“Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer.” – Joseph Campbell
As a copy writer, editor, and proofreader, I often immerse myself in the narratives of others, shaping their stories and experiences. This is especially true since I concentrate my author work in sports, outdoor adventure, and memoirs. Now, I crave the firsthand encounter with adventure, the thrill of uncertainty, and the opportunity to write my own adventure memoir.
Stepping out of the familiar world of writing, editing and proofreading, I’ve decided to take a vacation and embark on an extraordinary adventure – climbing Kilimanjaro. This break from my professional routine is not just a physical challenge but a leap into self-discovery and personal storytelling.
Here is how it all begins…
New Year’s Eve, 2022, marked the beginning of a transformative journey for my husband, Bryan and me. As the ball dropped in Times Square, we sat on the couch, a refuge from the customary parties and freezing weather. Expressing thanks for the past year, I threw a curveball into our annual tradition.
“Bryan, everyone talks about saying yes to opportunities,” I said. “But, frankly, I’m tired of saying yes. Aren’t there opportunities in saying no now and then?”
Bryan processed my words in silence, but I wasn’t one to give him time to respond.
“My New Year’s resolution is to say no more often,” I replied to myself. “I’m just going to be happy with what I have and not try to do or be everything this year.”
“Sounds good,” Bryan replied. “But, you know resolutions are meant to be broken, right? Who will you have missed becoming, or what could you have accomplished if you say no?”
Little did I know my resolution would soon face its toughest test.
Fast forward to March, and Bryan’s friend Rick threw an unexpected adventure our way. A seasoned adventurer and professional recruiter, Rick, and his wife Melissa were organizing a trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Bryan instantly said no; he just couldn’t be away from work for that long. He then called me and floated the idea. Without hesitation, I blurted out “Yes.” My resolution crumbled, but I did know that this impulsive decision would change my life.
Now committed to climbing Kilimanjaro, I researched Tanzania and the mountain. Reality hit me—this journey would be more intense than I could have imagined. Despite the chance to say no, I chose to dive in. I decided to document this adventure, stepping into the boots of the authors I usually edit for in sports, adventure and memoir.
I loathe self-help and digging deep, but I do know there is a story in this upcoming adventure. As I head out in a few days, I invite you, dear readers, to join me in self-discovery. Please add your answers and comments in the section below this post.
- If you were climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, what would you hope to get out of it?
- What advice do you have for a self-help skeptic like me before I go?
- What elements do you want to hear included in my retelling of this daring trip?
Your comments will contribute to learning how to write a memoir and guide me toward embracing self-discovery and improving the quality of my work.
Kilimanjaro symbolizes not only a towering peak to conquer but also a journey to unlock my own potential as a writer. This expedition is not just about scaling heights but about ascending into a new chapter of self-exploration, and I am eager to translate these moments into words that reflect my own unique journey.
Thanks to: https://pixabay.com/users/antonytrivet-3549802/
