sury wrote:
Thank you. In fact, I credit Huyana Picchu hike for helping me emotionally snap out of my depression.
I was ready to quit (having decided many times in previous months to cancel the trip - thankfully, missus
did not quit). Even 10 min before our scheduled hike I was debating if I should take the hike. Jaya, nudged
me to take the first few steps and do only to the extent we can do. One step at a time (literally). Before I knew
I was on the top (both literally and figuratively) and it was such a therapeutic experience, I stopped taking my
medication that night.
Good for you!
This reminded me of something from 1996 in Japan. Along with 3 friends (Japanese, French, Filipino -- one woman, two men) I went on a 3-day trip from Tokyo to Fuji-san (Mt. Fuji). I had climbed it in 1991, but it was the first time for them. They were all in their early 20s and I was 39. As we climbed the long, winding trail to the top my 3 companions several times wanted to turn around and go back. The Filipino guy and the Japanese gal, in particular, were getting very discouraged. The French guy wanted to go back too, but was more amenable to pushing on. During a rest break I told them all that this was not a race, we had lots and lots of time, so anytime they wanted to stop to rest and catch their breath then it was okay. After awhile we each started walking at our own pace. I got to the top first, the French guy a short time later, and the Filipino guy and Japanese gal arrived about 30 minutes later after the French guy. The last two were the most enthused and joyful about reaching the top! The rest of the trip they couldn't stop excitedly talking about it.
It really changed their whole attitude because they had not given up.
You are much older than my friends in 1996 were and also you had serious medical issues that they did not have. So, I can completely understand your feeling of accomplishment and the change in your feeling. Great job!