Mountain climbing makes for great metaphors about life because it always includes a noble struggle and a clear goal.
Achieving the goal brings the rewarding view from the top of the world and the satisfaction of completion.
The possibility of failure, of injury or odds too great to overcome, creates the need for courage and makes the reward all the more glorious.
But life is never really that simple. No single goal’s attainment answers all questions nor fills all needs. Life is more like a mountain climb bookended by years of struggle and peace, flashes of excitement and stretches of monotony.
This climbing story is no metaphor. It’s the real deal, a true account of a solo ascent of a treacherous 7,000’ mountain, yet it still reveals many useful insights about life, death, happiness, misery, beauty, balance, and wholeness.
This 5,000+ word essay includes 45 expedition photos.
Achieving the goal brings the rewarding view from the top of the world and the satisfaction of completion.
The possibility of failure, of injury or odds too great to overcome, creates the need for courage and makes the reward all the more glorious.
But life is never really that simple. No single goal’s attainment answers all questions nor fills all needs. Life is more like a mountain climb bookended by years of struggle and peace, flashes of excitement and stretches of monotony.
This climbing story is no metaphor. It’s the real deal, a true account of a solo ascent of a treacherous 7,000’ mountain, yet it still reveals many useful insights about life, death, happiness, misery, beauty, balance, and wholeness.
This 5,000+ word essay includes 45 expedition photos.

