It's time to face reality. The last days of summer have slipped through my fingers. I held on for as long as I could to the memories and the moments that shaped me this summer, but now it is time to bid summer adieu. This is the summer that changed me, where I found myself.
At the beginning of the spring, I found myself crying on the side of Mount Adams, convinced that I didn't have what it took to be a climber. I thought that I was only meant for day hikes and backpacking trips. I stepped up my game and trained harder. Pushed myself to the limits, life was going pretty great. I found some sort of redemption on the South Sister just outside of Bend, Oregon. Plus, I made a lifelong friend in that trip. I took floaties to alpine lakes, had my dance parties at the top of summits, and even managed to not kill myself with the worst hiking boots I ever owned.
Life has a funny way of sending you people in the most unexpected way. It was just another day, I was working wishing I was outside. When suddenly, I noticed a stranger was interested in sharing a Rainier on a summit of a mountain this summer. I had gotten those invites before, but this guy seemed to be legit. After a brief exchange and a good ol' fashion phone call (take note kids) we were set to meet and possibly rope up in the future. Little did I know, this guy was going to change the very person I was becoming. Everyone comes into your life for a reason, whether it be for a short amount of time or for the long haul. So, we planned an adventure. Little did he know it would be only my third backpacking trip of my life. You all know what happened, I went to Washington Pass and Mount Shuksan. The experience moved me.
This blogpost is in a way, a big thank you to that person. This person has believed I was capable of doing things I never thought possible. Never in a million years did I think I would love rock climbing as much as I do now. I never thought I would have the physical capacity to climb for days on end, destroying my body in Leavenworth, Joshua Tree, and Red Rock Canyon.
I've loved being outside for a long time now. Now, it is my passion, and the only way I picture my life and my future. I am so thankful that I had a person who believed in me, and who was so patient and willing to let me tag along. Although they are lightyears ahead of me in their skill, because everyone deserves to have someone in their life that pushes them to be a better version of themselves.
This summer changed me, because I know that I am capable. It also provided me with so many beautiful moments. Mountains are always teaching us something. Mount Adams taught me, that it is okay to fail. You are not really failing, you are just learning something about yourself. Mount Shuksan taught me that I am stronger than I ever thought. Rock Climbing, has awakened my very being. Although, I have cried from fear, but everything I want is on the other side of fear. Find out what you are scared of, and conquer the shit out of it.
The most important thing learned this summer. Follow your passion and be thankful for the moments you do have. It's better to have a lifetime of memories, than expensive possessions.
To that person, thank you for showing me that I am capable and giving me memories to last a lifetime.
And to the Winter, bring it on.
Until the next adventure.
