Conquering the Mountain

Somewhere along the Venable Comanche Trail in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range. We still had quite a ways to go.

You want to be healthy. You really do. But it feels like a huge mountain looming over you. How can you possibly climb something that enormous? You'll face challenges, obstacles, and setbacks, with no guarantee of reaching the top. What if it’s just one continuous climb with no end in sight? It’s overwhelming. Would it be so horrible to stay in the valley?

“It is very tough to climb a mountain. However, it is not as tough as convincing yourself that you can climb it.” – Bhuwan Thapaliya

Let me get this out of the way first. You do have a choice to stay in the valley or climb the mountain. No one can make that decision for you. But if, when you are ready to make the climb here are a few lessons you might take with you.

Commit to the Challenge

There comes a point when a climber decides that this is their mountain. It will be a challenge, and they aren’t exactly sure how it will be accomplished but they make the commitment to see it through.

“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So…get on your way!” – Dr. Seuss

You will know when you are ready. You will reach a point where, despite the challenges, with no idea of how, you will make the commitment to move forward. Stand by that commitment. Keep it in front of you. Tell others so they can help hold you accountable.

Research the Route

Mountain climbers research the route as thoroughly as possible. When Scott and I planned a climb in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range I studied the terrain, weather conditions, difficulties, everything I could find out. I knew exactly the path we needed to take to get to the top.

“If you do not know where you want to go, it doesn’t matter which path you take.” – Lewis Carroll

What path will you take to better your health? Is it exercise? What exercise do you enjoy? How will you incorporate it into your day? What needs to happen to make things as simple as possible? Can you envision any challenges that may come up? You don’t have to overthink it, but spending some time thinking it through will increase your chances of success.

Set Big and Small Goals

It takes an average of two months to summit Mount Everest. That doesn’t count about a year of training, planning, and acclimatization. The ultimate goal is reaching the summit, but climbers know the best way to get there is to break it down into smaller chunks. The first goal may be to just raise the money!

“You keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then one day you look back and you’ve climbed a mountain.” – Tom Hiddleston

Big goals are wonderful. I encourage everyone to dream big! Big goals can seem a long way off, though. Breaking them down into smaller actions gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivates you to keep going. If your main goal is to lose a hundred pounds you may start with a smaller goal of ten pounds. Just think, you get to celebrate ten times on your way to 100!

Accept the Struggle

Climbers know it won’t be easy. They understand that severe weather, sickness, or other challenges may slow things down or even push them back to the bottom. They know that the struggle is where they grow. It teaches them what does or doesn’t work, how to adapt to tough situations, and how to keep pushing forward. It teaches them resilience.

               “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary

Any time you step forward, out of your comfort zone and into the unknown there will be a struggle. It may be internal, such as a negative mindset or bad habits. Or it will be external, like people who don’t want to see you change. Of course, you know this. That’s why it’s so hard to start! Remind yourself that struggle is growth.

Don’t Climb Alone

Mountain climbers like those on Mount Everest do not go it alone. They have a team of people from guides, climbing partners, and experts to help them reach the top. Having a support system is crucial to their success in reaching the top and staying alive.

“Life is not a solo act. It’s a huge collaboration, and we all need to assemble around us the people who care about us and support us in times of strife.” – Tim Gunn

You need a support system as well. Who can help you on your journey? Who can encourage you to take that first step? Is there a friend you can count on to provide some accountability? Someone to celebrate victories with? Find your people. If you don’t have that already in your life, look for a local or online group that is doing something similar. Be careful it’s a supportive and not toxic environment. If you come away feeling down about yourself that’s not your group.

Enjoy the Journey

Mountain climbers enjoy the climb. I may just be speaking for myself, but the joy is not just in reaching the peak. There are so many wonders along the way! It was beautiful when we reached the peak on that mountain in Colorado some 12,000+ feet up. But we were tired! The summit was not the best part of that climb. I was proud of us for making it, but it was the trip up that was the most fun.

“There’s no glory in climbing a mountain if all you want to do is to get to the top. It’s experiencing the climb itself – in all its moments of revelation, heartbreak, and fatigue – that has to be the goal.” – Karyn Kusama

Don’t be so caught up in reaching your summit that you forget to enjoy the climb. Appreciate life right now, no matter where you are in your health journey.

Celebrate the Summit

We stayed long enough at the top for me to celebrate with a can of shoestring potatoes. Don't judge me!

The summit is magnificent and awe-inspiring and worthy of celebration. You did it! But it’s not the end of the journey. You come back down and start planning the next climb. Isn’t that just like life? A series of ups and downs, valleys and mountains.

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.” – Andy Rooney

You may think, well that’s depressing. If you have to keep climbing over and over again, why not just stay down in the nice safe valley? Like I said at the beginning, you have that choice. You can stay right where you are, or you can reach for the summit.

               “The mountains are calling, and I must go.” – John Muir

Until next time,

Alicia