Second Place Is Good Enough!

Always strive to win for sure but always be proud of your achievement in that endeavour whatever that may be.

Wearing my scarf and medal from my most recent trip to Everest Base Camp in Nov 2022. All pictures courtesy of the author.

Just watched people ripping runners up medals off their shoulders in disgust because they hadn’t managed to get winners medals. That made me sad. Always strive to win for sure but always be proud of your achievement in that endeavour whatever that may be.

In 2018 I set out to summit Kilimanjaro. Unfortunately, I only got as far as Stella point. I could see Uhuru Peak, but I just wasn’t going to get there. In the end I was given a certificate for getting to Stella Point. I was proud to accept that certificate and it is as treasured as are the memories of my experiences on that trek.

Be proud of chasing your dreams. That alone is more than enough. And be proud of the countless things you achieve in the journey towards that goal whether you achieve it in the end or not.

Kilimanjaro in the distance as seen from a hotel in Moshi.

Me standing at Stella Point on Kilimanjaro. Uhuru peak can be seen over my shoulder, but this is as far as I got.