience of living in the wilderness. When she landed a job with an American agency specializing in backpacking and hiking, her wish was granted. As an outdoor specialist, her mission became empowering others to fully experience the great outdoors by providing instruction on essential skills such as hiking, camping, shelter construction, and thriving in the natural environment. According to her, spending weeks trekking through vast wilderness offers a profound opportunity for personal growth and connection with the natural world.

The remote, untamed landscapes allow individuals to disconnect from everyday life and immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings. She says that the physical challenge of carrying a heavy backpack is part of the journey, but the true reward lies in the moments of presence and appreciation for the simple joys of life. Mountaineering cultivates valuable qualities such as teamwork, self-discipline, and adaptability. While the wilderness can be unforgiving, mastering crucial survival skills empowers individuals to thrive in these remote environments.

For Ann Kimunyu, the journey from corporate journalist to outdoor specialist has been a transformative one, allowing her to conquer her anxiety and find purpose in empowering others to embrace the wonders of the great outdoors.