climb every mountain

23Feb09

“you have a severe form of scoliosis. and you will be in a wheel chair by the time you are age 30.”

     that’s what a doctor stated to my husband – at age 16. 

     geez!

     many of us would have left that office, convinced we had only 12 years of mobility left.  consequently spending those limited years cautiously avoiding any activity that could possibly shave off valuable time.

    with dreams dashed and possibilities limited – it would be far to easy to view life through the lens of our dis-ability.

     you see, too often we choose to define ourselves and our lives not by our strengths – but by our weaknesses.  placing more emphasis on what we can’t do, than what we can.

     the problem is we only “think” we know what’s impossible, then never discover what truly IS.

     on the mat, we all too often mumble, my hamstrings are tight . . . my hips won’t open . . . i’m too old . . . my arms are too weak . . .or its just that old injury.  our handy-dandy excuses for taking a pass on taking a risk.

     in life, we have a litany of labels and diagnoses as well, that navigate our course.  we *have this* or *are that* – chanting our verdict again and again, like a mantra.  and if that were not enough – we simply look around and note how many others know more or do better, for further confirmation of why we shouldn’t try.

     i’m not diminishing the validity of every malady or disease.  nor am i suggesting my husband attempt to hike mount everest . . .

     . . . only he did.  with forty pounds strapped to his back.  as high as 20,000 feet.  

     at age 40.

     in all these years, my husband has refused to resign himself to the fate of one doctor’s prediction.

     whatever you think is standing in your way of doing what you want – think again.  because i promise you, the ONLY thing in your way – is you.

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