Climbing a mountain is more than just a physical feat—it’s a journey that tests your mental strength, willpower, and determination. Every ascent I undertake teaches me profound lessons, reminding me of life’s challenges and the resilience needed to overcome them.

The first time I climbed a 6,000-meter peak, I felt like the weakest among the group. Many of my teammates had marathon experience, while I had never run more than 10 kilometers. It wasn’t that I hadn’t prepared; I had. But halfway through, I realized my preparation wasn’t enough. Despite this, I made up my mind to reach the summit. Was it the right decision? I don’t know. But I was determined to keep climbing—one step, one breath at a time. And eventually, I succeeded. Out of the 15 team members, only five of us made it to the summit.

That sense of accomplishment was powerful, but my second peak brought a different experience. I missed the summit by just 100 meters. It still haunts me to think that I might have made it if I had carried something as simple as a toffee or chocolate to keep my energy up. As my energy levels dropped drastically, I slowed down. I pushed myself to keep going, but ultimately, I had to stop. If I had continued, the entire team might have been at risk.

The mountains are impartial. They don’t care who you are—your background, your race, your status. All that matters is whether you are worthy. Strength, planning, and resilience are the only currencies that hold value at high altitudes. Up there, even the smallest oversight can make a huge difference.

Every mountain I climb, successful or not, teaches me humility. It reminds me that nature is far greater than our egos, that preparation and perseverance are vital, and that sometimes, even your best efforts might not be enough—and that’s okay.

For me, climbing mountains is not just about reaching the summit; it’s about the journey, the lessons learned, and the person I become along the way.