My daughter, Gina, recently told me about one of her exciting adventures.
“I’m going to hike Mount Lamlam with Avery” she exclaimed.
Okay, I said, not realizing the significance of the mountain.
Avery, a childhood friend, was visiting Gina in Guam at the time.
Gina’s husband is stationed there which allows me to vicariously visit this Pacific island with her.
Mount Lamlam is technically the tallest mountain on Earth.
However, most of it is underwater though, and its height is measured from the bottom of the sea.
Its name means lightning in the native Chamorro language.
The defining peak is visited by many each year looking for a “boonie stomp” – the local term for a hike – on the island.
The trail is not well maintained, but the ascent is not to steep either.
The final stretch is climbing the rock face to the summit.
The views are said to be spectacular!
Gina and Avery ascended the mountain without incident.
At the summit, Avery climbed the rock face and disappeared from view.
Gina was suddenly filled with fear about the last steps on the hike.
Avery called to her to climb up, but Gina froze in uncertainty.
About that time, a group of naval personnel came along and they ascended the rock face as well.
Avery again called Gina to climb up.
It was at this point Gina faced a decision.
Did she not want to climb to the top of Mount Lamlam or was she just simply afraid?
Realizing it was just fear of the unknown, she mustered the courage to take those final steps and see the summit for herself.
The effort was worth it!
Typically, none of us are out climbing mountains and rock faces in our every day lives.
However, at times, each of our personal challenges can seem just as daunting.
Do we not want to face the uncertainty in front of us by choice or are we just afraid?
Comfort and courage can be gathered from many sources.
I find diffusion of an essential oil can create an environment that can alter my mood and perception.
What Mount Lamlam are you facing today?
Tim…. aka “Ziffel”