I remember climbing Tuckerman’s Ravine on Mount Washington in New Hampshire many years ago. We were hiking with skies and were planning on skiing the headwall. We climbed slowly, one step at a time climbing up steps that had been packed in the snow. Finally, when we took a break and looked back, we realized just how far we had climbed, even though while we were climbing, all we saw was more snow and more steps ahead. From our spot on the mountain, it seemed like we could see forever, the cars below looked like ants, we could see Wildcat Ski area.... All we did was look at our journey from a different perspective to appreciate how much progress we had made up that mountain.
This year, I’ve accomplished many goals, and not accomplished others. The most important is my relationship with my boyfriend. With lots of support from MTM and others, I’ve made some significant breakthroughs in the relationship and we have found something that will last for a long long time. Accomplishing the goal, just means that I will make new goals to continue to improve and enrich the relationship. Next year we want to find a place to live together, and who knows what else.
I finally learned to roll my kayak - Remember that I was going to learn to roll or drown trying. I’m happy to say that I’m alive and breathing, and it’s not salt water that I am breathing. In addition to just the rolling skills, I also took an instructor’s workshop and started teaching kayaking. Rolling was the hardest skill that I ever tried to learn. It’s not intuitive, requires being comfortable under water wearing a 17’ boat, and is a combination of coordination and flexibility more than strength. Once it’s mastered, it’s very easy to do. I was at the point of giving up by the end of the summer, but then I pushed through, kept going and finally did it. Another month of twice a week pool sessions and practice, practice, practice, I finally think I have it. That doesn’t mean stop practicing though, I’ll be back in the pool when it opens again next year.
There are other smaller goals that I’ve accomplished - some at work, some around the house, some with friends. I’m grateful for the support and encouragement found here at MTM. I’m looking forward to hearing about everyone else’s success this year. 