Climbing Mountains, Gaining Perspective
Over the past couple of years, I’ve fallen in love with mountain climbing. It inspires me and helps me see life more clearly. Living in Barcelona makes it easy to escape to the peaks, whether for a quick day hike or a weekend adventure and I try to make the most of every chance to feed my love of the outdoors.
After a recent climb, back in a cozy cabin and finally able to relax, I felt that familiar mix of gratitude and reflection. I found myself revisiting past mountain adventures and the lessons they brought, each one carrying wisdom that’s stayed with me.
I glance to my left, and there on the wall is a quote:
“Those at the top of the mountain didn’t just fall there.”
It reminds me that reaching any summit, whether on a peak or in life, takes effort, resilience, and purpose.
The Journey to the Summit: Growth Through Challenge
For me, climbing has never just been about getting to the top. It’s the journey — the nerves, the doubts, the little wins — that mirrors personal growth. Each mountain has taught me something unique.
Here’s how it’s played out so far:
Lessons From Three Summits
Mt. Sasso Piatto, Dolomites: Celebrate Your Progress
My 7-day hike through the Dolomites in South Tyrol, Italy, was both beautiful and demanding. I prepared well, researching terrain, weather, and how to manage my energy levels. The climb to Sasso Piatto (Plattkofel) took me across a wide rocky ridge. Though the ascent was steep, it wasn’t overly technical, and the summit, at 2,920 meters, felt like a real achievement.
To some, it might seem like a modest peak. But for me, it was a cherished stepping stone that nudged me closer to even bigger goals.
Mt. Toubkal, Morocco: Ask for Support When You Need It
At 4,167 meters, Mount Toubkal is North Africa’s highest peak and I could feel every bit of that altitude. Before starting the climb, I decided to hire a local guide. It ended up being one of the best choices I made. Knowing someone experienced was by my side gave me both security and space to enjoy the experience, despite the rocky and steep terrain.
Mt. Aneto, Spain: Let Go When Conditions Aren’t Right
Despite training and preparing for the technical aspects of Aneto, my attempt to summit didn’t go as planned. After hiking for five hours, a heavy fog rolled in, reducing visibility and the temperature began to drop. We waited, hoping it would lift, but eventually it became clear: we had to turn back. Safety had to come first. Stubbornness and ego made me want to push on—you’ve come this far, it’s one of your yearly goals, it has to go to plan, you tell yourself—but sometimes the right choice is knowing when to step back.
Final Reflections: Keep Climbing, Keep Growing
Here in the calm of the mountains, I’m reminded that it’s not always about reaching the top quickly. It’s about showing up consistently with patience and determination.
Challenges will come; that’s part of the journey. What matters is how you respond and what you take away from them. Every step, even the small or tough ones, shapes your path in meaningful ways.
Whether you’re scaling a peak or navigating your own challenges, keep moving forward. Celebrate your progress, learn from obstacles, and trust that growth is happening, even when it’s not immediately obvious.
– A happy climber
⛰️ What’s Your Next Challenge?
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“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.” – John Muir
