How rock climbing changed my life

When I was a kid, I always climbed the highest trees at the playground right in front of our house. I think this caused quite a few heart palpitations because my dad could see me climb higher and higher right from his home office window.

Although my parents organized a rock climbing experience with a friend of ours (which I absolutely loved), they did not foster that passion of mine. Understandably, they were concerned about the risks...

Fast forward, 10 years later, my friends in college were all climbers and encouraged me to go with them. I - fully aware that I was a novice and a perfectionist - wanted to show up prepared. I bought a book about rock climbing, tried to familiarize myself with how to use the equipment and how to do all that climbing stuff. I remember vividly, I was on a trip in South Tyrol, reading that book on the balcony of the apartment. I was giddy with excitement but had no idea how to put these things into practice.

I looked for a climbing guide and came across an opportunity to get a climbing lesson on real rock. I was stoked. My enthusiasm was over the roof. The guide saw that and for some weird reason, he offered me to borrow his gear and climb outside. I still don't understand why he did that. I need to add that my climbing partner at that time had even less experience than me, meaning zero experience. So, imagine, two absolute beginners armed with a guide book and borrowed gear approaching to lead climb outside. As you can imagine this wasn't pretty. I knew I had to make it to the top of the climb, otherwise, I would need to leave some of the gear I borrowed on the wall. We made it somehow without getting injured.

That was motivation enough for me to take my bike, ride to the climbing store in town and bought my very first climbing gear, and continued the craziness for a few more days. At night, I dreamed about a climb where I didn't make progress. In my sleep, I went through the moves and figured out a solution. I went back the next day and did the climb. I can't even tell you how amazing it feels to do something that seemed totally unattainable just the day before.

I felt prepared to go climbing with my college friends. 

I remember when I first walked into a climbing gym, I saw two young girls climbing the roof of a wall. It was impressive. It looked effortless and so graceful. I thought to myself, this is what I want to be able to do. Somewhere deep down, I KNEW I could do the same... one day.

Needless to say, I was hooked and the passion has never faded since. And I learned how to climb roofs. Lol

I'm forever grateful to be introduced to this sport. This is how I met amazing friends and my husband. It's how I stay in shape and how I gauge my level of self-awareness. Climbing is a powerful mirror to what's going on in my mind. Having confidence in my skills makes all the difference. Doubting myself will immediately show up in my climbing ability. 

It also taught me a lot about self-compassion, especially when I took a long climbing break during the pandemic. The first time after not climbing for along time, I had no expectations and I did great. Most of my strength was still there. After taking another long break and thinking that I can go right back to where I was pre-pandemic ended up in a very disappointing climbing session. I'm sure you've heard me say this before... Expectations are resentments under construction. And that was exactly the case.

At first, I felt defeated and betrayed by my body and mind. With a little self-compassion and understanding, I got over that hump and just started to go climbing more regularly. Having the trust in myself and knowing that it just takes a little bit of time to regain strength and endurance made all the difference. 

Climbing is a lifestyle for me. I've traveled to places, I would have never visited otherwise. I’ve met amazing people that made a big difference in my life.

It's where I find stillness and peace of mind. Being in nature, experiencing the elements, being surrounded by friends and family, and enjoying a wonderful meal after a hard day of climbing, I can't think of anything better in life.

I can't wait to get back to being able to travel and bring our two little boys on our adventures.