MY 5 TAKEAWAYS FROM SUMMITTING MOUNT KILIMANJARO
After any trip, I always write down the biggest lessons and the takeaways. Something happens to your mental state in the mountains that is difficult to explain, but here I try to put them into words.
My top five takeaways from spending 10 incredible days in Tanzania:
1. Strangers become family
When you’re travelling, you can spend five minutes with someone and instantly make a connection. You meet people from all walks of life that you may have not given a second look at home in the chaos of the modern life.
On adventures like this you’re spending every waking hour with a group and they become your family. You’re talking to them about things you might not even discuss with your closest friends. You are sharing the experience, there’s an unspoken mutual understanding and you begin to open up.
2. Disconnect to Reconnect
Despite not having connection to the world via the internet throughout a trek, somehow you couldn’t feel any more connected to the world.
It presents you with time to get to know your truest self. Through the tough times, you peel back the layers of yourself you never knew existed. You experience joy for the simplest things. It’s pure. It’s free. The weight of everything holding you down drifts away and you can breathe again. You’re still and the focus just is on you, your mind and the beautiful world around you. You’re busy living in the moment. Truly connected.
3. Mind Over Matter
We live in a world where everything can be done quickly, where convenience is at your fingertips. But the journey is part of the experience. It’s what makes us stronger in every way possible.
In this place of solitude, you become aware of your emotions, what you’re capable of, your breath. You don’t overthink, you just let it be.
There comes a time on a hike when you reach your limit and your body takes over. You learn you can’t control what happens next, so you let go and just work with what you’ve got. Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, I knew all I needed to do was take one step at a time, focusing on myself, believing I could do it. There were multiple times I could have turned around, but I focused on where I wanted to get to. I listened to my guide and ensured my body adjusted to the huge summit accent.
4. It Grounds You
Meeting so many new people and being welcomed by the guides and porters, you become so humbled. The locals live simple lives but are never short of smiles, joy, songs and dancing. You’re hit with an awareness of the different lives people lead that brings you back to earth – you’re doing OK.
It reminds you how fortunate you are to have the opportunity to do this trip, and also that life doesn’t have to be so complicated. Your worries get lost on the mountains, and you feel a new level of gratitude.
It’s truly magical and something you have to experience for yourselves.
A final point on being a single woman travelling on your own. It gives you independence, empowerment, and confidence – you can do anything. Don’t be scared to join a group of strangers – you’ll see what I mean when you do it.
5. A life of adventure is one that I will always follow
I live for adventure. It gives me the freedom to think, breathe, and heighten my creativity. I sometimes overthink, I like a plan, but I also love getting lost in the moment, not knowing what’s coming next or who I’ll meet. I’ve met some of the most incredible, interesting and influential people on every adventure.
It teaches you some harsh lessons
You learn some beautiful humbling stories
You grow in so many different ways
You forget about your biggest worries
It gives you freedom
You adapt and see that you can only control so much, you have to let go of the rest.
You are free and living in the moment.
That’s POWERFUL.
I truly believe that the great outdoors opens your mind.
It’s important to recognise what the experience does for you. Take the time after each one trip to think about what it taught you, how you’ve grown, and what it meant to you. They all have an incredible impact on your life you just have to stop and acknowledge it.
If you’ve done Kilimanjaro, what was your biggest takeaway? Get in touch and let me know.
Adventure Fit 8-12 Week Fitness Programme
Now, if this blog tickled your adventurous bone and you're keen on stepping into the world of hiking or levelling up your outdoor game, I've got you covered. Dive into those blog posts, the ones that'll guide you through those baby steps or those daring leaps into the wild. Because, hey, my mission? To get both the ladies and gents out there, basking in nature's glory, uncovering its secrets, and embracing all the goodness it has to offer!
If you’re on a quest to get fit for the mountains then look no further and join me on my 8 week Adventure Fit programme. The aim is to help you build your fitness, build your strength, and bulletproof your knees and joints to withstand the mileage you’ll be trekking. Find out more about the programme here: Adventure Fit GYM - 8 Week Strength & Fitness Programme or Adventure Fit MINIMAL - 8 Week Strength & Fitness Programme (great if you’re on the move and don’t have much equipment with you).
