Mountains To Conquer

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly? To soar through the air like a majestic eagle. To feel the wind beneath your wings with no chains to hold you down. Imagine the beauty you would see; treacherous rivers, clement beaches, forests that stretch out for miles, and magnificent snow capped mountains. Sometimes when I watch a bird glide it’s way through the sky I dream of what that would be like. To be able to fly over my troubles and live my life without a care in the world is an alluring thought.
I have been surrounded by gorgeous mountains my entire life. Living in Alaska has the benefit of breathtaking views and countless trails to explore. When I see the mountains in my backyard I always feel as though they’re speaking to me. Their beauty is undeniable and impossible to ignore. What I wouldn’t give to have the power of flight. To sprout wings and take off toward the highest peaks. To never be burdened with the struggles that hold me down.
Wouldn’t life be easier if we could just soar over our mountains instead of having to climb them?
Of course it would, but things in life are rarely that easy.
Even though the thought of simplicity is tempting we should be grateful for our uphill climbs. Take a moment to think about what the birds miss out on. They don’t get to feel what it’s like to stub their toe on a rock, or trip and skin their knee. A journey up our mountains will make sweat pour down our backs with noxious bugs swarming around us. The adventures we experience on our trails will be fraught with difficulties that might render us feeling incapable. There will be times when we will want to surrender ourselves to the mercy of the mountain and retreat to our protective shelters.
Of course, there will be some enjoyable moments too, or else the uphill climb wouldn’t be worth it. Maybe you’ll take a friend along that has a whole playlist of spectacular music that makes the hike bearable. There might be moments on the journey that you’ll be on your own too, but the memorable views are often more glorious that way.
Even with the countless disadvantages that life throws at us, it would be tragic to avoid those experiences. If we flew over our mountains we wouldn’t know the triumph that comes from conquering them. The view from our summits wouldn’t be as meaningful if we didn’t work so hard to achieve our goals.
The undeniable beauty is in the journey itself.
My journey has had it’s own ups and downs. Being a wife and mother is cluttered with foggy days that cloud up the view of my incredible summit. Sometimes my trail is full of darkness and I fear that I won’t be able to find my way. The uphill climb is so exhausting at times that I wonder how I’m going to get out of bed, let alone put my hiking boots on. Those trying days are the times that it is important to remember what I’m climbing for.
But my adventures are not always so dismal.
There are days that are filled with sunshine that chase the pesky mosquitoes away. The laughter of children can clear the fog that shrouds my lovely views.  A delightful conversation with a friend can uplift my darkened mind. Taking a moment to breathe in the fresh air can drive away mundane feelings.
So make the most of your journey. Persevere through the difficult days. Don’t let the trepidation of the unknown cause you to give in. The temptation to fly over your mountains might be strong, but your sheer force of will is stronger. Enjoy the good parts of your climb when you have them and smile through the rest. Even if it doesn’t seem like it at times, you will conquer your mountain. Your experiences from your climb will give you the fortitude to take on the next captivating peak that plants itself in front of you.
The journey wasn’t just meant to be endured, so don’t forget to enjoy it too. Life is more beautiful when we have mountains to conquer.