that's what she said

From the mind (and blog) of Erin:

 “Taking a trip for six months, you get into the rhythm of it. It feels like you can just go on forever doing that. Climbing Everest is the ultimate and the opposite of that, 'cause you get all these high-powered plastic surgeons and CEOs... and you know they pay $80,000, and have Sherpas that put all the ladders in place, and 8,000 feet of fixed ropes... You get to your camp and you don't even have to lay out your sleeping bag – it's already laid out with a little chocolate mint on the top.
     And the whole purpose of climbing something like Everest is to effect some sort of spiritual and physical gain, but if you compromise the process, you're an asshole when you start out and you're and asshole when you get back.” - Yvon Chouinard

What's your Everest?  That thing so big it takes your breath away just to think about it.  That thing you barely remember, pushed so far back in your heart by fear.  That thing you just can't shake.  That thing you wait for the conditions to be right...  what is it?

Do that.

Start the journey.  Start the climb.  Today.  Right now, as a matter of fact.

Read the rest here.

Speaking as a wannabe-reforming asshole, thank you for that.

Wonderful kick in the butt to start the week.

Comments

[Erin Wilson]

What's your Everest, bro?

[robert]

No question: CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation. Always thought about it, never had the time/guts to sign up. It's insanely hard.
You?

[Erin Wilson]

I thought I knew the answer, but I don't really have the full picture yet. I'll start with partnering to establish an arts and photography program for youth on the margins in Iraq... and then around the world. Feels like Base Camp, anyway :)

[Erin Wilson]

And the CFA designation... yours if you want it. It's certainly not a matter of guts.