Life is Like A Rock Wall

Sometimes I think life is like climbing a rock wall.  The first time I ever climbed a rock wall, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I didn't know what any of the 'stuff' I needed was.  I didn't know how to strap myself in to the harness.  I didn't know what size of which whats-it would fit. I started climbing and then I thought I was going to fall.  It was a scary and exhilarating experience. Life is a lot like that.

To get through life properly, you have to figure out what tools you need.  Sometimes even when you find the right tools, you won't know how to use them. You  have to be willing to ask for help ("Um how does this harness work?").  Then comes the worst part.  That whole climbing thing isn't as easy as it looks.  You actually have to put yourself out there (or up there in this case) and try.  Maybe you'll make it to the top.  Maybe you won't. 

The first time I climbed a rock wall my arms got tired and I thought I couldn't make it.  I gave up.  I told them to lower me down.  Once I got down my husband said, "Man babe! You were soooo close!  Like two fee from the top!"  Darn.  If only I'd believed in myself a bit more or pushed myself a bit harder.... But I didn't.  Sometimes that happens in life too.  Sometimes we second guess ourselves and don't get where we wanted to go.  That's okay. We learn from these experiences. I was still glad I did it.  I was glad I tried.  I think it's better to climb and not get to the top than to stand at the bottom without even trying.  You'll get higher than the spectators. 

The second time I tried climbing a rock wall was a few years later.  When my arms started getting tired I knew, like last time, I must be near the top.  So I kept going.  I rang the bell.  I did it.  So what if I didn't make it to the top on my first try?  At least I tried again.  Sometimes that's what you have to do--try and try and try harder until you get what you want.  And sometimes what you want isn't what you need.  And sometimes what you want is like a pie that looks like it must be the best tasting pie on earth, but once you stick it in your mouth you gag and wonder what in the hell they put in that thing! 

Sometimes you think you know what you're doing, but then life throws you a curve ball.  Each rock wall is different.  The handholds aren't in the same place.  Sometimes there aren't enough footholds.  Sometimes your equipment wears out.  Eh--that's life!  You deal with it.  You keep climbing. You keep climbing because nothing is as beautiful as the view from the top and the feeling of accomplishment you get to feel when you finally get over that wall.