IN DENIAL!
Over a week has passed since I left the ski plane in Telkitna. Since then we had an u forgettable dinner with the guides, bought last minute souvenirs, and took 2 flights to the UAE. Reaching home first day of ramadan, I was sunk in the formalities of the majlis etc…
People greeting with congratulations, at first I thought it was about Denali but then I hear the occasional “welcome back” and suddenly ah! That’s the Denali one… As I came straight into ramadan, I do not feel that I just came back from the mountains. Everything was back to normal in no time. Until I see a reflection of me in a mirror and be reminded by my farmers tan.
Over a week has passed since a climbed Denali, since I completed my seven summits challenge and I chased for seven years. I came back feeling victorious and yet I find my self not announcing it, not posting about it, not even looking at any of the pictures. For some reason doing any of that means that I confirm that “I’m Done” and it’s hard to say I’m done for something I worked very hard for a very long time. For something that have changed my life for good, and has touched everyone around me. That’s until I realized that I’m Done does not mean the end! It only means I finished this book and on to the next one.
Those who know me, know that I plan ahead. I know exactly what I want and how to get it. I knew I wanted the Seven, and I got them. What scares me now is I do not know what’s next! That’s why I am in Denial, that’s until I realized that why not make my seven my stepping stone. Stepping stone to what though I didn’t get that far but writing a book doesn’t sound like a bad idea to me.
As for climbing, I’m not so sure if I will ever climb again or not. One thing for sure is that the self adventure is built in me and can never be separated, I might continue climbing, might take up flying, maybe go to the most remote places. For now though, visiting the tops seven beaches in the worst sounds about right.
I find myself daydreaming being stuck in a small tent waiting for the weather to clear or remembering how we portioned a bag of chips so it lasts us a week. Being so cold that you can’t feel your fingers and in your head you lost them. Then I remember standing on the summit, screaming and suddenly I find the biggest smile on my face. A feeling of self accomplishment.
Here I am overcoming my denial, posting the first picture of Denali and it is with my brothers and sister. Who by standing there, realized our dream and becoming firsts of our countries to do so. I would like to thank my family and friends who have continuously supported me, always pushed and never doubted. You were all with me every step of the way.
