30/08/2026
Exactly 10 years ago, at the end of August 2016, I reached the summit of the world's highest free-standing mountain, often poetically referred to as "The Roof of Africa": Kilimanjaro (5895m asl)🗻
Every year, when the reminder of this trek comes up on my phone, I try to pause and let this really sink in: I did it on my own, by the power of self-motivation and pure determination. I made a commitment to myself and others (I was collecting money for the organization helping people deal with the financial implications in the immediate aftermath of a brain injury), and I was going to keep it.
It was especially tough on the final night: I had hardly any sleep, it was cold (and colder as I got closer to the peak), and my stomach felt so tight, I hardly could drink any water to stay hydrated (this kind of height may do this to you). I was pretty exhausted, to be honest... And it was then when I had the biggest fight between my own body and my mind, EVER. And it's also then, when I really experienced how powerful the mind can be when inspired by the HEART.
10 years... A lot of things have happened during this past decade, which shaped me, and made me who I am today - because, let's be clear, I am not the same person I was when I climbed that mountain. The change is the only constant, and I am sure, I won't be the same Katya in another 10 years time 🙃 Two things are important though, to frequently remind yourself what you are capable of and to stay authentic - always true to yourself, no matter what. Everything else will somehow fall into place...❤️
Thanks for reading.
Ciao for now✨️
