Attitude Over Altitude And Everything Else Learnt At 5,380 Meters
Its been awhile since I last wrote. There obviously really is a thing called writers block (word), because I have been very slow getting out the start blocks. Truth be told, since my little jaunt to Base Camp Everest,I was quite adamant that I would have to write and share my experience (and my next goal) because dreams are just dreams if you don't have a goal plan and someone to hold you accountable - right?
I am a runner by heart, but recently as passionate about mountaineering ...not just because I am a Capricorn and by nature we climb everything possible (figuratively speaking) but because I love the challenge, the stillness and the many lessons I learn about life (and myself) when its just me and my trekking poles. For those that have ever seen me up a mountain (or on a bike) you will know that these are very much needed tools of the trade, just as much as a one might need a human to prop you up after a couple of drinks on a very good nights "jol".
Its been a month since I have come back from Nepal and what an amazing and life changing experience it was. A couple of years back I summited Kilimanjaro and Base Camp was always on my bucket list. After spending a phenomenal two weeks with a good bunch of humans and me and my thoughts, I have come back wanting to climb more and be challenged more. So while I plan my next goal, I reflected back (as I always try to do) about what this amazing experience has taught me. Here are some of my thoughts:
1) You can't achieve much if you like to stay comfortable
Every person has their own goals and what makes them tick. The thing for me is (and I know personally) that the only way I grow is if I challenge myself and trekking to BCE was my way to do that - plus the view is not too shabby either. There is something about being uncomfortable - in situations, circumstances and places - and nothing like horrendous to no toilets , portuguese showers and altitude to remind you - quite humbly - that when you fully immerse yourself in the uncomfortable, you have taken the first step towards helping you grow. Let's be honest - nothing easy or worthwhile ever came from being comfortable and the view is always sweetest at the top.
2) Patience is the key to most successes
"Bistari, Bistari" - these are the words said many times by our legendary guide Pralard. It literally means - slowly, slowly and one of the best pieces of advice you can follow when climbing any high altitude mountain as it really will assist toward ensuring you achieve your goal. Altitude sickness is a real thing - and well there are drugs for most things, sadly if you get sick - your hopes and dreams are dashed until you can make a return back to the mountain. As a highly competitive person and someone who always likes to try "knock it out the park" on any challenge that lies ahead - moving slowly - at times can be a task - but this was one of the biggest and best lessons I learnt. Calculated and slow steps - help you get to the top. In a world where everything is fast, immediate and "now"- we often forget how important patience is. Allow things to happen and progress naturally and always remember - the two most greatest warriors are patience and time.
3) Your health matters
This really may be an obvious one, but one I can assure you every single one of us take for granted. Its in the moments of climbing steep paths, plenty steps and seeing people getting collected via Medi Helicopter, that you really realize how valuable and important your health is. Without it you can't do anything. I have made a commitment to try nurture my body more and while I wont always get it right, because let's be honest, life without any wine, chocolate and carbs is not any kind of life at all - its clear for me - that balance, as in anything is critical. The right sleep, nutrition and rest is vital to ensure success to achieve your goals and this really is one "insight" that I am trying to practice daily and not only something I consider at 5300 odd ft.
4) Don't Underestimate yourself
We often think we cant do certain things, I know personally there are still a host of things I want to achieve - but feel I cant because its too much of a "big" task or goal and well lets be honest, who is not scared of failure. Its true what they say - when you set yourself a goal and achieve it - you really know what you are made of. I nearly cancelled my trip because I feared that I would not make it despite having gotten to Kilimanjaro years earlier. I doubted there was such a thing such as "mountain memory" and while I might tap into "muscle memory" from time to time when I am a little less prepared on a run, mountaineering is a whole other ball game. With a couple of health issues this year, I was worried I was perhaps being too naive thinking I could accomplish this goal and then I reminded myself of the one very thing sport (any sport has taught me) - "Pain is nothing compared to what it feels like to give in". Point Is - with a little bit of planning, hard work and clear goals - you will be amazed at what you can achieve and as they say on the mountain "Attitude over Altitude"
5) Material things are "Immaterial"
Packing up and moving to Japan reminded me of this - very quickly! I also learnt in that process that I don't need the big house (enter small matchbox size apartment in Tokyo), fancy car (try no car) or plenty of the latest gadgets (because well you really just have no space). Experiences to me are way more valuable. There is something about being in nature, with limited to no wifi and sleeping in a bag that is zipped up so tight you have prepacked yourself for a serial killer (anyone else feel me here) - that reminds me we really only need the basics to still live a contented life. I am the first person to miss my coffee machine and some of the finer things in life, but trekking puts it all into perspective and reminds me when I am off the mountain how sweet the simple things in life are!
6) It really is a beautiful world
With so much crime, corruption and negativity in the news (and world today) we often don't stop to focus on the positive and the beauty around us. There is something magical about standing in the midst of mountains all around you and looking at the untapped beauty you are surrounded by. Even on the mountain, you can get bogged down with just getting to the next camp or so focused on trying to get up some challenging passes that you forget to look around and be reminded of where you are. I stood just below Everest and actually had to force myself to pause and look where I actually was - I had gotten so focused on my goal - the next "camp site". When I stopped and looked around me, I realized this world is pretty freaking amazing! You don't have to be in the mountains but you do just have to pause every now and then - and when you do and actually take notice - you will realize, it really is a beautiful world.
I have since come to believe that life is better in hiking boots and I really want to attempt all Seven Summits. So as crazy and ambitious as that might sound (and expensive) - I have just signed up for my next goal - Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe which I will attempt in 2019 . I can assure you I have "adulted" (well attempted to anyway) and some serious thought has gone into my goals and dream of what I hope to one day achieve. So well some people think I am chasing or perhaps cant understand my "why" and have even reminded me of the dangers of what I would like to achieve (thanks for caring) I am trucking forward one mountain at a time. So no matter what your dream - have a goal and do it
because as Robert Frost said,
"I took the road less traveled, and that made all the difference"
