The Climb

[Amie]

This song resonates with me.

Life is such a struggle.

When I imagine life with no struggle, I envision a weird Twilight Zone episode (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twilight_Zone). No one cries, no one is attached to anyone or anything, everyone dresses the same, thinks the same, every house looks the same, every car is the same, the family pets are all the same and children sit up straight in their desk chairs -- so unreal, so inhuman and unfeeling.

There have been times that I felt that my heart would stop beating I hurt so bad inside. There have been times that I hurt so bad physically that I forgot what it felt like not to hurt (like labor pains!).

I would never trade them. Ever.

I hope that when you listen to this, that it connects to your heart like it did mine because that connection, that resonation, is us "in this together"..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2zyeVRcbs

Amie

[alicia]

I like this song, too. Seems like a goal we try to reach is just like she says, a climb, and I like also that she says sometimes she will have to lose to get there. I personally don't like things to come easy. I would prefer to have a little bit of a challenge and earn it...seems we learn more of life's lessons along the way :)

Alicia

Let me clarify a little more....not that she has to "lose" literally, just slow down , take a break or decide it may not be worth the struggle at all.

[Amie]

Alicia,

And sometimes we're just gonna have to lose - not by choice. That's how it goes. Tears and failure are a part of life I think. For me, I feel better just knowing that it's ok to be sad, scared, mad, etc.. rather than feeling those ways anyway, and feeling uncomfortable with those feelings at the same time. Know what I mean?

Amie

[alicia]

I know what you mean...I have lost many, many times and actually felt some relief afterwards. I remember my senior year in high school I was undefeated in the distance races. The pressure was so incredible at that time, I wished I could lose just to take it off! Weird, I know, but now, I really don't care if I win or lose in anything, it's how you play the game (the climb).

Lara is a little the same. She is a straight A student and is very hard on herself when she comes home with a B. I hope and pray at times she will come home with more B's just so I can tell her it's ok. Her face lights up and she gives me lots of hugs and then runs off as if nothing happened.

Christina is very easy going and takes things in stride. She rides in barrel racing and other speed events, but doesn't get caught up in the win/lose thing. She just likes to ride and to stay on :)

Vanessa is a little different. She is highly capable, but the outside influences that she comes up against sometimes gets her down.

Three girls, three approaches. You're right! It's The Climb

Alicia