How people, changed my journey.

I am a big introvert, I actively go out of my way to avoid people and certainly talking to them about feelings or emotions.
So to force myself to spend a week with nine strangers with no means of escape was a daunting prospect.

I was about to embark on a challenge which would challenge me physically, mentally and emotionally.

I was going to hike up Kilimanjaro eat, sleep and walk with nine strangers for a week.

What I found was not only did I enjoy the company of others, I needed it.
In my darkest points when I would stumble or doubt myself they were there to physically pick me up, lift my spirits or just give me footsteps to follow. They encouraged, pushed and distracted me to go further than I myself was willing to go.
I owe a huge gratitude to these people.
These people, I was afraid of, turned out to be my saviour and companions. We will share memories and stories together which no other person can comprehend or understand unless you were there.
These people showed me how much I have missed out on due to fear. They also shared stories and allowed myself to open up about life. We shared highs, lows and a lot of laughs.

The best thing for me was there was no technology on the mountain, no internet, no way to escape into the digital world. It forced human interaction and discussion, recounting the day’s events and anticipations for the next day or just finding out about the people we share the mountain with.


In order to embark on such a challenge like climb a mountain you need to have a positive mind set and willingness to succeed, even better than this is a team mentality to succeed.

Each individual in the team had their own reason for being there and characteristics which built the team. Along the journey we highlighted each person’s strengths and drove this back into the team to lift us up. Each day brought new challenges and changing circumstances but were tackled one step at a time, leaving no one behind.
This was even more important for me as I struggled from day two and by day three was ready to quit. However, the team would not allow this and looked out for me. Gave me what I needed to continue and checked up on me. It was this moment when everyone was concerned by my welfare which I realised the true team spirit and drive by my companions. This lifted my health and spirit and for the first time I enjoyed the walking, took in the views and even joined in the singalongs. It was one of the worst conditions we had walked in all week, hail, rain and streams, but I was loving it, why, because of the people. 

 

My journey started with strangers and finished with one of the best groups of people I have shared a holiday with.

A journey is nothing without people. A walk turns into an adventure and a memory turns into a story when shared with others.