Climber Story: Margaret Mou

To start, tell us a little bit about yourself

Hey! I'm Margaret Mou, but most people just call me Mou — pronounced mo.
I’m 36 and a physician in Los Angeles (with previous lives in marketing and then high school teaching). I've got a love for trying to make both healthcare providers and patients happier!

How did you start climbing?

For the majority of my life, I had an almost crippling fear of heights. I couldn’t stand near the edge of anything, many times afraid to cross bridges, and couldn’t do rollercoasters. In the summer of 2019, I moved to a new city, got a gym membership, and realized that there was a climbing wall at this gym. I had dabbled with climbing a few times before with friends, but never really got into it, due to my fear.

At this point, I was frustrated with my fear that blocked me from doing more and seeing more. I decided to dive in, only to have the pandemic hit shortly after. Thankfully, the people I had met in this community brought me outdoors — the perfect socially distanced activity in our bubble of friends. We kept climbing outdoors, and when the restrictions lifted, kept climbing indoors too.

The more we climbed, the more people I met, the more I loved the community and the sport, and the less fear I had. Now, I look over edges, cross bridges, and see the world from the top. And the view is spectacular!

What impact has climbing had on your life?

Climbing has brought me some of the best people I know and taken me to some of the coolest places I’ve ever seen. It has been my therapy in so many ways, while also pushing and challenging me.

What are some other things you do that you find most fulfilling?

Caring for patients. Creating a safe space for everyone. Meditating. Traveling. Learning.

If you could tell the world one thing, what would it be?

We have more in common than not. If we can remember that and remember empathy, we can be more compassionate as a whole society.

Favorite thing about Dynamite Starfish?

The engagement with the community! ❤️

You can find Mou on Instagram at @marshmoullow.

Want to get to know more of the climbers in the amazing Dynamite Starfish community? Check out our archive of Climber Stories here.

We hope you have enjoyed these sneak peeks into climbers' lives. We're on a mission to share diverse stories about rock climbing. Let's push the boundaries of who we know as climbers. Let's use our energy and passion for the outdoors to love our environment and inspire one another.

Have someone you think we should feature? Send us a message and let us know!

Until next time!