Mental Health Awareness Month 2025: Take a Step and Breathe

Not sure we ever thought we'd connect 'Xena: Warrior Princess' and Mental Health Awareness Month in a single episode, but there is a first time for everything. Join CH as she takes a trip in the wayback machine to reflect on a life mantra she came across back in 1998 from actor Renee O'Connor during Renee's attempt to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. In a story told to author Jane Treat, Renee's mantra, "Take a step and breathe," helped her push through the grueling physical and mental challenge of completing the trek even when her mother was forced to turn back. CH was inspired by the saying back then - so much so that she printed it out to have at her desk. Cut to today, it's a timeless and relatable mantra that can serve as a beacon of hope and a tool for self-care as we continue to focus on the importance of maintaining a healthy mental wellbeing.

 

Show Notes

• The original article where CH first learned of the mantra, "Take a step and breathe," was authored by Jane Treat back in 1998 and titled "Renee O'Connor - To The Roof of Africa | ROC's Trek Up Mt. Kilimanjaro."
  • It is archived on the very longstanding ReneeOConnor.info site that still operates today as part of the AUSXIP Network.
• For those looking for more information on Mt. Kilimanjaro, head over to the Wikipedia entry.
  • CH also does mention the mountain, K2, as an example of a mountain that requires technical climbing expertise in order to summit.
• Previous episode mentions:
  • Episode 33: Ok Not Being Ok