Get Your Rock On

Two summers ago, a friend of mine and I started rock climbing...well, indoor rock climbing. I loved it. I had never really been an athletic person growing up. Participating in the arts was more my thing and I left the running and working out for those far more capable than I. I was able to get away with it because I was young and had a high metabolism. Fast forward to my mid twenties and my body doesn't know what a metabolism is anymore. Like most women I know, we have to work on staying fit and healthy.

I tried jogging, which somewhat worked. I get bored after about a mile and a half. I lose motivation almost instantly. So, when I started rock climbing, I knew I had found something that could keep me from getting bored. Rock climbing forces me to challenge my mind and my body simultaneously. But, I still am not athletic. I am definitely not good at rock climbing, but I still love trying it every chance I get. Especially since it helps me overcome my fear of heights.

I hadn't climbed in nine months until yesterday. I don't know why I have been away from climbing for so long! I was reminded of the person I used to be and who I want to get back to being. Confident, strong, determined, focused. These are qualities I want to strive to get back and I feel I have somewhat lost in the last few years. It is amazing to find something that will help you become the better person you continue to strive to be. I found my niche. I just need to hold on to it and never give up on it again.

I introduced two friends of mine to rock climbing yesterday. They had never been climbing before and they absolutely loved it. I have introduced a few other friends to climbing in the past, and they too fell in love with the sport. There is something so wonderful about rock climbing that makes a person feel so amazing about themselves. It is such a confidence builder. I have seen friends discover parts of themselves they never knew existed, just as I did. I think this is the most fulfilling aspect of rock climbing. I love experiencing all the emotions, excitement, and accomplishment for myself, but I love even more being able to share these moments with friends.

So, I am making a promise to myself to keep it up. To keep taking care of myself physically and emotionally. It's the least I can do. And if I can get most of my friends to love climbing as much as I do, then I will never be without a great climbing partner. No excuses.

So, what do you love to do that you get an incredible sense of accomplishment from? Is there anything you love to do that you have put on the back burner for a while and you don't know why? Remember, stay true to who you are and what makes you feel good about yourself. It's never too late to make positive changes in your life.

Keep on Keepin on.