So I've taken up this new hobby of going rockclimbing at Vertigo in Pollenzo about once a week. The only problem is that I am not very good. I'm not saying this as an insult to myself...I'm not terrible. It's just that I've never really tried this sport on a regular basis before. However, after my first or second visit I was a little discouraged because almost everyone else at this gym is a very, very talented climber. They practice and train in their spare time, visit the gym every time it's open, and go 'real' climbing or bouldering on the weekends together. This is not my goal - I only go for the exercise and socializing. So what reason is there for me to be discouraged?

Instead, I have found lately that climbing is a very motivating activity. I don't have to be able to conquer every course in the gym. My goal is simply to improve, little by little, each time that I go. To reach that next block. To finish a course that I couldn't the week before. I push myself at my own pace and according to my personal aspirations. It is very rewarding. I don't have to compare my path to the paths of others, or my accomplishments to theirs. It's a personal journey.

I have found this to be a very meaningful analogy to life and how I want to approach it. Each of us lives his/her own life story according to their personal goals and direction. Why compare? Why look at what someone else is doing and wonder if we should be doing the same? We are all different. I want to take my life one step at a time, continually making small improvements, and following where God is taking me personally. Not being afraid to fall. Always moving one step higher...