Climbing Mountains

By: DeAnna Britton

Climbing Mountains

I had a metaphorical moment last weekend. It started by my aunt calling me up and asking if I wanted to climb Mount Major with her and her friend the following day. I used to climb that mountain as a kid and haven’t even been there since I was 13. Of course I told her I would and I was genuinely excited to experience the world of hiking all over again.

We got there and the temperature was close to 90 and the humidity was overwhelming. Prepared though, with water and food, we started our climb up, taking the hard trail. I’m sure it was my perspective that changed and not the mountain but it seemed a lot harder to climb than when I was a kid. I learned afterwards that there were three different trails that you can choose from.

Climbing Mountains

It took a lot longer than I expected to climb up it just because we needed to stop for a couple breaks, which was fine. We both didn’t realize what the trail consisted of and the various forms of rock climbing we had to do. These rock walls were steep and the rocks were not flat. They were difficult and sharp and some even moved. I wouldn’t let us give up though, for the simple reason I still remembered how beautiful the view at the top was.

After the last batch of vertical rock climbing and scrapping my knee and shin, we were on the last incline to the top. When we reached the top the clouds had begun to separate and we saw the beautiful scenery of mountain and lakes. It was the closest I had been to nature in awhile considering I had lived in the city for three years. It was refreshing and fulfilling. I was surprised to find that I had really missed hiking even the hard parts.

Climbing Mountains

The metaphorical moment I had was that just because the weather may not be in your favor or that something seems harder than it appears, doesn’t mean you should turn back around and quit. Even if you tell yourself you’ll try again really soon, you do it when you have the opportunity because you never actually know when that opportunity will occur again. All you have is now and what’s directly in front of you. It doesn’t matter what’s further up the mountain because you’re not there yet. You have the path and what’s in your view and that’s the only thing you need to worry about. So when you’re going through a hard time, remember that. Remember to stay in the present but also remind yourself that you can do it. You can climb over any troubles you have and make it back down, safe and sound.

Tags: climb, climbing, metaphorical, moment, mountain, mountains