Falling short of our goals can sting, especially when you’ve poured your heart into achieving them. I recently found myself wrestling with a cocktail of disappointment and sadness after a trekking expedition that didn’t go as planned. I’m usually the type who sticks to a plan—come rain or shine. But this time, I deviated, and it hit me hard.
Let me take you back a bit. Trekking wasn’t something I took to naturally. I transformed from a complete novice to someone who could manage a solo six-day trek scaling up to 12,000 feet in Uttarakhand. My journey from gasping for breath on small hills to conquering Dayara Bugyal, a stunning highland meadow, was nothing short of exhilarating.
After conquering Dayara Bugyal and returning fit and fired up, life threw a curveball—three back-to-back viral infections, likely including COVID-19 and influenza, which left me with a relentless dry cough and unable to run. Despite this, I faced a looming trek in just two months. Against my better judgment, and without the usual preparation, I went for it. I completed the trek, but not without a cost.
Returning from this latest adventure, my motivation to hit the gym and prepare for even tougher treks was at an all-time high. Yet, here I am, three weeks later, unable to set foot in the gym. It’s frustrating, to say the least.
Reflecting on this, I realize that trekking mirrors life in many ways—full of unexpected twists and obstacles that test our resilience. Each trek has taught me to embrace the unknown and tackle challenges head-on, strengthening my resolve and reshaping my perspective. These mountains, as unforgiving as they can be, are also incredibly revealing. They push me to my limits and beyond, helping me discover my inner strength and resilience.
So, while the disappointment of not following through on my fitness plans is real, it’s also a reminder of my journey and growth. It’s okay to stumble as long as you pick yourself back up. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed as long as you acknowledge it and strategize your comeback. My trekking experiences have not just been about reaching summits but also about embracing each setback as a step towards greater personal victories.
In hindsight, maybe I needed this pause. A moment to not just physically recuperate but to appreciate how far I’ve come—from a trekking newbie to someone who scales peaks. It’s not just about pushing forward; sometimes, it’s about pausing, reflecting, and growing from the experiences.
Here’s to more trails, more lessons, and more adventures that await. The journey isn’t always smooth, but it’s the rough paths that make the victories even sweeter. Let’s keep walking, keep climbing, and keep growing, one step at a time.
Leave a Reply