Chapter 1: The Simplicity of Childhood

As children, the concept of restarting was much easier to grasp. Picking ourselves up after a fall was a straightforward process, often with little consequence. However, as we mature, the act of rising again becomes increasingly complicated. Each setback feels heavier, weighed down by the burdens we've acquired over the years.

At 34, I find myself in a cycle of starting anew, especially with pursuits I wish I had maintained from earlier times—when the falls weren't as profound. It would be nice to claim that I can persist without faltering, but let's be honest:

"Life resembles a drunken monkey trying to sketch."

Does that ring a bell? I remember engaging in such an exercise during my high school art class. The challenge was to visualize a drawing while keeping your eyes covered and your pencil on the paper. The results were, to say the least, chaotic.

So here I am once more, at the foot of a mountain—an excellent metaphor for life’s challenges. In this valley, I see multiple peaks that beckon me. While I wish to conquer them all in perfect synchronization, reality tells a different story. The truth is that I can only tackle one mountain at a time. As I begin my ascent, I will likely trip and stumble along the way, and there’s a chance I might not reach the summit before taking a tumble back down.

But that’s okay. I'll restart. Again and again. Perhaps I'll even pick up a few valuable lessons during the journey. The pressing question today is: Are you in the midst of the climb, struggling with a fall, or simply waiting to start?

The danger lies in the waiting. Falling isn't as daunting because you've gained strength through your struggles. When you're actively climbing, you're building resilience; remaining stagnant in the valley only leads to stagnation.

Identifying where you currently stand in your journey will provide clarity on what lies ahead, what resources you need, and what excess baggage you should shed.

Currently, I find myself at the base of my writing mountain, and also at the starting point of my journey towards waking up early. It's daunting, and there’s a lot to sort out. However, I remind myself to take it one step at a time.

This reflection was initially penned at the age of 30, and its truth remains relevant as I’ve updated it with my recent insights. Regardless of where you find yourself on your journey, I encourage you to keep moving forward or restart as necessary.

Section 1.1: The Weight of Expectations

Navigating life comes with a multitude of expectations, both from ourselves and others. Understanding how these pressures affect us is crucial in determining our path forward.

Subsection 1.1.1: Embracing the Challenge

Chapter 2: The Climb Begins

In this chapter, we will explore the significance of embracing each climb and the valuable lessons that emerge from our struggles.