What now?

What now?

Under the bright sun, with a cold wind on my face and tears in my eyes, I held my country's flag.

I stood on the peak of Europe's highest mountain.

I felt an overwhelming sense of achievement.

The ascent, physically and mentally, was brutal.

It demanded every bit of strength, perseverance, and grit I had.

Countless hours of preparation, brutal training sessions, sleepless nights wondering if I had what it takes.

All of it has led to this very moment.

My heart was proud as my flag fluttered in the icy winds at Mount Elbrus.

I was on top of the world, quite literally.

But as the adrenaline settled, an unexpected emotion began to surface: a deep, profound sadness.

Why, after achieving such success, did I feel this emptiness?

Why was there an absence of happiness in a place where it should have been present?

When I decided to climb my first summit, the focus, training, and routine gave my life a clear and straightforward purpose.

Standing on the summit, the immediate purpose was accomplished.

I learned that this vacuum is not unique to mountaineering.

After realizing a significant goal, many achievers face the question: "What now?"

The mountain had given me an objective, a direction, and now it was taken away.

This post-success depression stems from the fact that, as humans, we are not just wired to achieve goals but to chase them.

The journey, with all its ups and downs, often becomes a vital part of my identity.

The process becomes as important, if not more important, than the result.

But as every valley has a mountain, every emotional descent can lead to another ascent.

It is essential to recognize these feelings, allow myself to process them, and then channel them towards the next big adventure.

So, to anyone who's ever felt lost after chasing their dreams: Remember, there are always more mountains to climb, more stories to write, and more journeys to embark upon.

The end of one adventure is only the beginning of another.

Embrace the unknown, for that is where the magic happens.

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