I had the great opportunity to go on a difficult (for me) mountain climbing trip over the weekend. A group of 8-10 of us trekked up Mount St. Helens in Washington, which peaks around 9000 feet.
I was nervous before we began the trip, not sure what to expect or exactly how to prepare. I didn’t know if we’d make it all the way up, encounter unexpected obstacles, or what.
And of course that’s the point of exploring somewhere new.
When we arrived at the bottom of the mountain we realized we’d left our trekking poles and ice axes (recommended hardware we’d rented) at home. We decided to go for it anyway, knowing we could always stop if things got too tough.
Things got really tough. It became what seemed an endless slog upward at one point, with wind swirling all around, and I kept wondering why I was doing it, what the point was.
But then we eventually got to the top and it was so satisfying. It’s like running a race that’s just beyond your capability. That sense of accomplishment when you get there, along with the view and the ability to look back at the experience, are the reasons you do it. Despite the aching muscles and bruised bones.
I don’t want to push the metaphor too hard, but it was a great reminder to me, a person who’s usually pretty risk-averse, that taking up new challenges and stretching boundaries can really be uplifting and powerful.
Thanks, Amy, for being willing to drag me along. I look forward to the next adventure.
