06/17/2026
🌋 Acatenango tested every part of me… not just my legs.👇
These photos were taken in Guatemala after a 6-hour climb through changing landscapes, intense heat, cold temperatures, and thousands of feet of elevation gain.
It was one of the most physically demanding things I’ve ever done.
But the hardest part wasn’t the mountain.
It was convincing myself to take one more step when my body was tired and my mind wanted to quit.
So I stopped focusing on the summit and the pain.
I stopped focusing on how much distance was left.
I focused on one thing:
My breath.
Inhale…
Exhale…
One step at a time.
What’s fascinating is that there’s actually science behind this.
Slow, controlled breathing helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, shifting the body into a calmer and more resilient state. It can help lower stress, improve focus, reduce the perception of effort, and help us stay present when things feel overwhelming.
It’s one of the reasons breathing practices are deeply integrated into Japanese martial arts and athletic disciplines. The breath becomes an anchor, allowing athletes to stay calm, focused, and efficient even under intense pressure.
Standing at the top, watching Fuego Volcano erupt against the sky, I realized something…
Most mountains in life aren’t climbed by being fearless.
They’re climbed one breath, one choice, and one step at a time. ✨
Whether it’s improving your health, changing habits, healing from a difficult chapter, overcoming self-doubt, or creating a life that feels more aligned with who you truly are…
You don’t need to see the whole path.
Just the next step. 💖
⛰️ Have you ever done something that felt impossible before you did it?
With love,
Amelie Baillargeon | Naturopath & Holistic Health Coach 🌿