India, Adaptation, and the Beauty of Staying Open
Beautiful oil lamps glow during a local Hindu ritual in India: flowers, offerings, and fire creating a moment of devotion, resilience, and beauty amid the intensity of everyday life
I often reflect on why hiking, climbing, and traveling are so vital to me. In a world where many of us are turning inward and losing real connection, these experiences consistently reward me with incomparable beauty, fresh perspectives, and deeply human moments with people who are generous, caring, and kind.
India multiplies that effect exponentially.
This was my third time in India, and it didn’t disappoint. The moment I land, something shifts inside me: there are millions of colors, thousands of smells, and a kaleidoscope of human scenes everywhere I look. In Indian cities, there’s no such thing as stepping outside for a mental break. Everything is happening, constantly, and all at once.
That intensity is part of what makes India unforgettable and challenging.
My trips to India always push my body. Mosquitoes and bugs seem to find me everywhere in the world, but India takes it to another level. Despite repellents and every suggested remedy, I walk around covered in itchy red bites. Still, none of that stopped me from fully engaging with life here.
I joined a wonderful local gym, explored vibrant markets, immersed myself in music and temples, and ate plain masala dosa at every recommended spot. My adventurous stomach survives best on minimal spice, but the flavor of a crispy, golden dosa never disappoints.
I also found someone willing to brave a 1.5-hour commute with me to take a Bhangra class—where I discovered I love Bhangra, even if choreography and I are not yet close friends. I celebrated Thanksgiving with my Indian family, featuring wonderfully non-traditional dishes, on a completely different day because travel demanded flexibility.
This trip was a perfect example of why Adapt—one of the core principles of Simplify & Summit™—is essential to success.
Instead of locking myself away because of discomfort, I planned workouts with new friends on an empty stomach. Instead of avoiding dining experiences, I identified fail-proof meals I could enjoy anywhere. Instead of wishing I were home for the holidays, I celebrated with the family I had, on a day we could all make work.
On this journey of building my brand and company, I felt the maturity of being an experienced traveler: no longer overwhelmed by sensory overload, but confident navigating crowds, stimuli, and challenges in my own way.
You can do this too.
The Simplify & Summit™ framework is a way to build a life, a company, an organization that works, even when conditions aren’t perfect. I know it is effective because I built a career on these principles: and I’m building my dream life with them now.
