What Kilimanjaro Taught Me About Life

“May your dreams be larger than mountains and may you have the courage to scale their summits.” Harley King

I got back from Africa seven weeks ago! And what an experience it was. I first dreamt of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro 20 years ago whilst at university. But education came first, then career, marriage, a mortgage and children meant this dream lay dormant for two decades.

It felt impossible to dare to do this, to take the time out for me, for adventure and soul seeking. To leave my children and carve out this for me. When I first mentioned I wanted to do this trek I was shocked at how many women said they’d like to do it too… we don’t see brown women represented in the hiking world, so I really thought I was the anomaly. I am not an experienced hiker and only bought my first pair of hiking boots for this trip!

But it turns out when one of us dares to whisper our hearts calling to another sister that whisper is often met with a roar back of “I want to do that too!”

Hiking Kili was TOUGH! I had so many thoughts and reflections during those days on the mountain, hiking during the day, camping overnight. Some of those that I can share here are:

1. Kilimanjaro is not a sprint, it‘s a marathon – and so is life.

Summiting Kili was the hardest thing I have done in my life, and it’s one of my most proudest moment.  

The climb was the most physically and emotionally challenging venture I have ever undertaken (and I taken part in  the London marathon, sky dived, completed 108 consecutive fire walks, not to mention had 2 children with only gas and air as pain relief!)

While I wanted to jump off the mountain during the more difficult parts of the climb(!), it was the most worthwhile experience I have had in my life, and by far my greatest accomplishment. I was reminded of just keeping one foot in front of the other no matter how slow gets you to the destination.

2. Willpower and endurance are the two most important qualities you must possess to be successful in reaching the summit.  

I needed to be able to keep putting one foot in front of the other even though I was deprived of oxygen and energy.  I needed to be able to convince myself that I CAN do this even as others around me were struggling. I needed to believe in myself, and it was a struggle. But I recalled all those previous moments in life that I thought were tough and how I got through them.

Using previous experiences to fuel the current moment was key for me. I recalled all the other times I had achieved the impossible and that helped me. Its the David Goggins cookie jar method: a technique of using your past achievements to motivate yourself when you’re struggling. You make a list of all your victories and triumphs along with obstacles and challenges you overcame.

3. Although the destination is important; the journey is equally valuable. Take it in.

The terrain changed each day. A long walk through a forest one day would transition the following morning to hikes through barren land, and periods of rock scrambling the day after. Beautiful! I remember late night talks in the tent about husbands, children, careers, goals and life.

I loved the moments of laughter on the trail as we shared stories and struggles along the journey.

The opportunity to learn each person’s story and share the climb together was a gift. The summit was an awesome moment, but the wonderful memories and lasting feeling of accomplishment were collected over multiple days not from that one summit moment.

4. We all need regular encouragement and positive re-enforcement.

The final summit hike began shortly after midnight as we joined a long line of hikers walking up a steep terrain. The line of hikers reminded me of a string of Christmas lights extending far along the black night sky. The hike seemed to last forever.

Support is a beautiful thing and an essential to make it through the hike and life! In life you are not going it alone, and often you’ll need the support of others.

Stephen Covey called it interdependence. And you’ll need it to get up the mountain. Before we went, it came in the form of words from friends and supporters. On the mountain, it comes in the form of a mob of people including guides, porters, and cooks all watching out for your wellbeing. Not to mention, partners in the climb.

I had SO many messages of support, a prayer circle was set up with our Inspire Sisters who updated me regularly, my mum moved in with my husband and children so I knew they were taken care of – the level of support blows me away.

In life, know that even in the midst of your greatest challenges you are not alone. Take comfort in others who have taken the challenge before you, with you and in your wake. Along the way, graciously accept their genuine support. And give it, too.

And the biggest question – would I do it again?! YES! I didn’t think that when we were summiting or coming down but now seven weeks later – yes absolutely. And in fact am planning next adventure to Peru!