“I tried to climb the mountain”

Today I attempted to climb the mountain. As I slowly ascended, I felt defeated. Therefore, I had to turn back.

Today I wanted to climb the mountain again, but night fell, fear overtook me, and I returned.

Today I was ready to climb the mountain, but it was scorching hot, so I gave up.

And today I wanted to climb the mountain, but I had so many important things to do. So, I washed the car, mowed the grass, and watched an important game instead.

Today I thought about climbing the mountain, but as I gazed at it, I realized I stood no chance.

Today I completely forgot about climbing.

Then a friend approached me and said he had just returned from climbing to the mountaintop.

“How did you manage that?” I asked him in surprise.

He replied, “I had been telling myself for a long time that I would climb the mountain, but without progress. My dream of reaching the top was almost dead. I invented hundreds of reasons why I couldn’t achieve it. And then, one day, I finally realized that I just needed to start and take a step forward.”

As I looked at the mountain, I realized that if I don’t try to achieve that dream of mine, all my dreams will one day die in the same way. The next morning, I began to climb. It wasn’t easy, and at times I wanted to give up. Step by step, I focused on my goal, never losing sight of it. In the end, I succeeded, I reached the top.

He stood up.

– “Now I have to go,” he said. “Tomorrow is a new day for fulfilling dreams. By the way, what are you doing tomorrow?”

From the book: M. Lozić, M. Mamić, D. Miklaužić, Z. Petrović: Warmest Wishes
Selected by: Vesna Perhat