Take time to Celebrate Your Climb
The photo you see here? It’s from one of the hardest hikes I’ve ever done—a 10,000-foot mountain in Colorado. I was carrying way more in my backpack than I should have, and when I finally reached the summit, I was greeted by waist-deep snow. The altitude made every breath feel shallow, and I had to do a lot of self-talk just to keep myself calm, acclimate, and keep moving forward. It wasn’t just a physical challenge; it was a mental one too.
That hike taught me so much about life—especially about the importance of pausing, reflecting, and celebrating the progress we make along the way. Because life, like hiking, isn’t just about reaching the summit. It’s about the journey, the challenges, and the moments that help us grow.
The Vertical Gets Hard
You’re grinding up the mountain, one step at a time, and the trail seems never-ending. It’s easy to get caught up in the climb—pushing yourself harder, focusing on the goal ahead, and forgetting to take a moment to breathe.
But here’s what hikers know: when the climb gets tough, it’s okay to pause. Stop, turn around, and take in the view behind you. Look at the distance you’ve covered, the elevation you’ve gained. Sure, you’re not at the top yet, but wow—look how far you’ve come!
This moment of reflection doesn’t just give you a chance to catch your breath. It also gives you perspective. Honoring the progress you’ve made so far makes the journey ahead feel more achievable.
The Rest of the Climb
When you look up at the trail still ahead of you, it can feel overwhelming. But instead of focusing on how far you have to go, focus on the strength you’ve built along the way. Every step you’ve taken—every challenge you’ve overcome—has prepared you for what’s next.
And when you finally reach the summit?
Take It All In
Don’t rush past this moment. Pause. Look out at the view—the wide-open sky, the sprawling landscape, the endless horizon. Let yourself feel the satisfaction of reaching your goal, of standing on top of the mountain you worked so hard to climb.
It’s easy to get caught up in the “what’s next” mentality, even at the peak. But this is your moment to celebrate. You’ve earned it. Don’t skip it.
The Climb Down
The descent is usually easier than the climb, but it’s also full of new perspectives. You get to see the trail differently. Maybe you missed some of the beauty on the way up because you were so focused on the grind. Now, you can appreciate the flowers, the views, and the way the sunlight filters through the trees.
The climb down is also a time to reconnect—with yourself, with others, and with the journey. Conversations flow more easily now because you’re less winded. You have the energy to reflect on what the hike meant to you, what you learned along the way, and what you want to take with you into the next climb.
Life Is Full of Hikes
Whether it’s school, sports, a job, or a personal goal, life will always have its mountains to climb. And while reaching the summit is incredible, the journey matters just as much.
So, here’s your reminder:
Pause during the hard climbs. Reflect on how far you’ve come.
Celebrate the small wins along the way, not just the big milestones.
Take time to soak in the view from the top.
Enjoy the descent—it’s full of lessons and beauty, too.
You’ve got this, GRLs. Life’s mountains are yours to conquer, and every step—up or down—is worth celebrating. Keep climbing, keep reflecting, and don’t forget to honor the amazing progress you’re making along the way. 🥾✨
