I think the theme of my time here in Phoenix is that I'm stronger than I think I am. I'm strong enough to be away from my family, even though I miss them so much. I'm strong enough to drive across the country by myself and face complications and setbacks by myself. I'm strong enough to walk away from unhealthy relationships. I'm strong enough to deal with a work bully. I'm strong enough to find my way off a mountain I'm stranded on and not be completely terrified. And physically, I'm stronger than ever.
I'm strong enough to go on a 13-mile hike through the White Tank Mountains that includes scrambling and switchbacks. I'm strong enough to hike the Grand Canyon with ease. And I'm strong enough to go rock climbing.
I'd never been before. I always thought I was too fat. But with everything else I've been able to do lately, I thought, why not?
It was both fun and scary, but I trusted Kristin, my friend who was belaying me. I would look at my next move, think "there's no way I can make it," go for it, and be shocked when I made it. I kept thinking, "Wow, I'm stronger than I thought I was." I only fell once, and it was totally okay, not terrifying like I thought it would be. Climbing gave me such a feeling of accomplishment, like when you complete a really difficult hike. This will definitely be something I do again.
Kristin is preparing to belay.
We felt really cool in all our equipment.
Strength has been a theme in my life for a while now. When I was pregnant, people would say, "You're so strong." And I thought, "No way." But I learned if you fake it long enough, you become it. And finally, I actually feel it.
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