Let me help you with your mindset

I always heard the view is better on the top, but uhm... I thought it was just a saying. Before going to Sicily, I searched the Internet for an excursion to the Etna Volcano. I found many agencies offering trips to Etna, but I couldn’t book one online because I was traveling solo. Every website I visited required a minimum online booking of two people.

However, I thought being on the island would be easier to make a booking. After one day on the island I decided to call a lot of agencies trying to book an excursion but at that moment it seemed to be impossible. Everything was fully booked.

But I did not panic ‘cause I knew that the Universe would deliver. When touring on a hop-on hop-off bus, I found a Spanish company available for an Etna tour on the Internet. You can imagine the smile on my face. I was super happy, but after a while, I called the agency to rearrange my booking cause suddenly I felt like going somewhere else on Wednesday and changing the arrangement to Thursday morning would be perfect. It was a 4-day trip to Sicily, and I wanted to see as much as possible; therefore, using a full-day trip on Wednesday would be ideal (at that particular moment, I had nothing planned, but I knew it would be something great).

Words are insufficient to thank the Universe because they immediately changed the booking. They had a super big smile again and were happy they did it so fast. So Thursday at 9.10 a.m., my guide picked me up at my hotel, and we began our trip with seven other people, including one Dutch couple (I was the only solo traveler, though, but I didn’t mind).

At the first stop, I realized that my physical condition wasn't the best). I have been neglecting a balanced diet for a while, and being on vacation, I only wanted to eat Italian food and drink WINE. But the view, oh, the view. It was so lovely. For instance, it took my breath away (literally). At the second stop, the struggle was real; believe me, it was REAL. We started to climb the mountain (volcano) Etna, and after a few meters, I was exhausted. I never felt so bad in my entire life. The guide was constantly asking me if I was OK. I felt like I couldn't breathe anymore. But instead of giving up, I started to enjoy the view. I am a photography freak (I had two cameras with me and my phone), so I began taking photos and many selfies.

Then, I realized that I was smiling instead of complaining. But it was tough climbing a mountain (lava) with All Stars (I was too stubborn to wear the special shoes I ordered) and a physical condition that wasn’t the best.

Everyone left me behind, and at that particular moment, I realized that this was what was happening to me in my school career. Precisely the same thing, but still, I don't give up. Reaching the top, I became more aware of the saying, 'The view is better on the top.’ It was worth it! The view was excellent, and I enjoyed it to the fullest. I forgot my struggle to get on top. After this fantastic experience, I am convinced that reaching the top (your goal) will have a tremendous view, but the struggle on the way up is part of the journey. All you have to do is keep going!!

Three years later..... 

Last Monday was the day—the moment of truth. After almost a year of postponing my assessment, I had the guts to do it. I was afraid. Afraid of failing, fearful of the feedback, scared of everything that would get rid of the perfect picture. My perfect picture. So, I relied on perfectionism, and it wasn’t never enough. On the afternoon of 18th March, I couldn’t go back. I had to hand it in. So, at 18.38, I handed in. I would spare you all the drama around it.

Today, sitting here, sipping champagne with a beautiful view, this note bombed into my head. The view from the top is fantastic. After all those challenges, I burned out twice and redid a test 6 times; I am enjoying the view. The view is nice, but I have yet to go. I am halfway. Top, I am coming.