8000m Reflection

Near the summit of Manaslu

The end of the year nears, and naturally it brings on a moment of reflection for what the year has held. I'm sure for some they're sad to see the year finish, whilst others will be ready for a 'fresh' start.

Reflection on my 8000m endeavours this year has been really interesting. I learnt years ago when doing some sports psychology that there is no definitive period in which you will fully reflect on an experience. For some it could be hours or days. For others it may be weeks, months or years.

My lack of true reflection upon returning from Manaslu was highlighted to me when a client of mine said 'I thought you'd have been more euphoric!'...and he had a point, I was of course happy, but not to the levels anyone would probably expect given the experience. As the weeks have gone on I've had loads more conversations about my time in Nepal, and been lucky enough to present the 3 year journey to climbing Manaslu twice which has all really helped formalise the process.

I think the fact that this was such a long term goal, which was then suddenly achieved, and therefore leaving me feeling a little empty, really stunted my ability to truly reflect on the scale of the achievement. It's been quite bittersweet really.

Well, things have seemingly changed in my head this last week and the reality of the success and accomplishment is sinking in. I'm realising what a special thing this was to achieve, and that having an 8000m peak under my belt is a pretty sweet thing to have. Ultimately, I'm really proud, which deep down is the feeling we all seek for when we really challenge ourselves and emerge from the other side.