It’s my weekend. I decide to drive to Durango, CO, where my friend Ed is house-sitting. Ed is a highly proficient climber who taught me canyoneering basics last summer, and whom I can trust to give me accurate feedback about the Basic Technical Rescue course. He’s done it all, Advanced Everything. He’ll shoot from the hip.
Ed listens to my saga about the application, the acceptance letter, and the agonizing second-guessing. He senses my serious self-doubt. Why would I put myself through this? What reasons are good enough? Am I trying to prove something to someone, or to myself? Will I ever use these skills? Shouldn’t I give that spot to someone younger, with a full NPS career ahead of them? And what about my Knot Fear? The list of excuses grows longer.
“I hope you didn’t cancel.” Ed’s interjection caught me by surprise, tangled up as I was in my own trepidation. “No. But I have been vacillating. A LOT.” “I can teach you your knots. You can do this.”
In that moment I realize I am at a crossroads. I can cave in to my own fears and doubts, or I can embrace this as an incredible learning opportunity that will take me farther from my comfort zone than I can imagine. For the first time in days, I dare to believe that I can do this… and I like how it feels.
To Be Continued…
Ranger Kathryn's Arches 
Last summer while working together under extreme conditions, Ed apparently got to know the WOMAN INSIDE KATHRYN, and so he is not only encouraging, but willing to give help. What does that tell you?
Mom
Comment by Kathryn — March 14, 2010 @ 9:54 am |
IF…. and that’s a big “if”… you caved in to those fears and doubts, you would kick yourself from here to eternity and back again. You know it. It’s a no-brainer, Kath. You’re doing the course.
Comment by Becky — March 14, 2010 @ 12:08 pm |
Once again, “You go girl!” What does that tell you?
Comment by Chris — March 14, 2010 @ 10:20 pm |