Everyone moves at their own pace
Pace is vital.
When we started climbing I tried to keep up with people who have climbed their whole lives. Huge mistake! After the first 100 yards I was already dying and could not catch my breath. I had to take a break, regroup and start again, at a slower pace.
Don’t be discouraged if you’re not moving as fast as others. God has a specific plan and journey designed specifically for you. Move at the pace you were created to.
Enjoy the view on the way
Never be too focused on trying to see the view from the top and you don’t enjoy the journey. Taking breaks on the way up to enjoy the beautiful view re-energized and prepared me to take my next steps.
As you begin to walk in your God given purpose, He will start to do some great things around you and through you. Enjoy the little wins on the way to the big vision.
It’s ok to take a break
Not only is it ok, but often times it is necessary.
It would have been impossible for me to climb the mountain without taking any breaks. My rule was as soon as I could feel my heartbeat in my ears and arms it was time to take a break. Sometimes it was after 10 feet of climbing, other times it was after 100 feet.
Fulfilling your purpose will be difficult. Make sure you rest or you won’t be prepared to take the next steps. Vision should never come at the cost of your family.
The air feels thinner at the top
Oxygen is a vital resource for your body, and there is not much of it at 14,000 feet…
In the same way you may not have all the resources and support you think you need to live your calling. Resources will follow vision, start moving in the right direction and allow God to provide.
Encouragement from those ahead of you is huge
I could not have completed the climb if it was not for Shawn Reini. He could have been up and down the mountain in the time it took me to get half way up, but instead of rushing ahead he came along side me and coached me on.
You need a coach. No matter what God has called you to do in life, you need wisdom, advice and encouragement from those who are ahead of you.
There is a path for a reason
When we started I thought I would be adventurous and climb on the big rock on the side of the trail. That didn’t last very long before I found myself trying desperately to catch my breath. I used way too much energy trying to go outside the path.
Trust the path, it’s there for a reason. It will make the difficult journey easier.
Never go at it alone
I am convinced that if I didn’t have an encouraging team climbing with me there is no way I would have made it to the top. They reminded me that it’s ok to slow down, its ok to rest, remember to drink water and stop for the occasional snack.
The moment you feel like you can do it alone is when you should re-evaluate. If you can do it yourself you’re probably not dreaming big enough. A real team should push you to go further and dream bigger.
You can make it!
There was plenty of time for self-doubt on the side of that mountain. Would I make it? Was it really worth the effort? Why can’t I breath!?
Find your pace and keep moving forward. Keep your eyes fixed on where you are headed and sooner or later you will get there.
You can’t stay at the top
What an amazing view and feeling of accomplishment. It was so nice to sit down and just enjoy the view for a bit. However, on most 14ers, experienced climbers will tell you that you don’t want to stay on the summit after noon. This is because of pop up storms and lightning strikes. Once we got to the top we could see clouds beginning to move in, a storm was coming.
The top is a great place to get to, but a terrible place to stay.
There are other people coming up behind you that you need to share the summit with.
There are people at the bottom of the mountain that need your help getting to the top.
There is a different mountain for you to climb, and you need to start preparing for the next climb.
Check out more pictures from our climb and time in CO: Fort Collins, CO // June 2013
Greg J Barber 