Dark Horse 2013

Dark Horse 2013

Monday, September 2, 2013

Becoming Better


Never feel stuck. If you feel stuck then make some changes. 
It is your life, and you have the power to make the most out of it.

When you are not happy with your life, the world seems bleak. Bleakness is not a way to live, especially when life has so much to give. When I first got symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, I felt stuck. I looked at the big picture and could not find happiness. Sometimes, even when you think you have it all figured out, things have to change.

So this past year I made a lot of changes.  My activity choices, diet, social life, the way I dress, the way I spend my time and my money. All changed. 

And what about climbing? 

Climbing is still very much a part of my life, but in a much different way. Before RA, I looked at the sport as in numbers, grades, excelling through competition placement, hard sends, and sponsorship. Don't get me wrong, these things are still great. I still love sending hard problems and I love getting recognition. 

But climbing means more to me now. I love teaching the sport to others, having them learn and dedicate themselves to the never ending battle of getting better. I love sharing the sport with others, getting everyone to enjoy climbing and feel happy about themselves. I appreciate climbing places for not only the difficulty of the climbs, but the scenery, the way my body moves on a climb, the rock texture, the people. Climbing has become a part of me, ingrained in the way I live my life, and I enjoy it for that purpose. It makes me feel at home. 

This year I have been able to really get to know myself. I have been able to accept the fact that I am very competitive. I have been able to accept that this void I feel can only be filled with competition, which is never ending. Being able to do a sport such as crossfit has allowed me to compete almost every day of my life, which makes me feel content. Being able to separate climbing from the competition of numbers also adds to the release I feel.

This knowledge has lead me to become so, incredibly strong. Much stronger than I ever was just training for climbing. I am stronger mentally, because I know myself so well. Stronger physically because I work hard everyday to keep myself content. I am also stronger technically because I am calm enough to focus on the value technique brings (Whether it be cooking at the right temperature, perfecting a power clean, or perfecting a drop knee). 

I look forward to this coming year. I can feel my success and it makes me want to never stop becoming better.