F.E.A.R.

I just read something I wrote a few years ago and it reminded me that I need not fear what I long to do, especially when I have already conquered this fear before:

"The last thing I ever expected to do was become a climber.  

It seemed as far out of reach for me as wrestling crocodiles.  A big reason climbing felt so intimidating is my lack of upper-body strength, a common issue for many women.  

I am working to develop my upper body.  In the process of learning to do a regular push-up all the way do the ground, I lower myself until I’m eight inches above the ground; as far as pull-ups, I can lift myself about an inch—in other words, I pretty much hang there.  Without even being able to do a full push-up or pull-up, how could I possibly climb a rock wall?  

What I am learning is rock climbing depends more on technique than upper-body strength.  While the arms and back are occasionally needed to "muscle up" the rock, the arms should primarily be used for balance.  It is the legs which should be depended on for strength.  

I will continue to develop my upper-body strength, but I do not need to avoid climbing in the meantime."

It's time to take my own advice. There is a rock climbing wall in the WSU gym and I haven't been there in years. The fear has crept back in again. But that's not the feeling that deserves my attention!

As this is my last semester in school, I want to take advantage of that rock wall while I still have the chance. I will make some time and face the fear again.