Base Camp; Issue One

The First Day on the Job

After working as a host for 5 months, my server training is completed and my first shift done. It went ok, didn't do so hot on the first table, but my team members had me covered. I thought they would through me to the wolves, but they didn't. Every once in a while something happens, or someone comes around, that reminds me to continue to chase my dreams.

I didn't think that it would come from work.

My last table of my shift was exactly that. She was from the West coast on a business trip with a little sight seeing while she was here. After chatting for a time, she promised to read my blogs, and she was very enthusiastic about her future trips.

For some time now I have been toying with starting a series to record when I have been revived and re-inspired to continue. The series will be called Base Camp. A nod toward the home away from home. The purpose of a base camp while you are outside is to; provide a safe haven to store unnecessary equipment, provide shelter in nasty weather, and a safe place to return to after a long day, or days, on route. A metaphorical stretch to be sure, but not unreasonably so.

K

NOLS Dispatch; Issue 5; The Small Step Theory

Trail and Error

One of the perks of living in Colorado is that the weather swings between winter and summer. High if 70 one day, snowing the next. As the skiing season is coming to a close, and the weather is getting nicer, climbing becomes my preferred method of meditation. I agreed to do a multipitch 5.7 lead with a friend of mine. At the top of the first pitch the exposure was getting to me, as a mental break down attacked my conscious. After staring at my first piece of protection I asked to be lowered to the belay so I could wrangle my thoughts. My partner encouraged me to stop looking for a handhold and find a foothold instead. Sure enough, as soon as I stopped looking for a handhold I had no more problems. It wasn't until later that I connected the dots, my success was due to lots of tiny steps, not dynamic moves or strength. That wasn't the first time that taking things slow and steady had worked for me. I recently have started running two or three times a week and really enjoy it. I approached running differently then I had before. There are two things that have to happen for me to have a successful run, have fun, and don't worry about how long it took me. As the miles passed, I experimented with my stride, landing heal first and striking the ground with different parts of my foot until it became comfortable. Now I land right behind the ball of my foot and none of my joints hurt. The other thing that quickly became apparent was that the shorter my stride, the easier it was to continue to move. A small change, but it has changed how I run.

It was at the top of the third pitch that things clicked and the Small Step Theory was formulated. The theory is that the smaller the steps you take, the easier and less stressful the process will be. Not an original idea to be sure, but one that fell into place. There has not been an application that this hasn't worked on.  I'm excited to apply this to other portions of my life. Just take things one small type at a time.

I'm glad I figured this out, finally.


K

Check It Out

One day I want to be at this level.

K