Something Interesting

In a former life I traversed through a time where I rock climbed. Not allot but enough that I could lead 5.6 routes with grace, confidence and competency. For the laymen or those unfamiliar with climbing - you could trust me!

Early in my learning curve I followed my mentor up a route named Something Interesting. Unbeknownst to me at the time was the symbolic meaning behind the word "interesting". Imagine for a moment a sly, all-knowing elder watching a neophyte attempt a new task. Rubbing their chin the elder gazes upon the effort and comments, "This should be interesting." Note the emphasis.

There is always something interesting embedded in any task. It ranges from the unforeseen/quickly solved conundrum to the opposite end of the spectrum, possibly described with these phrases - "really difficult", "challenging" or "I'm giving up". Wherever the moment of consideration presents itself, that is the crux. The heart of the matter. It is the time & place we get to test ourselves.

At those moments, at the crux, we confirm the contents of our personal skills toolbox. Receive a first person report as to their proficiency or short-coming. Need for sharpening or a spritz of WD-40. While I don't climb as much as I used to those moments have stayed with me and continue to challenge my readiness. One never knows when something interesting is just around the corner!