My Mt. Kenya Reflections

A couple of months ago, I had the privilege of climbing Mt. Kenya. It was an exhilarating and challenging week, providing both adventure and introspection. In the middle of the awe-inspiring landscape, (Kenya is truly magical), I found time to meditate and reflect on life's peaks and valleys. The climb became a metaphor for resilience and perseverance. Here are some reflections I would like to share from this profound experience.

CLARITY OF PURPOSE

?I've always sought to answer some of life’s fundamental questions that apply to me: What do I truly want? Who am I? What’s my purpose in life? Is this all I am here for? These questions resonate deeply, especially in moments of extreme joy or sadness. During these times, I've found myself staying persistent in my quest for self-improvement and rediscovery as I try to answer these questions. I felt climbing Mt. Kenya would help me answer some of these questions, and my inner voice spoke to me!

Reaching Lenana peak was an experience beyond words. It was a journey filled with both immense difficulty and breathtaking beauty. There were moments when I wanted to give up when the weight of the challenge felt physically and mentally overwhelming. But I didn't. I kept pushing forward, one step at a time, counting each as I went along.

"Why did I sign up for this?" I asked myself, gasping for breath as I ascended higher. The answer was simple yet profound. At the beginning of the year, I promised myself that I would do hard things—to push myself out of my comfort zone, to embrace discomfort, to feel pain so that I could experience intense joy and accomplishment.

Scaling that mountain was about more than just conquering its physical peak. It was about conquering myself, about finding my true north. As I stood at the summit, surrounded by the majesty of nature, I knew I was one step closer to answering my calling.

Every challenge we face, every obstacle we overcome, brings us closer to our true selves. And it's through these experiences that we discover our purpose, our passion, our reason for being. So, I'll continue to seek out challenges, to push myself beyond my limits, knowing that with each step I take, I'm getting closer to the person I'm meant to be and leaving a mark on this earth.

HUMAN BEINGS AND CONNECTION

?In the journey of my life, I've encountered all sorts of human beings—some fleeting, some enduring. Among them, some have lingered long enough to leave a profound impact, while others left, taking more than they gave. From these interactions, I've learned invaluable lessons about resilience and self-worth.

?I’ve come to understand the importance of not letting the unkindness of others harden my heart. Instead, I’ve embraced the universal principle of reciprocity, trusting that the universe rewards those who give freely, even if the returns aren't immediate or obvious.

?But amidst the trials on the mountain, there have been moments of pure magic—brief encounters that have left an everlasting imprint on my soul. One such moment was when I met a guide on the trail, a beacon of light in my darkest hour. He held my hand, wiped my tears, and made sure that I sipped my water an experience most hikers can relate to. He made sure that my dream came true- that I summit. I will forever remain grateful to him. His kindness and unwavering support reminded me of the beauty of human connection and the power of compassion.

I also met a group of hikers who became my friends on the hiking trails- we cried together, laughed together and even shared a tent with two of them when I couldn’t sleep in my tent all by myself. They contributed to my summit- I wouldn’t have done it without them. They gave me a sense of community and belonging which I cherish immensely.? We connected in a very special way – we helped each other conquer physical mountains and now we help each other conquer other mountains.

?So, as I continue on my journey, I hold onto the belief that somewhere along the way, I'll find and expand my tribe—the ones who will lift me up, celebrate my victories, hold me down through difficult times and remind me of my inherent worth. I remain open to meeting new people who will have an impact on me as much as I will have an impact on them. I believe we are a total of all our experiences… especially the people we encounter.

?It's true what they say: You haven't yet met all the people who will love you. And to that, I would add I'll continue to be kind, to keep the faith, and to trust in the transformative power of love and connection. In the end, it's these bonds that give life its true meaning and purpose.

THE GIFT OF THE PRESENT MOMENT:

As I navigate through life, I've begun to grasp the undeniable truth behind the phrase "More money, more problems." It's not because I find myself swimming in riches, but rather because I've started to discern what truly matters in life.

I've come to understand that genuine happiness cannot be purchased with an abundance of material possessions. Instead, it exists in the simplicity and authenticity of everyday existence. It's in the quiet moments of solitude, the melody of chirping birds, and the embrace of nature- like sunsets and sunrises. It's found in the warmth of relationships, the comfort of family, and the fulfilment of meaningful work.

Reflecting on these fundamental elements of happiness, I'm filled with gratitude for the blessings I already possess. Even amidst everyday life challenges, there is always something to be grateful for. Standing atop that mountain was one of the best feelings I have ever experienced besides seeing my children’s tiny faces and hearing their melodious cries for the very first time.

?I realized the importance of maintaining balance in life. It's about cherishing the present, rather than fixating on what you didn’t get in the past or what you will accomplish in the future. So, I rechallenge myself and extend the challenge to you: commit to doing one challenge this year. It may not bring immediate reward or material wealth, but it will cultivate mental resilience and fortitude, empowering us to pursue our deepest aspirations with unwavering determination.

Let's prioritize the essentials—good health, authentic relationships, meaningful work—and savour life's simple joys. By cultivating a mindset of gratitude and contentment, we can discover that true happiness lies not in accumulating material possessions but in the richness of life's experiences.