My Introduction to Climbing
The first time I ever went rock climbing was in the 5th grade. Our math teacher told us if we passed our final exam with a B or better he would take us to the local indoor climbing gym. All of us ended up going on the trip. Either he was a great math teacher, or using a field trip as motivational tool for ten-year-olds really works.
For those of you that have never been to a rock climbing gym and have no clue what I’m talking about–let me paint the picture. The walls stretch about 40 feet up with brightly-colored plastic pieces drilled in for hands and feet. At the very top is a bolt that is drilled into the wall to support the rope. One person stands at the ground taking slack out of the rope as the other climbs towards the top.
I’ll be honest–A normal person with a moderate fear of heights would have a tough time climbing up the entire wall. It is completely understandable that some classmates wouldn’t make it to the top. Kids take turns strapping into the harness and marching up the wall. Right around the halfway point every person takes a glance at the ground and realizes just how high up they are. At this very moment the child either looks back up and continues trucking, or the water works hit. I saw many tears shed during the lowering process. I was initially pretty excited to climb but now I was starting to have doubts.
The Tipping Point
The entire way through the line I let my brain get the best of me. I was having visions of this frayed line snapping with me at the top of the wall. My palms were literally sweating in the same clammy way they are now as I am writing this. I am on deck at this point. The boy in front of me tapped out at about fifteen feet up so my turn came quicker than expected. I slid my legs into the harness and the instructor gave me the “Go”.
The first twenty feet were great! I could do no wrong. Every time I reached for a hold it was there! Then something happened. I hesitated. The hand hold I was supposed to reach was about six inches too far. I was standing on a small square block as Iooked down for more footing. This was when I noticed, I was WAY up there. This was the same spot the others had given up. It was my turn to decide. Either I take the leap and trust the rope will hold, or I ask to be lowered like a beat-up piñata.
I decided to charge forward and make the jump. I caught the hold surprisingly easy and pulled myself up. It really may have been closer than I initially believed… That’s the kind of thing your brain can do to you. When I made it to the top there was no better feeling. I pushed beyond the fear of “What If” to achieve something. It has been nineteen years since that trip and I have seen myself up on that wall almost every day since.
Make Your Choice
There are going to be a lot of times in your life where you may to have to make that tough decision too. Strangely, you will never be alone during these times. That voice in your head will always be there. “You can always just work on that tomorrow. I wouldn’t do that, could you imagine what they would think of you? If you mess this up you’re probably not starting tomorrow.” That voice was with me quite often.
But you hold the key. This is when you can begin to get your mind to work for you, rather than against you. This is when you get to make the CHOICE of ignoring that voice. You can commit to the task at hand with a good attitude and full effort. Fears and what-if’s are manufactured by US. If we can create them, we can defeat them.
I have grown and learned a lot about myself in my time on the wall. To this day, I still get sweaty palms right before I step tie myself in. If that feeling ever goes away, I think it will be time to walk away for me. The summit is never as satisfying without the fear… and the wins are never as sweet without the adversity. The next time you feel pressure to perform, smile–that’s called living.
