“A Single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” - Amelia Earhart

My experience with 29029 has gifted me with a community of outstanding individuals determined to conquer their own personal Everest. The number of times one has ascended the peak is not important, the true achievement is in giving it your all and leaving it all on the mountain.

During my fourth ascent up Whistler, I encountered a physical obstacle when my piriformis muscle began to compete with my body, mind, and soul. The pain was excruciating, but I refused to give up. I took a moment to stretch and pray, and dug deep for the strength to continue.

As I rested on a wooden bench, I met Arwen, a fellow mountaineer whom I had connected with on Instagram. We shared our experiences and discussed how we would tackle the remainder of the climb. Before parting ways, Arwen handed me a wooden token that bore the words "Climb the damn mountain" on one side and "Keep it going" on the other. This simple act of kindness motivated me to continue and emboldened me to complete a fifth ascent despite the pain.

I now keep the wooden token next to my medal for climbing the equivalent elevation of Mt. Kilimanjaro, as a reminder of how a small act of kindness can have a significant impact. Thank you, @arwenbecker, for your kindness and encouragement!

MOUNTAIN MINDSET

Kindness is something we need more than ever. Keri Shaw is the owner of @kind.bomb and they are getting ready to launch their website. Give them a follow on Instagram so you can keep up-to-date with the launch. I, for one, am looking forward to ordering some of her tokens so that I can “Keep It Going” because kindness can have a ripple effect. You show kindness to one person, and they will pass it on. We can make the world a better place.