Dum spiro spero. Climbing up a hill for non-hikers: A 1-min story

Why consider a 2.5-hour bus ride at dawn for a 2000-foot ascent?

We, bound to desks as marketers and creatives, seemed ill-suited for such trials.

"It'll be fun," they assured.

"A grand adventure," the seasoned hiker among us claimed.

Yet, halfway up, confronted by a daunting slope, I hesitated. Ahead, some advanced. Behind, others waited.

I paused, recalling past hurdles: the self-doubt of youth, academic trials, career gambles. Within those memories, I found a stubborn grit.

Dum spiro spero. While I breathe, I hope.

With resolve, I gripped the rock and climbed.