I’ve decided to multi-purpose my personal blog for a little longer commentary on my photo journal. Sometimes it’s not needed. And I happen to like the ability to fill in the blanks with your own imagination. But sometimes, it’s also fun to help your imagination along the way.

I’m not a fan of heights.  I know it’s hard to believe with all of the high flying activity I do, but it’s true.  I often dream of climbing or flying to the top of something and slipping off, or giving up and falling to my death; one so realistic, I wake up every time surprised that I’m alive.

I really want to climb a particular mountain (or 3) but I need to know that I’m not going to reach the end of my climb and throw myself backwards into the abyss.

I’m also a huge fan of fun ways to be physically and mentally fit!

Thus, I’ve started this indoor rock climbing. So far, I haven’t tested the rescue ability of my harness. But my gear is all still pretty new.

Fear is a very important biological response to danger. I have no interest in “conquering my fears.” I’m far from a thrill seeker. I am, however, interested in finding a workable balance between self-control and trust.

That said, I’ve noticed something pretty interesting since starting. When I was being belayed by a partner, I was much more afraid than when I climbed, unharnessed, to the same height. (No more than 12 ft) Strange.

I don’t know. It could just be a newbie thing. But I do hope to climb higher and higher with increasing self-control and trust.

If you’re also a newbie climber and have some tips, stories or photos to share, I’d love to hear them.

Here’s to #climbinghigher!