The Mountain Chooses You
You must surrender the things you cannot control...
The day after hiking Mt. Elbert at 14,400 ft, I sat in agony on a flight from Denver to Seattle, unable to sit comfortably or find any relief. A sharp, radiating pain shot out urgently and unceasingly from my right hip. Later diagnosed as piriformis syndrome, this pain made even walking difficult.
Physical therapy.
No hiking for six weeks.
BUT - our Everest departure was in six weeks!
Certain that my trek was but over, I called Deepak, the owner of Trekking Planner Nepal: “Deepak, we need a new plan.”
His response was calm and seemed almost amused as he said, “No problem. But remember — you do not choose the mountain. The mountain chooses you.” You must surrender things you cannot control.
2025 has been a year of transition for me. I have been drawn into the world of public speaking and am excited to expand the impact of my coaching practice by taking the next natural step onto the big stage.
On a personal level, my son got married this summer, which was an incredible experience for my whole family and our extended community. But in the process, I had to surrender. I had to give up my idea of the perfect wedding so that my son and his new wife could have their own.
Through all of this change and personal surrender, it was helpful to remember that the mountain chooses you.
Mindful Moments of Reflection:
Are there areas of your life where you can surrender control?