Mountains and Life: A Journey of Resilience and Perseverance
Introduction
Life’s challenges often feel like climbing a mountain—unpredictable, exhausting, and sometimes overwhelming. Each step demands strength, patience, and determination. My own journey through over a decade of health issues, including multiple pelvic surgeries, a type 1 diabetes diagnosis, and lung nodules, has been a testament to these qualities.
Like any difficult mountain climb, I’ve faced steep ascents, numerous setbacks, and moments of doubt and uncertainty. But I’ve also learned to embrace the journey, appreciate the small wins and most importantly, discover the power within to keep moving forward.
The Power Within: Overcoming the Unexpected
Both in life and on the trail, unexpected challenges can throw you off course. In 2013, I ignored my body’s warning signs. Thinking I could overcome whatever came my way without giving it too much thought. After the surgery in 2013 my internal and external environment didn’t change. Fast forward to 2022, and I found myself facing another major pelvic surgery. It was an 8-hour operation, followed by three weeks in the hospital, where I thought I was taking my last breath. This was another wake-up call, a moment that made me understand the real struggle was finding the strength and resilience inside me.
Learning to be present and self-aware became crucial for my recovery. Just as a hiker must adapt to sudden changes in weather or terrain, I had to adjust my mindset and embrace the reality of my health. This meant acknowledging my vulnerabilities and finding the inner strength to face them.
The night before the Apex Challenge Rebecca Stephens MBE was talking about her Everst ascent. It was such a well delivered talk. Inspiring and motivating. During the talk this quote was mentioned and is so true. Whether the mountain is an actual mountain or an obstacle we are facing in our daily lives. This is one reason why I love being out in nature and hiking. You learn so much about yourselves. When you escape from the busy lifes we all seem to have.
“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary
Perseverance and Patience: One Step at a Time
Perseverance and patience are vital, both in overcoming health crises and in summiting a mountain. My recovery from the 2022 surgery was long and painful, similar to that of a difficult climb where every step felt impossible. Living with Type 1 diabetes is another constant challenge, requiring awareness 24/7. You could compare it to hiking a never-ending trail, where every decision is crucial to your survival and well-being.
During those tough times, I adopted the philosophy of "controlling the controllables." I focused on what I could manage, one step at a time. This approach led to the birth of the “Walk in Progress” project, a testament to the power of small, consistent efforts. I learned to celebrate each small victory, no matter how insignificant it seemed. The accumulative effect of this on your overall progress is huge and sets the foundation for those “bigger” wins.
Here is another quote that really resonated with me:
“Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.” – Greg Child
This came true during The Apex Challenge. I asked myself why I am doing this? My partner, Sair, came to offer support with my Son and Sister during one of my breaks at base camp. As I was about to set off to start my 4th ascent she said to me – “Make sure I get out of this what I need”. It really got me thinking and reflecting. What was it that I wanted to get out of pushing myself to the outer edges of my comfort zone.
I know part of it was to prove to myself and others that it is important to not put limitations on ourselves due to certain circumstances in our lives. That the only limitations are the ones we put on ourselves. I knew I wanted to inspire and empower others to re-think their current situations, to become solution-focused and to see what can they change to tap into and achieve their true potential.
Even though all of this is important and means a lot to me, there felt like there was something I was missing.
During my 5th and final decent, I paused. I turned my headtorch off and embraced the rain and wind. I asked myself - What am I here for? I really tried to listen to my heart, rather than my head. Something that I find very difficult to do sometimes.
The answer I got – “You are more than enough and you have always been more than enough”
It was in that moment I knew it was time to call it a night. Physically, what I had manged to achieve was more than I could have ever imagined 2 years ago. I couldn’t take more than a handful of steps aided with a zimmer frame. To be able to manage 120,000 steps, 38 miles with an elevation of 4809m (the height of Mont Blanc) was nothing short of a miracle.
The answer I received not only reflected my journey of recovery and self-discovery post-surgery. It also reflected a feeling that I have carried most of my life, starting from early childhood. So for me have that breakthrough was exactly what I needed to hear and feel. I hope it serves as a reminder to you too – that you are more than enough and always have and will be.
Embracing the Journey: Finding Joy in the Ascent
In the depths of rehabilitation and amidst the daily management of diabetes, I found moments of peace and joy. Like a breath taking view that appears on a hike, these moments reminded me to appreciate the journey itself, not just the end goal.
The journey is often where the true growth and transformation happen. It’s in the struggles, the small victories, and the lessons learned along the way that we find our strength, resilience, and sense of purpose.
While reaching the goal is a moment of celebration, the journey shapes who we are, teaching us patience, perseverance, and gratitude. Every step taken, no matter how small or difficult, contributes to our personal growth and self-discovery. In many ways, the experiences we gain and the person we become during the journey are the real rewards, far more lasting and meaningful than the achievement itself.
During my healing journey, practices like meditation, mindfulness, gentle breath work and getting out into nature, helped me cultivate an inner environment of peace and ease. They allowed me to find beauty and gratitude in the smallest of wins—whether it was taking a short walk post-surgery or managing my blood sugar levels effectively for a day. These were my "summit views," and I learned to cherish them and still do.
Overcoming Obstacles and Adversity: The Summit is Within Reach
Every mountain has its obstacles, and every journey has its trials. For me, the true test came 10 months after the surgery when I went on my first hike. It was a huge milestone, both physically and emotionally. This really set the foundation of what was possible for me physically. The act of putting one foot in front of the other during that walk/hike was more than just a physical challenge—it was a declaration of my determination to reclaim my life. To redefine what is possible after going through a decade of health challenges, particularly major pelvic surgery. Where I was once told that walking would be a challenge and there would be a possibility of always having to use sticks.
A year later, I found myself hiking in the Lake District, a place where the landscape mirrored my inner journey. Standing at the summit, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment. Not just for the physical feat, but for the mental and emotional resilience I had built along the way. This experience taught me that while the summit may be the goal, it is the climb that truly transforms us.
First trip back to the lakes post surgery. Helvellyn mountain range.
Conclusion: The Mountain Continues
Both life and hiking teach us that the journey is ongoing. While reaching a summit or overcoming a health challenge is a victory, the path ahead is full of new adventures, obstacles and challenges. Each mountain conquered, each health battle won, is a testament to the resilience and strength within us all.
As I continue my journey, I encourage others to keep taking one step at a time. To find joy and gratitude in the struggle and to celebrate their resilience, no matter the obstacles they face. After all, it is not the summit that defines us, but the courage and perseverance we show in the climb.
Nathan x