Ridgeline
As a mountain climber, I long ago discovered the mixed feelings you have hiking up towards a ridgeline.
On the one hand you’re excited about getting to the top to see over into the next valley – but on the other hand you’re exhausted and each step towards the top gets harder and harder, as the air thins and your legs & lungs strain.
You begin to wonder if it’s worth the struggle.
Whether there’s really anything up there to reward you for your efforts.
But I’ve discovered that what I learned in the mountains also applies to other times in my own life, such as recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and now trying to get through an MBA program after 20 years of being out of school!
(OK – I admit it – we’re coming up on finals week, so that’s why this line of thought is on my mind!)
And what I’ve learned from exploring the hard parts of the earth is that the rewards are ALWAYS worth it.
What you come back with is the gift of memories, insights and the knowledge that you have ability to survive it all. Even thrive despite the travails.
So when you find yourself struggling up your own ridgeline, just remember the times you’ve done it before, and the amazing sights you saw in the next valley.
It’s always worth it in the end – Nana makes sure of that.