• By Monika A. Paris
• Posted October 5, 2016

Monika A. Paris

I recently arrived at a point in my life where I felt the need to find an additional purpose in my life. While I have a very busy life that has had me wearing many hats—entrepreneur, artist, mountain climber, runner, not to mention wife and mother--I started to dream about ways to see more of the world, while also discovering new and rewarding options to staying fit.

In 2008, I felt, I needed a new challenge, I made the decision to hike up the tallest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro. My desire to stand on top of Kilimanjaro did not arise over night. Rather, an internal process grew from a tiny seed in my mind to a full-blown reality over the course of a year.

Was it worth it? Absolutely! Today, nearly 10 years later, I have climbed Mt. Rainier in the state of Washington, Mt. Aconcagua in Argentina, and trekked Nepal’s Annapurna Sanctuary and the Everest Region many times. In the process, I have become an avid runner, training for half marathons which helps me to stay in shape. I cannot fully express how trekking and running has given me an immeasurable gift of getting to know myself better, to learn about life, and to become a better person in the process. It has given me the confidence to believe in myself and to keep exploring. Every day presents an opportunity of personal growth, it is a gift, really. What I have experienced “by conquering myself” is that anything is possible once you make a commitment to yourself. Just nelieve in yourself and the rest will unfold.

I feel that my journey is just beginning. It is not so much about the physical or mental challenge as it is more about learning and growing by doing and finding inner peace. It feels spiritual. I have allowed myself to be exposed to something new, something unknown and perhaps frightening at times. As a result, I have broadened my perspective and my appreciation for new and different ways of looking at the world. The realization that most uplifts me is that wherever I go, it is my own “two feet” that will carry me. I rely on myself, I depend on myself to accomplish the journey — and there is something incredibly gratifying about realizing that I can do that.

My desire is to now share my experience and help others to see what I see and have experienced. I want to help you open your hearts to something you may think you cannot achieve.

In October 2015 I met Pemba Norbu at the Himalayan Children Foundation where I volunteered, helping children with their daily homework. Pemba and I became friends quickly and started dreaming about establishing a trekking business in Kathmandu. Only one year later, we are well on our way to making that dream a reality. Working with Pemba and Nepalese guides and Sherpas allows us to provide our clients with the most insightful journey possible. “Seekers” like myself will find a new path through life.

I trek because I want to. When I trek, I learn, I smile, and I grow. Join me on this remarkable journey by discovering a new aspect of yourself, one that you may now only be dreaming of.