The Hike

Yesterday's hike was different.  Normally, I hike for the sake of exploration.  I go along at a relaxing pace, taking photographs along the way, and am completely in the present moment.

Yesterday was much more intense.  I had the goal set before I even came out to Vegas to climb Turtlehead Peak.  Mindy and I had done about 3/4 of the hike last October, but had to turn back due to obligations (we didn't realize how intense it was going to be!), and I have wanted to complete it ever since.  

I started the trail around 7:15am...an hour later than I had wanted, but when you are relying on other people's transportation there's not much you can do.  I had to be back around 10am and to be honest, I was excited but worried I wouldn't make it back in time.

It was about half way up the mountain that I started to get discouraged.  I'm totally out of shape and, looking up at the peak and the sun starting to get intense, made me wonder if I should turn back.

It was at that point I decided to look back and saw how far I'd already gone.  And that's when I realized the parallels between my life and this hike.  It sounds cheesy and maybe not that revolutionary, but at that moment it was.  I looked up at the peak (my goal), and back at the trail base (my accomplishments), then kept going keeping an eye on my footing (the present) and I felt OK.  It's all three of those things that make the adventure complete.

Being an entrepreneur is very similar.  You are alone, for the most part, with only your self-motivation and passion to keep you going.  It is easy (as we all know) to focus on the goal only, overlooking our accomplishments and, most importantly, the present.  But that's not the way to live life.  Because of the vague trail and all the loose rock, I had to stay focused on what I was doing.  I am blogging this so I can remember when I get too far ahead of myself.

Huffing and puffing, I finally made it to the top a little before 9am (I told you I was out of shape).  I passed two guys when I was just about there and they gave a little encouragement (you're almost there!).  I guess it was obvious how beat I was, but it was wonderful to hear those words.  

The view and the feeling were worth every moment...

The funny thing is, it's not sustainable to live at the top.  We have to come down and live where the ground levels off.  That parallels life as well, and is actually quite comforting.

and here I am...scragged out and squint city!!