The Someday Shift: From Inactive to Active and Inspired

Welcome to The Someday Shift—a space where we celebrate everyday people who stopped waiting and started doing. Convincing people to try something they never thought possible is one of my superpowers and these are their stories…

Two years ago, I received a call from a fast-talking, very nervous woman.
“Hello,” she blurted out. “I want to join your programme, but I’m unfit, carrying more weight than I’d like (who isn’t, I thought to myself), and I can’t even walk around the block.”

I listened and simply said, “Come and try. You’ll be fine.” I was able to calm her down and reassured her she would be safe. I think it is important to create a space where people can try even when they don’t “feel” they could fit in an active space. They may look different or not fit a mould and that is OK.

That woman was Nicola Smuts. And this past weekend, she crossed the finish line of Kruger2Canyon—a multi-day, staged trail event through some of South Africa’s most beautiful and demanding terrain. This challenge offers an incredible opportunity to explore the most northern reaches of the Drakensberg, in and around the Blyde River Canyon, as well as the bushveld adjacent to the Kruger National Park over two days of spectacular trail running and hiking.

Nicola’s journey didn’t begin with a big goal. It began with one brave choice: to move. To try. To step outside her comfort zone. She pitched up—and kept pitching up. Confidence slowly grew. First a 5km, then a 10km. Her children and husband began to notice a difference. Nicola wasn’t dabbling in a fad—she was creating a new normal.

She wasn’t sure where it would all lead—only that she needed change. With the support of the Ordinarily Active community, consistent effort, and a quiet mindset shift from “I can’t” to “maybe I can,” Nicola began to transform.

“I never saw myself as that person,” she said.
“But over time, I hesitantly started to believe I could be.”

And that’s what living life actively is all about. It’s not about being the fittest or the fastest. It’s about showing up—especially when it feels hard. It’s about becoming the kind of person who does the things they once thought impossible. It is also about contributing. Being an encouragement to others.

If you ask Nicola - Was Kruger2Canyon hard? Her answer is a big - Yes.
Did she have a community cheering wildly for her success? Yes.
Did she struggle and doubt herself? Also yes.
Was it worth it? A resounding YES.

So if you’ve been waiting for a sign—this is it.
Start walking.
Start moving.
Start believing.

Because what if “someday” became today?