How to climb mountains

We all have climbed mountains, whether realizing it or not.

They are the big events, setbacks, or rather challenges, that have happened in our lives, which caused us to stop in a brief moment to think of how to go through, 'is it possible to carry on?'

It is the intense moment where we have witnessed the fight within our own self, because then, it seems like the distance has became too unbearable and that we should stop. Suddenly, we begin to think of any possible quick exit for us to go and be done with it. Maybe because we forgot how far we have gone, how important it is to us, or we didn't realize just how near it is to get to where we are supposed to be.

Hence this is piece of thought from one of my favourite authors :)

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Choose the mountain you want to climb

Don't be influenced by what other people say: 'that one is prettier' or 'that one looks easier'. You are going to put a lot of energy and enthusiasm into achieving your objective, and you are the only person responsible for your choice, so be quite sure of what you are doing.

Find out how to reach the mountain

Often you can see the mountain in the distance - beautiful, interesting, full of challenges. However, when you try to reach it, what happens? It's surrounded by roads; forests lie between you and your objective; and what seems clear on the map is far more complicated in reality. So you must try all the paths and tracks until, one day, you find yourself before the peak you intend to climb.

Learn from someone who has been there before

However unique you may think you are, there is always someone who has had the same dream before, and who will have left signs behind that will make the climb less arduous: the best place to attach a rope, trodden paths, branches broken off to make it easier to pass. It is your climb and it is your responsibility too, but never forget that other people's experiences are always helpful.

Dangers, seen from close to, are controllable

When you start to climb the mountain of your dreams, pay attention to what is around you. There are of course, precipices. There are almost imperceptible cracks. There are stones polished so smooth by rain and wind that they have become as slippery as ice. But if you know where you are putting your foot, you will see any traps and will be able to avoid them.

The landscape changes, so make the most of it

You must, naturally, always keep in mind your objective - reaching the top. However, as you climb, the view changes, and there is nothing wrong with stopping now and then to enjoy the vista. With each meter you climb, you can see a little further, so take time to discover things you have never noticed before.

Respect your body

You will only manage to climb a mountain if you give your body the care it deserves. You have all the time that life gives you, so do not demand too much from your body. If you walk too quickly, you will grow tired and give up halfway. If you walk too slowly, night might fall and you will get lost. Enjoy the landscape, drink the cool spring water, and eat the fruit that His nature so generously offers you, but keep walking.

 

Respect your soul

Don't keep repeating, 'I'm going to do it.' Your soul knows this already. What it needs is to use this long walk in order to grow, to reach out as far as the horizon, to touch the sky. Obsession will not help you in the search of your goal, and will end up spoiling the pleasure of the climb. On the other hand, don't keep repeating 'It's harder than I thought,' because that will sap out your inner strength.

Be prepared to go the extra mile

The distance to the top of the mountain is always greater than you think. There is bound to come a moment when what seemed close is still very far away. But since you are prepared to go still further, this should not be a problem.

Be joyful when you reach the top

Cry, clap your hands, shout out loud that you made it; let the wind (because it is always windy up there) purify your mind, cool your hot, weary feet, open your eyes, blow the dust out of your heart. What was once only a dream, a distant vision, is now part of your life. You made it, and that is good.

Make a promise

Now that you have discovered a strength you did not even know you had, tell yourself that you will use it for the rest of your days; promise yourself too, to discover another mountain and set off on a new adventure.

Tell your story

Yes, tell your story. Be an example to others. Tell everyone that it is possible, and then others will find the courage to climb their own mountains.


(Paolo Coelho - Like the flowing river)

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Well, as for me, the climb to fulfill my Engineering degree has reached over halfway now. I can't deny that there were moments where I wish I have done better on some things. But hey, those wrong choices have led me to this part of the journey so I might as well just proceed with it, breathing in the fresh air. And I guess, this piece of short note has urged me again to continue writing, for I'll never know which traveler has just set foot to begin the climb and might need a little push. 

Wahua wa'akum ainama kuntum. :)