08/04/2020
when I was younger, I jumped at the opportunity to speak publicly to large groups; yet as Iโve gotten older, I tend now to shy away from the spotlight. though the process & task themselves are no different, I have come to realize this change in behavior is driven by the impact Iโve enabled externalities to have in shaping my identity. rather than dig deep & find reassurance within, Iโve increasingly sought validation from others & relied too heavily on their input to determine my own likes, dislikes, capabilities, & limitations in life.
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
these last few months have been my first removed from organized athletics in nearly 20 years, & while Iโve struggled to identify what is next for myself it has given me ample time to really reflect on and assess the validity of these notions Iโve held as true for so long. traveling has provided the perfect platform for me to & challenge these beliefs, all the while continuing to grow & rediscover my true self outside of this falsely conceived comfort zone.
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
in light of this journey Iโve embarked on, conquering Kilimanjaro was a massive mental & physical accomplishment for me. following years of bodily wear & tear from collegiate & professional basketball, and lasting damages compounded from neglect & mistreatment, the thought of achieving any endurance feat seemed highly unlikely. after factoring in my zero hiking experience it was pretty evident why most people found it crazy Iโd even attempt such a task. yet, after six grueling days here I stood feeling more empowered than ever. I think back to making the summit push โ waking at midnight to ascend 2000m in a darkened snowstorm, while continuously vomiting & falling over from altitude sickness โ & how I would have failed & quit in these moments had I maintained the perspective others held for me. if Iโve learned one thing from this experience, it is that while others will be quick to mold you into what they want you to be, you are the only thing limiting your unlimited potential.
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
2020 is the year of breaking through misconceived notions and rediscovering yourself. what personal mountains will you overcome this yearโ๏ธ๐๐ง๐ปโโ๏ธ
