Tagged "impossible"

Blogging as a Means of Growing into a Better Person

I’ve recently updated my “About Me” section to include some pretty amazing happenings in my life so far. Read below for the newest portion of this post:

“Guess what? I made it! I summitted Kilimanjaro on July 2, 2012, and my teammates and I raised over $230,000 for cancer programs and services at LIVESTRONG! We were inspired to climb by so many amazing people and stories, and the good thoughts, support, and kind words all helped us make it to the summit, where it was a balmy -35 degrees Fahrenheit.

As I begin to readjust to life after climbing a 19,341 foot mountain, I’m still trying to figure out if I want to keep blogging, or close this chapter of my life. I’m thinking the former—especially because I have big plans: after making it to the roof of Africa, I’m trying to assess if I’m ready to run a marathon, paddle 21 miles, or do some other cool things, too, all in the name of fighting against cancer, and elevating my outlook on life. I want to expand my ability to contribute to society as a healthier, happier, and better person; what better way to do it than to share positive things online with others?

So, please keep up with me on this blog to find out what I’m up to next. Time will only tell, but I hope to keep growing as a person and making the best of any challenges life may throw my way. Stay tuned!”

I remember thinking that this entire experience was by far the hardest thing I had ever done in my life. It was testing every ounce of willpower I had.

Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, wrote about climbing Kilimanjaro with his friend Jenn in his book, Delivering Happiness. It had been awhile since I’d read it so I flipped back through the parts where he recounted his experience. In just a few pages he describes the inspiration, preparation, and several day journey to the summit in 2002. Tony came away with the realization that ”anything is possible” and then went on to build one of the most successful eCommerce and internet companies in the world, built on the premise of delivering happiness to each customer every day.

Here’s what I admire…he didn’t dramatize “the hardest thing [he] had ever done.” It was simply one of the life experiences he created for himself. It was one of many challenges and achievements.

Like Tony, I’m going to look back on my life as a series of mountains. Kilimanjaro will be the hardest thing I ever do, but that’s because once you do the impossible, everything else becomes possible.

(Source: caivka)