I just wrapped up a climbing trip with friends in Indian Creek, Utah.
South of Moab, the area is a classic for climbers and features some of the most stellar sandstone crack climbing imaginable.
The continuous cracks are perfect for a blind climber, so my buddies decided to give me the lead—meaning they let me go up the wall first, navigate the route, place gear, and set the path for the rest of the team to follow.
It wasn’t my first time leading, but as a blind guy, I don’t get to do it too often. Climbing is always a physical and spiritual experience for me, but when I get to take the lead, it can be scary, yet it becomes that much more freeing and fulfilling. I love it.
And this got me thinking … What if we trusted, encouraged, and supported more people in our lives to take the lead, no matter their ability?
On many occasions, my friends have sized up a climb and helped me feel confident that I could lead it. At times, I have gotten in over my head, but so does everyone else. The point is not to take unnecessary risk. The point is that there is a time and place for extending our reach, and we should all get the chance to try. Knowing when to reach, to take the lead, is of course always the tricky part, but regardless, it starts with a mindset of No Barriers.
Spring is a time for seeding the soil, which grows abundance. This spring, I encourage you to seek out opportunities in your life, and the lives of others, that grow your belief, and theirs, in taking the lead to seed what’s possible.
“Seed” the day! and Keep Climbing!
– Erik
