In the summer of 2006, two outstanding events engendered this feeling of resolve in me. First, I read John Krakauer's book, Into the Wild. Inspired by both the saga of Chris McCandless* and the prose of Krakauer, I wrote out the purposes of my life and a detailed map of where I wanted to go. The second event was a trip to Colorado with my dad and sister, Naomi. While also entertaining, unpleasantly fragrant, and spontaneous, the accomplishment and beauty of summitting eight 14ers was inspiring and catalytic. In my college journal, I remarked how important it would be maintain this impetus and drive.
Four years later, I am proud to repeat my own history. I just completed John Krakauer's book about the tragedy of Pat Tillman. Like Into Thin Air and Into the Wild, Where Men Win Glory is both tragic and motivating (See an NPR spotlight here). Most know Pat as a football player who volunteered to serve in his country on the frontlines, but the Pat Tillman story is one of grit, principle, introspection, success, and tragedy. Also, in a less than a week, I will reunite with my dad and sister to scale a few more mountains in the Colorado backcountry. Records will not be broken, and feats will be feasible for many, but I expect the same feelings of drive and purpose to result. Thus, much like 2006, I am experiencing another summer of catharsis and resolve.
Create Your Own Momentum.
*Importantly, it was not the actions of Chris that I admired, but his yearning for something more-- a conversation for another time and venue.
1 comment:
Has it been 4 years?!! You realize I am not in the shape I was the last time we tried this. If you promise to help me up a few summits, I promise NOT to hide your retainer and to bathe everyday and use deodorant.
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