Adversity – Making Friends with Pain – Part II

| August 2, 2008
Note: I’ll be in Boulder, CO until Tuesday attending a Serac Adventure Films class and will have limited computer access.

A major part of surviving adversity is anticipating it and being prepared.  Spending a day out touring in the maw of nature’s fury as it is dumping snow, blowing, avalanching, and going off the charts can be exhilarating if you are warm, dry and safe, or lethal if you are not.  Overcoming adversity is a mix having the right gear and knowledge, as well as knowing how and when to use it. 

The silver lining on a very cooooold cake - seeing Mt. Foraker at sunrise after climbing through the night on Mt. Hunter in -25 degree temps.
The silver lining on a very cooooold cake – seeing Mt. Foraker at sunrise after climbing through the night on Mt. Hunter in -25 degree temps. Alaska

Part of overcoming adversities is to embrace the hardships. As George W. Bush said “It’s hard work.  We’re workin’ hard.”   Stay positive and turn it into a fun challenge.  Convince yourself that you are getting what you came for and enjoy the struggle. Remember, it doesn’t have to be fun to be fun!

Try not to over-think adversity.  When it comes to dealing with storms, steep slopes or any other challenges, think about it, make a decision (retreat or go) and then get on with it.  Continual second guessing makes it much worse.  Boldness has genius.

Monday – Meeting Mr. Cold

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Category: 08 Adversity

About the Author ()

Andrew McLean lives in Park City, Utah and is a gear designer, writer, photographer, ski mountaineer, climber, Mountain Unicycle rider and father of two very loud little girls.

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