What Victory Means to Me

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“You won’t win until you learn how to lose” – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Following and fulfilling your dreams is not easy. Oftentimes the obstacles and hurdles that lie ahead seem so insurmountable that they hold you back from even trying. Whether it is the fear of failure or anxiety of the unknown we all have our reasons.

I’ve realized over the years that if I do not take risks or step out of my comfort zone than I am miserable. I don’t grow as a person nor do I feel fulfilled or happy. The more I challenge myself both mentally, intellectually and physically, the more peaceful I feel in my own skin.

Although most of my challenges come with travel, I also harbor many personal victories that I try each day to remember. Some are harder than others. Yet the ones I’m most proud of are by far the hardest I’ve ever faced. Postpartum Depression after the birth of my first child eleven years ago, running my first marathon after 9/11, climbing Kilimanjaro, and giving back in the many different ways I do. These personal victories keep me going when the days are dark and cold. When I’m feeling a lack of inspiration (believe me, even someone as optimist as me has my moments of the unexpected, unexplainable blues), I cherish these memories of achievement and success. They keep me going and keep me dreaming.

My most recent victory, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, is special to me in so many ways. First, I proved to myself I could do it. I had dreamed of it for 15 years, set my heart on doing it, and did it. It meant even more to me given my physical injury that I’ve been suffering for over two years now. A tear in my right hip that may need surgery. But I did it, and trained through the pain and fear. Second, I realized that anything is truly possible as long as you set your mind on it. I’m a stay at home mom. Yet at age 43 I could fly alone to Tanzania and climb the highest mountain in Africa with a group of people I’d never met. It showed me that as long as you set your mind to something, anything is possible as long as you never give up.

“Don’t go through life, grow through life” – Eric Butterworth

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”. – Anais Nin.

Never ever stop dreaming or give up.

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Victory.

39 thoughts on “What Victory Means to Me”

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓
  2. Ruth – Retired from Pittsburgh Public Schools Visual Art/photography teacher, photographer, knitter, reader, cook,baker, poet, filmmaker, Grandmother, traveler, Friend,
    Ruth on said:

    Terrific post and inspirational quotes. Wow! You definitely challenged yourself. So incredibly amazing.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Ruth! We all need some inspiration in our lives.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Jill!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much!

      Reply ↓
  5. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    Absolutely beautiful photos Nicole!
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Alison! 😊

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Why thank you!

      Reply ↓
  7. Stacy P. Fischer – Washington, DC – Street photographer and blogger. Love affair with my Fuji X100T and NYC. My portfolio and current projects are on my website (StacyPFischer.com); my recent street photography is showcased on Instagram (@stacypfischer); and my journey from newbie photog to a passionate street photographer is documented on my blog (Visual Venturing).
    Stacy P. Fischer on said:

    What an inspirational post! Congratulations to you!!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the post! 😀

      Reply ↓
      • Stacy P. Fischer – Washington, DC – Street photographer and blogger. Love affair with my Fuji X100T and NYC. My portfolio and current projects are on my website (StacyPFischer.com); my recent street photography is showcased on Instagram (@stacypfischer); and my journey from newbie photog to a passionate street photographer is documented on my blog (Visual Venturing).
        Stacy P. Fischer on said:

        👍🏻😃

  8. jules – Western Australia – I am an educator and published writer. I am a fully qualified Emmett, Reiki, MSTR (Scar Therapy) and AromaTouch practitioner. I am an active member of the Greens party and I believe we should be transitioning to a more sustainable and equitable world.
    jules on said:

    Love your photos as usual. Well done on your journey and climbing Kilimanjaro!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much for the kind words!

      Reply ↓
  9. Retired2Travel – NSW Australia – My passion has been for many, many years landscape photography so when the chance came up to retire early, in order to travel, I took it! It made sense then to marry the two (travel and photography) and create this blog. I hope you enjoy it :)
    Retired2Travel on said:

    That’s a dream and a half you had there. Congratulations on your achievement! 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!!!!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sue!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! 😌

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wow thank you so much! Go for it and chase your dreams! 😊

      Reply ↓
  13. A Wandering Memory – Seasoned traveler and aspiring photographer. I am a huge advocate of living life and have had many incredible experiences throughout my years. I just hope the next 30 years are just as amazing!
    A Wandering Memory on said:

    Another lovely article… Good to hear from you again.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! 😌

      Reply ↓
      • A Wandering Memory – Seasoned traveler and aspiring photographer. I am a huge advocate of living life and have had many incredible experiences throughout my years. I just hope the next 30 years are just as amazing!
        A Wandering Memory on said:

        Pleasure as always. Thanks for reply email will email back soon!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Great! Hope it was helpful! I’ve learned so much from my fellow blogging friends and community. It is wonderful to have a community! 😊

      • A Wandering Memory – Seasoned traveler and aspiring photographer. I am a huge advocate of living life and have had many incredible experiences throughout my years. I just hope the next 30 years are just as amazing!
        A Wandering Memory on said:

        Oh o completely agree. And yes I haven’t been able to digest it just yet but will spend some time on it tomorrow. Thank you so much be in touch

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Thanks so much! Glad I can help!

      • A Wandering Memory – Seasoned traveler and aspiring photographer. I am a huge advocate of living life and have had many incredible experiences throughout my years. I just hope the next 30 years are just as amazing!
        A Wandering Memory on said:

        Your always a great help…

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Oh thanks!

      • A Wandering Memory – Seasoned traveler and aspiring photographer. I am a huge advocate of living life and have had many incredible experiences throughout my years. I just hope the next 30 years are just as amazing!
        A Wandering Memory on said:

        My pleasure.. I posted my first photo for the daily blog theme as suggested and was good success. Thank you so much again. Will email back next week. Your a star!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Great! Can’t wait to check it out. I was out of town over the weekend and hope to catch up on reading my blogs soon!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I hope my email of info was helpful by the way!

      Reply ↓

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