One of my favorite outdoor activities is hiking, especially in the mountains, where the majestic landscapes and challenging terrain keep me motivated.

When I reflect on the time, effort, and planning required for this kind of trip, I realize that climbing a mountain serves as a perfect metaphor for the adventure of living our lives.

In both pursuits, we must:

• Carefully plan the trip by selecting the right guide, equipment, provisions, clothing, and timing.

• Be mentally and physically prepared.

• Be flexible, resilient, and creative in dealing with unforeseen events.

• Manage our resources—energy, food, water, and mental strength—so we don’t run out of them during the journey.

• Remember to enjoy each moment of the climb instead of only focusing on reaching the top, which is fleeting compared to all the steps leading up to it.

During my time in Peru, I hiked two mountains amid harsh weather and at altitudes above 4,000 meters – an extra price that was quite hard to pay.

As someone with allergies, hiking at such high altitudes made the experience even more difficult.

There were moments when I genuinely doubted I would reach the top. When my lungs struggled to take in enough oxygen, I felt exhausted and panicked, literally fearing for my life.

In those times, my best ally was my ability to reframe my thoughts and maintain a calming and confident mindset through positive self-talk.

I would reassure myself with phrases like:

“Calm down, Line. It’s all right.

You’re just feeling the discomfort of the altitude, but you’re not going to die.

This will pass as soon as your body adapts. Hang in there!”

“I am healthy and strong.

“I can make it.

I can make it.

I can make it.”

And I did make it—twice!

With the help of my encouraging inner voice, I was able to overcome the fear that had taken hold of my mind, turning stress into peaceful concentration:

I focused on my breathing and took one step at a time, respecting my own pace and rhythm.

Once the hustle was over, I felt really proud of myself for the two mountains I climbed during each trip: the inner and the outer.

Now I can certainly say that the inner mountain was much more challenging and crucial than the outer one.

Dealing with negative thinking can feel overwhelming, as these distressing feelings often distort our perception of reality and shake our ability to make mindful decisions.

Our thoughts and beliefs deeply influence our mood and actions in everything we do; thus, fostering a supportive inner voice can be a key element in achieving success.

💡 What about you?

• What has been the most rewarding inner mountain you have climbed?

• What unknown qualities have you discovered about yourself through this experience?

🎁 Related posts:

5 Simple Steps to Navigating Fear: Strategies for Anxious Minds

What Happens When We Overcome The Victim Mentality

Healing The Hustle #1 – I Trust The Proccess