The Logic of the Climb

Let’s be diplomatic about this. Let’s stop ourselves from falling and look from a birds eye view.

Before the climb: make sure you’re in securely. Count the check offs. One, I’m secure. Two, secure in the right place. Three, align, or realign if necessary, until it suits who you are. Four, make sure the other is there.

To be logical we’ll say: The path is marked in red stones along the wall. The grade is written at the bottom. The goal is sectioned with tape at the top. If you use more than one color stone than the level you’re climbing is immediately less. Less worthwhile, less of an accomplishment.

There is a list of commands to reaffirm the levels of being ready. If climbing, I’ll start. The ground will respond. It’s my turn again, and this time it’s double checking looking over my shoulder “this is about to start, I’m going.” And they will respond with “Go.” Something along those lines.

Here are some tips: always be sure to look where you place your feet; do not be careless. Also, if possible back climb, always back climb. This means to retrace your steps downwards on the wall. It builds skills.

This is when the ascent will begin. It will take trust, cooperation, confidence, and sometimes a leap of faith. Once or twice, hopefully no more you’ll veer from the set course; take a green rock, or a little blue. Just to keep you going.

Do not stop too long, you’ll lose momentum. Do not fall too hard, you’ll lose determination. Do not overanalyze, you will lose courage. Do not look down, you’ll lose hope.

Most people reach the top, feel accomplished and come down. In different situations, you can stand at the top, look down, and feel true pride. Other times, you’ll never come back down. Everyone wishes for that kind of climb. The kind of climb where you’ll remain on high, when you won’t ever be put back to ground level. Few achieve this.

Where will this take me? How long will I wait? How long will I trust you with this? How many different stones must I use, distancing myself from the path, will I need to take to keep me going? Will I ever reach the goal? Will I have to descend? What will I accomplish at the end of this?

Will it be worth it?