A Day on the Rock….. Facing our fears.
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear not absence of fear.” —Mark Twain
I decided to take on the challenge of rock climbing a very difficult face called Gibraltar. My big brother Danny and his climbing partner Ivan scaled it a couple of weeks ago. Of course I want to do everything he does (being the little sister trying to keep up) so now it was my turn.
Danny and I started climbing early in the mountains where we grew up. My dad knew from his own experiences that “Progress is made by facing our fears”, and taught us how to reach out of our comfort zones (but always being safe.. don’t worry mom).
As is sometimes the case, asking for help and taking action are good first steps to accomplish something new. I found Kevin, a climbing guide at Santa Barbara Outfitters, willing to help me and we headed up the mountain.
After securing our points of protection and going through a safety briefing we rappelled down the rock. I was frightened as I stepped out over the edge, but I had to believe I could trust in the system that was keeping me from falling 90 feet down to solid rock. Sometimes you just got to believe the risk is worth it.
The two routes I climbed were very tough. Most of it was face climbing and there was hardly anything to hold onto. Kevin reminded me to use my legs (more than my arms) to get me up the rock. This was excellent advice. I found small ledges I could put my feet on and kept pushing myself up to the next point with my legs. My arms just kept me on the rock.
What an adventure!! I felt elated when I made it to the top of the rock twice and saw the incredible view of the mountains, ocean and the city of Santa Barbara.
This was one of my challenges this month, what is yours?
It does not have to be rock climbing or putting yourself in life threatening situations. It could be as simple as facing a fear or difficulty only you know of. We all can accomplish what we think is impossible, it just takes belief and hard work.
Go for it and HAVE FUN!
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