Climbing Kilimanjaro at 100 Pounds Heavier: A Journey of Rediscovery
Facing the towering slopes of Kilimanjaro, I was not just 100 pounds heavier—I was also carrying the heavy weight of self-doubt and sadness about the recent loss of my parents and grandmother. It felt like I was at the lowest point of my life, but that was about to change drastically thanks to an unexpected invitation from my cousin's wife. She was embarking on her third trek up the mighty mountain, raising money for charity and filming the journey for a movie, and she urged me to join her. "Find yourself on Kilimanjaro," she said. Little did I know, this challenge would reignite my spirit in ways I could never have imagined.
Our preparation for the climb involved intense training and stepping far outside my comfort zone. It wasn't just about physical readiness; it was about mental resilience too. As we trained, I began to forge new connections, opening up about my struggles and drawing strength from the stories of others.
Our journey to Africa was an adventure in itself, filled with so many stories that one blog post could never do them justice. Before the climb, we visited various successful projects supported by the charity we were raising money for, which added layers of purpose and motivation to our trek.
The climb itself was a grueling five-day ascent followed by a 1.5-day descent. I spent much of the journey battling sickness and weakness, questioning my decision to embark on this monumental task. But the support of my fellow climbers and the cause we were supporting propelled me forward. Plus, with no Uber to whisk me away and the alternative being a $20,000 helicopter rescue bill, I was hilariously motivated to keep moving—nothing like the prospect of an outrageous invoice to find hidden motivation!
Summit night marked a pivotal moment in my journey. Bedridden earlier, haunted by doubts of reaching the peak, I took some medication and drifted into a restless sleep. Miraculously, in the pitch-dark wee hours, I woke up revitalized. As I scrambled noisily in the darkness searching for my headlamp, irritated voices from my fellow climbers called out, "Go to bed! Be quiet!" But I couldn't contain my excitement. "Sorry, but I feel amazing! Let's go!!!" I exclaimed. As we embarked on our journey, with each upward step, the heavy burden of my emotions began to lift, replaced by a growing sense of achievement and inner strength. Climbing to the summit of Kilimanjaro, the world's tallest freestanding mountain, transcended physical endurance—it was an intensely cathartic experience.
At the top, I kept my tradition of spreading my mom's ashes. It was a quiet moment of reflection, surrounded by the breathtaking vistas of Africa below. I remembered all the people who had supported me through my darkest times and those who cheered for me as I took on this challenge. Standing there, I realized that this was not just an end but a fresh start. If I could conquer Kilimanjaro, I could conquer anything.
This journey taught me the true power of setting your mind to a task and the transformative impact of stepping out of your comfort zone. It wasn’t just about losing weight or overcoming personal grief; it was about rediscovering who I could be. From the summit of Kilimanjaro, the view was clear: there are no limits to what we can achieve when we commit to our goals and support each other through the journey.
Read all about my cousins wife’s journey in her book found on Amazon. That’s me on the cover with her.
Are you ready to take on your own Kilimanjaro? Whatever your mountain may be, remember that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Take that step today, find your path, and see where it leads you.
