Mindset Over Mountains!

In our adventures of “Living Our Nest Life”, high on our list was going North and Hiking in the Mountains. I say “our” but it was really me, I have just wanted to hike, and while we walk locally and in nature, I wanted a day trip to explore something new and hike a great trail. This weekend, we did just that, and as usual, there are lessons for life in almost everything I do. I want to share some of this, and perhaps you have had this experience too, or even better, you need the inspiration to do something new. As I reflect on the day, I can’t help but think that such a simple thing, does include a process and emotions that can be applied to anything in our lives—especially when it comes to vision & goals and also stepping out of our comfort zone.

It began with Desire, I had a desire to do this, which I said verbally for months (and it just never happened, because I only stated it, I did not schedule it, get a commitment (buy in) and make it happen. This time, I was sure to find a weekend day that would work, I stated it, we scheduled it. We also asked a friend for advice, he hikes a lot, and suggested this location. The next step was planning, I can’t take credit for that, Charlie is a planner and handles all the details on many things. He was the one that went so far as to reserve a parking spot, print all the information, and of course have a folder (such a Dad move). None of this is interesting, all of us do this sort of thing when we plan an event or activity, it is just logistics and commitment at this point.

So as we embark on our climb (and in my mind, a simple walk up the Mountain), the emotions, experiences and being in it, is really where the lessons show up. I am not going to lie, from the onset, it was a challenge. I did not expect so much climbing, rocks and opportunities to either twist an ankle, slip, fall, trip and all the while my cardio game (or lack there of) was evident as we were in motion. I went from “all in” to questioning why we were doing this, what if we fall, what if we get injured, and of course my irrational thoughts on what if something bad happens, how will we get help.

We see seasoned hikers, and they are going by us and I keep thinking maybe we should have started out with an easier trail. Of course, with this mountain there were two choices, and little miss competitive and “all in” insisted we do the harder one, which was also longer. At one point, I was cussing, all while trying to stay focused on my steps and looking at every step as there were way too many obstacles (branches, rocks, boulders to trip or slip on). I found it funny how this activity is all about nature, all about the scenery, but quite honestly, I had my head down the entire time (except for the view up top) because I had to be aware at all times where I was going and what I needed to do to stay safe. It felt like we were on Survivor, and I could only think of how much I would not like adventurous trails in the future (it is just not for me). A walk in the woods is far more easy going, and I kept thinking of the beautiful trail we do at home in the Fall. Why am I here and not walking that beautiful trail at home?!

There was one point I wanted to quit, I was thinking this is not worth it, I don’t want an injury, I want out. I was okay if we did not go all the way up, and as I let these thoughts occupy my head space, I saw older people hiking and doing this. In particular I saw a woman my age, with her mother, as we went by them, I thought, if she can do it, I can too!

Self doubt, wanting to exit and being uncomfortable were all the emotions in this climb, even thou it was my idea, I was getting mad at my husband taking selfies as we climbed. At one point, a person coming down said the view is worth it, and once again, my vision was redirected, and while the climb was hard (but doable), I began to focus on the opportunity (the view, the vision, and reaching the top) as opposed to the challenges, the fear, the possible injuries and how my body is not in the shape I am typically in. I even made note to myself how this is such a leadership and life lesson, any time I focus too much on the challenges, I get stuck, I get down, I get overwhelmed and it can be paralyzing or it can be like ground hog day, same thoughts, same fear, same obstacles that keep me from my desired outcome or way of being. When I shift, and focus on the opportunity and what I want, my vision, I create space to not only visualize it, but I put the momentum in to get there. This happened on the climb, and at one point, I just pulled it together (in my head) and sure enough I created a cadence. We reached the top, the view was beautiful (not a perfect day in terms of weather) but certainly felt good. In typical Guyer fashion, we pulled a Vacation (the movie), “look kids there’s Grand Canyon”, we took a pic or two, enjoyed the view and then began our descend. On our way down, we ran into the mother/daughter team, and I of course said hello, and also said that seeing them inspired me. The daughter said with pride, “she is 90", about her mother—I was shocked, this woman, 90 years old, climbing this mountain, and being brave not to let her older age be an obstacle. I shared my admiration and I asked her, how do you do it, what advice do you have? She said, take it one step at a time. I replied that advice is much like life and when we are challenged, we just need to put one foot in front of the other and take it one step at a time. She began hiking at age 65 (she said she got a late start) and has done some serious climbs as her daughter shared. We wished them well, and that one exchange filled my heart with such inspiration, confidence, and was another reminder of the human ability and spirit and it’s power. Our mindset can either fuel us or block us, and being aware of this, and making the shift can lead us to new heights. While we were on our way down, my spirit was lifted and inspired to reach new heights.

We were so happy to reach the base of the mountain, while it was a nice experience, we were wiped out and limping out of there. At one point, my vision went from reaching the top and seeing the view to making it down without injury. Thankfully we did that, and as we arrived home, we showered, got our pajamas on (by 5pm) and chilled.

The mountain had many lessons, challenges and rewards—even thou our focus was on safety, we look back on it as a fun experience (well, sort of fun).

The reward was not just the amazing view, the reward is truly all of the lessons and feels along the way