Ain't no mountain high enough......

A mantra my dad has taught me my entire life is that "the view is always better from the top." I couldn't quite grasp that concept until I experienced it, and this summer I had the priveledge of doing so. Over the summer I traveled to the very small town of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. There, I had the amazing opportunity to climb Pagosa Peak, a 13,000 foot mountain above sea level. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. It feels as though you are doing cardio for three straight hours, your body is mentally, physically and psychologically exhausted. You are breathing heavy because of the elevation and lack of oxygen. It is nothing but pure pain, but it is motivation and endurance that wouldn't let me stop. Despite the suffering, I saw some of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen. After literally rock climbing my way to the top, I felt this sense of accomplishment that is incomparable to any other. The view was AMAZING!!! It was like nothing I had ever seen. Truly spectacular. And my dad isn't lying when he says the view is better from the top. It truly is. Along with his mantra, he told me that it's not easy to get to the top, it is easier to stay at the bottom and look up at the top. He ensured that any suffering and pain involved would be worth the view and accomplishment. In life I know look at situations as mountains. I can stay at the bottom where it's easy and comfortable, or I can challenge myself,  overcome the obstacles, rise above the occasion and conquer my Pagosa Peaks.