The Summit Within – Story Behind the Story (E.1)

The Truth Behind the Fiction: Where Stories Are Born

Many readers have asked the burning question: “Is The Summit Within based on a true story?”

Here’s the fascinating answer: While the novel itself is fiction, it is filled with profound truth.

The Summit Within may be fictional, but readers will discover it is true to life. This story emerged from a mosaic of real experiences – actual climbs up Mexico’s Izta volcano and decades of deep conversations with leaders who’ve faced their own summits.

The Adventure That Started Everything

Picture my first assault up Izta’s slopes. I knew the mountain held many dangers – bone-chilling cold, avalanches and rock slides, falls that meant certain death. We hired experienced guides Victor and Marta Magallón from Cumbre Expediciones.

Our day started with heavy snow as we began our ascent. The mountain had other plans. Between the second and third pass, an avalanche completely blocked our route to the summit. In that moment of disappointment, our expedition faced a choice: give up or embrace what it offered.

We chose a different route. We spent the day playing like children on those snowy slopes, sliding down the mountain with joy. We didn’t conquer the summit that day, but we lived to climb another day.

The Lessons That Changed Everything

That “failed” climb taught me multiple life-changing lessons. First, the vital importance of trusted guides and coaches in life. As my friend Tom Nebel says, we all need truth-tellers and grace-givers in our lives. Grace-givers empower and encourage us. Truth-tellers inform us of objective reality.

Jesus, considered the greatest leader of all time, was described as being full of grace and truth. Most of us lean toward one or the other. In The Summit Within, the Colonel serves as more of a truth-teller, while Gracia is the grace-giver. Together, they guide the team up the climb, just like Victor and Marta guided us that day.

Perhaps the most profound lesson was discovering that sometimes our greatest defeats become our most important victories. When plans crumble, we can give up or pivot and pursue another path. That snowy day of “failure” became a treasured memory, and the first of many climbs up Izta.

Fiction? Yes. True? Absolutely.

Get your copy of The Summit Within: Embracing the Beauty of Imperfection on Amazon. Available in Paperback and Kindle formats.

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