Scaling the Mountain

There is a mountain in front of you, seemingly as big as all the world.

There it is, right there in the distance, and you want to… you need to… climb it.

But as you look at the task in front of you, it just seems so very daunting.

The hardest part may be accepting the fact that you actually can do it. I mean, it’s a freakin’ mountain, for God’s sake.  Most people will only ever make half-hearted efforts at conquering it, if that…



Even as you're striding forward, the idea of just how challenging and tiresome it will be sometimes gets the better of you. That summit is so high, and you have so very far to go...



And sometimes you get going, maybe even start up the mountain at a mad dash, but the reality is that mountain-climbing isn’t for the frail or faint-hearted. It’s hard damn work, and it requires planning, patience and persistence, as well as the right set of tools.


And it doesn't happen overnight, I'm very sorry to say.

And sometimes…check that… almost always, there are periods when we give up ground.

Backsliding… as frustrating as that is… is a natural part of the climb.

And all your can do is smile, pick yourself up, brush yourself off and then start making your way back up the mountain.

Well, technically, you don’t have to smile, but that makes the rest of it more bearable.

I don’t know where you are on your climb, if you’re just getting started or approaching the peak, but I salute your courage and commitment.

You’ve taken on a challenge bigger than yourself, and I wish you a safe and successful journey.

“Why? Why, why, why do I do this???”

Chuck Pratt on mountain climbing