Peaks & Valleys

In my opening blog I introduced you to one of the things I love the most in life.

Nature.  It moves my soul in ways nothing else can.  I spent four days last week hiking the magical, mystical area of Moab, UT.  Immediately upon arriving I knew the area would be the inspiration for my next blog.  Words and pictures fail to convey the true splendor and glory of the experience the area offers, but I’m going to give it a whirl anyway.

I spent three of those days hiking through canyons, into alcoves, down to ravines, through crevices, and adamantly avoiding fissures.   As I walked up and down, back and forth, to and fro I realized how symbolic the experience was to life.  Often times a descent was necessary in order to ascend and gain elevation.  Life comes with the same ups and downs, having to take two steps back in order to make progress.

Life also comes with an ample amount of peaks and valleys.  I realized as I hiked through the peaks and valleys, they both have their own uniquely, extraordinarily beautiful perspective.  Two things stood out to me about these two varying perspectives:

• In the valleys looking up, I was astounded by the canyons and world around me.  I was in awe of how small I felt with the majesty of the landscape surrounding me.  It was a perspective which cast aside all of my concerns or stressors from life.  I felt exhilarated by my confidence and ability to climb up out of the valley.  Comparatively in the valleys of life I feel small and weak.  When I find myself in a valley of life, I usually feel as though a failure has led me into the valley due to my own inadequacies, stumblings, or missteps.  While standing on a ladder traversing a crevice in a canyon I was overcome by the epiphany of needing to apply my confidence of getting through the valleys of the world to overcoming the valleys of life.  I must press myself to view the valleys of life as an opportunity for empowerment, for betterment, and for adventure.

• When standing on the peaks and looking down I found myself very fearful of falling. While the views were impeccable, there was an overwhelming and powerful emotion of fear at play at the same time.  It felt powerful to have a perspective of feeling on top of the world, but I also knew the feeling could not last forever.  The peaks of life can be paralleled to these emotions I felt while hiking.  Additionally, once I’ve reached a peak in life it’s never been enough.  There’s a taller peak, a better peak, a more elegant peak I must next pursue.  The peaks I have reached thus far in my life have never been sustaining.  I fail to embrace the moment, to celebrate the accomplishment, and not concern myself with what direction the future will take me.

I believe we all have a place we feel more comfortable, whether it be the peaks of life or the valleys.  Where ever your comfort zone lies, may your next valley be one of opportunity and excitement rather than an inescapable.  May the next peak be a moment of glory and relevance for the hard work put in to reach the summit.  As we maneuver through the valley to the peaks may the current moment of life always be enough with an acceptance that the current moment is right where we are meant to be.  Thanks for stopping by!

Peace & Love,

Janessa

P.S.  Follow this link to watch a video of the climb of the Corkscrew as captured above.  It makes my heart beat out of my chest just watching it!