I’m a driven person. I focus intensely on topping the next big mountain. Climbing is fraught with fears, stresses, and fatigue. Sometimes I think sitting in a clearing and not scaling anything at all would be really nice. At the same time, I’m learning that taking on big challenges is part of what makes me love life.

Sometimes I come over a ridge and realize I’ve checked all the mountains off my list. Big projects are complete, big goals are achieved. After catching my breath, I freak because I don’t know what big challenge to take on next. I’ve been to many of these uncomfortable clearings before, yet I always seem to pace and fret a while before I realize, “oh yeah, this is one those clearing situations”.

Once I stop pacing and start exploring I find multiple new paths. This turns the clearing into a crossroads between exciting alternatives. I pick one and I’m off to another challenging mountain.

There are a lot of mountains out there. If you miss having one in your sights, maybe it’s time to explore.