Why bother?

The tallest mountains on each of the seven continents includes:

1. Everest in Asia (29,035 feet)
2. Aconcagua in S. America (22,834)
3. Denali in N. America (20,320)
4. Kilimanjaro in Africa (19,340)
5. Elbrus in Europe (18,510)
6. Vinson Massif in Antarctica (16,066)
7. Kosciuszko in Australia (7,310)

There are many who set out to climb each of these -- but why? Is it to be part of a small group who has accomplished the same feat? Is it to have, and hopefully reach, a goal whether it be physical or mental? Or is it something else?

I never really thought about it before signing up for Roadmonkey's 2010 trip to Tanzania. Recently, however, I began to reflect -- to figure out why I wanted to do this, as I knew there was more to it than my love of travel and desire to explore every corner of the earth.

I am goal oriented, so the idea of having something to work towards -- and hopefully achieve -- is appealing, no doubt. But I think there is more to it this time.

This past decade has been hell--regarding every aspect of my life. I feel that the next one won't be anything like the one that is about to come to an end (for that I am grateful). This trip, and the journey to the top of Africa's tallest mountain, represents the struggle I have gone through these past 10 years. Yet, despite the hardships, there were moments of beauty and pleasure and joy. And, by persistently taking it one step at a time -- I have been able to get to the other side.

I'm going to do everything I can to reach the summit, and hopefully next June I will succeed. If I don't make it, however, I will know that it doesn't mean defeat. After all, life is really about the journey -- not the final destination.