Keep Climbing

“Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain….  Climb slowly, steadily, enjoying each passing moment; and the view from the summit will serve as a fitting climax for the journey.” -Harold V. Melchert

Mountain climbing isn’t easy.  It doesn’t matter what size they are.  Could be Everest, the tallest mountain on earth, Olympus Mons, the tallest mountain on Mars and in our solar system, or Steamboat Lookout Mountain, my personal favorite mountain.

Trail looking up towards the summit of Steamboat Lookout Mountain.

One of the things l love about hiking is that the scenery along the trail is constantly changing.   Life is a lot like that as well.  We live in a goal oriented culture that focuses on reaching each milestone.  Don’t get me wrong, I think having goals to work towards are good.  But I also think that putting all the emphasis on those goals, makes one miss out on so much of the amazing things that surround you right now.

Third waterfall along Willow Creek Trail

One of my favorite hikes is along Willow Creek west of Augusta, Montana.  There are four separate, different waterfalls along this hike.  Each view of the different waterfalls is unique.  The higher you climb on this hike, the landscape changes.  Each turn around the bend, brings something new to see.  It’s not just the waterfalls.  However, if that was your focus, it would be easy to miss the breathtaking views of the prairie, the twisted trees, rock formations, tracks, scat, beavers, birds, deer, the sound of the water rushing in the creek bed, the way some stands of trees seem to breath in the wind….. the list is truly endless.

The big things, the life milestones, are meant to be the bonuses in a full life, not the purpose of a full life.  Every day, every moment has purpose.  Remember that while you are on your life’s path.  Every moment is important.  Keeping that in mind, when you reach your summit, you will have truly experienced the entire climb.

“A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while on a detour.” -unknown

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