When Jack first began hiking, the fresh air, no cell phones, and the beauty drew him in. The gentle sweat and the increased breath piqued his interest even more. What a fun way to get out of the gym. 

Then the hikes became easy. Jack started doing longer hikes, then steeper hikes. Each hike brought a new challenge that increased his capacity for what’s possible. Jack easily grew stronger building endurance and strength from one hike to the next. 

Until he met his match. 

An opportunity opened to join a long weekend backpacking trip out west in the Rocky Mountains. Upon evaluating the hike description, 3000 for elevation gain over 10 miles. Seemed easy enough for Jack. 

Fast forward, his hiking buddies started up the trail in Colorado. Absolutely breathtaking from his normal Appalachian mountains in Virginia. In the first mile, his breadth became more rapid. Jack was slower than normal. Funny how altitude at 50% less oxygen does that to you. 

Falling way back from the group, Jack persevered. He was too afraid to admit that he was starting to get spacey and couldn’t cognitively think straight. Novices fail to realize this is the onset of altitude sickness. 

Suddenly, the trail opened up wide into a gigantic field. From small alpine flowers to marmots running around, Jack realized he was now above the tree line. The temperatures dropped while the wind screeched across his face. The sun scorched his eyes. 

Jack, raw and exposed to Mother Nature’s element, fumbled his way forward. The last thing he wanted to admit to his hiking buddies was that he wasn’t cut out for the rest of the hike. Jack’s fear of perception from others, made his insides turn upside down. Riddling in his head, I’ve spent so much time hiking. Why me? Why now? Self-preservation kicked in. 

With altitude sickness hitting harder with each step, Jack realized he couldn’t go any further. He saw his fellow hiking friend waiting on the trail for him. 

Jack was afraid and unable to make eye contact. Barely able to get the words out, he stated his symptoms of altitude sickness. His buddy John put his arm on Jack’s shoulder, leaned down to make eye contact, and said it was okay. We’ve all had to deal with this when we’re hiking this high in altitude. You did great for your first time out. Going from sea level to 12,000 feet is no joke! 

Any time you rise to the next level, you are raw and exposed to new harsh elements you have never seen before. Remember, protect your belief in yourself. From here, courageous and confident actions emerge. 

As we are called to a higher calling, a higher mission, our deepest core elements come forward. The belief in yourself is the most important!

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