QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News Service, May 4) – It was still dark when the group decided to go up the mountain on our second day in Nagsasa.
We trekked the long, sandy beach on our way to the foot of the mountain, and once we reached it, the climbing – with its accompanying epiphany -started.
As I negotiated the steep path, the first thing that flashed in my mind is regret – regret that I decided to join this trek. As my body started to ache and scream protests from going up such an incline, I remembered that at the start of every venture, one would encounter obstacles and hardships and the will to go on is important if you want to complete your journey.
As I continued to climb, I realized that what I am doing is dangerous. Alongside the narrow trail is a sheer cliff face showing that I’m only a single misstep from falling on the other side. To compare it to my metaphorical journey, we also face dangers daily as we go through our life and we should be wary and careful in dealing with them. Sometimes, we are tempted to avoid them completely but we will gain nothing worthwhile if we refuse to leave our comfort zones.
Midway through my climb, I was tempted to surrender, to give up. But by that time, it’s no longer a choice. To stop moving is to be stuck in a dangerous place. Likewise, in our life’s journey, we may be tempted to give up in such an important juncture. To give up is to put all prior efforts to waste. You must convince yourself to move on.
Facing such obstacles, dangers and temptations gave me the will to carry on until I reached the summit of the mountain and saw the breathtaking view as the sun rises. This is the moment of truth, and you will realize that if you had surrendered early on in your journey then you may not have achieved such triumph. And that moment is absolutely worth it.
I may have finished my mountain trek in Nagsasa but my journey in life still continues. I am still far from the peak but I can see it and it spurs my efforts. I will strive to do my best to attain that peak, that moment of triumph.
Another lesson learned from my early morning trek is the importance of true friends. They helped me, guided me, waited for me, laugh with me to take my mind of the dangers and hardships. If you find such true friends, keep them and treasure them for together you will help each other attain your goals while enjoying the trek.
(ENS, written by Jay Paul Carlos, photos by Vince Alvin Villarin and Daryl Marqueta)
