When it comes to down to it... the "struggle" makes us keep pursuing a brighter path.
-In & Out of the field perspectives-
MY TRUTHS
Outside of the Field:
I battled with feeling even worthy to pursue something that I was told "you have no future in", "you're just going to go play?" etc. I battled with coming back home for someone who wasn't really for me, to a place that wasn't all rainbows-butterflies, to a family that turned broken after the death of my grandma.. so what next?. The thing is, everyone struggles and even has intense hardships but we all make it through. Being able to RECOGNIZE and acknowledge that change needs to be made, that it's possible even when it's new territory, and to feel out of reach at the moment is key challenge.
*I am a "Passionist" as many label it as. A passionist loves hard, seeks hard work, and strives for what they want or value. Within this, sometimes it wears you thin because you tend to put all your efforts into ONE thing or person where it might not be meant to be. It's okay to be a passionist but learning where your true love, passion, and time should lie is the key-for you to succeed against any actual "struggle".
In the Field:
My first year guiding PHEW. I learned so much about what I didn't know (being Unconsciously incompetent aka not knowing what I didn't know). My first official big girl guiding job was in the magical place we call Yosemite National Park, CA. This place was a place I couldn't ever imagine getting to leave my own mark on (of course while using LNT wink wink).
Surrounded by these amazing and knowledgeable guides with lots of experience was very humbling but more so intimidating. I didn't know how to use an MSR whisper Light Stove, make a tarp shelter or really know all the ins-outs/tricks of a map if i'm being completely honest. I struggled with confidence and knowledge to teach others to do all of this. Nonetheless, my stubborn self didn't let that get in the way. In the back of my head I knew I was born to teach and I would just work on myself and those basic skills. I practiced and at the end of the days, I knew I would get those technical skills and "tests" under my belt to really get to the real success's I was looking for... to get to the backcountry in Yosemite National Park for peets sake!!!.
*It's a laugh now, because we tend to get so down on ourselves or title things a "struggle" when they are just new lessons to be had. We need those basic lessons and confrontations of knowledge to add to our toolbox. Everyone has to start somewhere to get to that next step or hold.
-I am forever thankful for Lasting Adventures to strive on "potential" in their guides to give individuals who drive with passion to overcome half dome summits and personal mountains. The struggle is the best way to the summit sometimes my friends.
-You can make it to your desired summits-
“The struggle is the best way to the summit...”
LOVE THIS. So proud of you.