So much for dedicated adventure writer and die hard explorer.

No more though. Time for more goal setting. (Please click here and play in the background to get the full effect)
I started this year with a fresh goal: My Everest - to conquer my fear of heights and to not let it stop me from going on any adventures. I'm happy to report that I've taken my first intentional (first ever actually) lead fall. It was the scariest moment in my short life - it took 15 full minutes for me to let go the first time - but I did it. And then I did it again, and again. It was a major first step in conquering my fear. The next step will be to fall from a step higher above the bolt, and so on. I refuse to quit on this. It may take me a long time, but I will climb with a clear head. My first goal, to achieve this summer is -
1. To sport climb outside. (And live through it, maybe even like it - but that might be asking too much.)
So much of my problem has been in getting my head to cooperate with my heart. I'm a closet free spirit, a hippie in a business suit, a dancer in boots. I over think and over plan, focusing on the destination rather than the journey. I want to climb, but I think about the consequences and worst case scenarios rather than the rewards and the process. So,
Goal 2 is: To enjoy the ride more. To plan, but not let it stop me, physically or mentally, from doing anything.
I think I'm finally realizing that proficiency doesn't come after one or two tries, it comes after 100, or 200 attempts. I rediscovered a song from highschool last week that said:
"I'm not afraid to fall, it means I climbed up high. To fall is not to fail. You fail when you don't try."
I haven't been trying for fear of failing. No more.
And finally Goal 3: Train for my long term goal of a Summit for Someone climb. I have a whole year to prepare after all. Why not get ahead of the game? I also hiked Old Rag in WVa with a loaded pack, a good kick start to my summer of training. (Post and video to come)
I found a great resource here: Steps to the Summit They've been a big encouragement, especially knowing that I'm not alone in the process, and that others have done the same.
So what are your summer goals? Think about what's holding you back, personally or professionally, and why. Don't wait for new years - start taking steps now.
Ready to fail,
Aleya