Thoughts on doing things that suck.

As I stared at the 25-foot climbing route I wondered what I was doing it for.  Not rock climbing- I have several very purposeful reasons that I have re-entered the sport, not least of which is it's a really fun way to build strength.  No, I wondered why I was considering an overhanging route at the end of my climbing session.  Just like monkey bars versus ladders, overhangs require a great deal more strength and control.  Fear of losing your grip will certainly amp up your adrenaline; but, also the added layer that the rope is going to fulcrum at the lip of the overhang sending you into a massive swing will mess with your head a bit. 

Burning arms, accelerated heart rate, a fear of heights screaming to the roof- these were all in my very near future. Therein lies the answer.  I was considering the route because I didn't want to fall on it- which means I would have to get very comfortable with being uncomfortable. 

The greatest skills are gained at the ends of our limits.  Naturally, a physically complex task will force you to adapt for positive gains.  Strength and aerobic capacity, agility and grace- these things evolve in the bodies that push past the mundane.  The true benefits, however, do not lie in our muscle fibers.  It is the interplay of adrenaline and dopamine, the rush of endorphins clearing the path for renewed confidence.  

20 years ago, I avoided that wall because it freaked me out.  Last night, I was a far wiser athlete. Because of a few very hard-earned lessons, I knew that all this climb would be is uncomfortable.  As I went up the wall, my fight or flight system tried to kick in, telling me all the reasons I should get down.  My arms screamed for mercy.  Yet, my goal was set and it was 25 feet UP.  

Inhale.  Exhale. Keep going.  Inhale.  Exhale.  Keep going.  Inhale, it burns.  Exhale, reach anyways.  Inhale, I'm going to fall.  Exhale, not if you keep going. 

We have a habit of avoiding discomfort in this modern world.  We don't lean into the edges of our comfort zone, tipping the balance of feeling safe and pain-free.  If staying comfortable is where you want to be, go for it.  There's nothing wrong with taking it easy.  But in a world riddled with anxiety, depression, and burn out, consider this:  Mental and physical resilience is going to be found in the discomfort.