I have been on the receiving end of that comment. At the time, it made me feel awesome, on top of the world and gave me an incredible rush! I'm not so sure that I understood what the actual statement meant to me at that instant, but it sure sounded amazing being the recipient of that descriptor! As recreational climbers, we hear that statement every once in a while about great climbers who commit themselves to road-trip for years and pursue their passion of climbing with an attitude of, "whatever it takes"! These individuals do great things for the sport, and may eventually become icons that the rest of us look up to and dream of becoming... dream of "Living The Dream".
In a large way, maybe that's what it's all about! In others perception, maybe those seen as Living The Dream give hope and inspiration to the rest of the world with what it is that they are doing. I sure know that I was incredibly inspired by climbers like the late Alex Lowe and Dan Osmond... were they "Living The Dream"? To me, as a recreational climber who craved to become better, craved to spend more time on the rock and ice faces of the world they sure were! I have been inspired by many great climbers who to me, are sure Living The Dream!
Why would I have been on the receiving end of that comment??? is something that I have asked myself many times in the past few months. I sure don't see myself that way now... but then I am not where I was, am not doing what I was doing... so then, one can fall from this state for sure!?! Or is it simply the perception others have of us?? Is it possible that each and every one of us can Live The Dream??? ...maybe it's simpler than doing something radical that becomes obvious to most others? Maybe more of us Live The Dream than we know... maybe we live our own dream, whatever that is, the dream that puts us in our happy place in life! Maybe that constitutes the weekend warrior who goes out and climbs when they can for the sheer passion of climbing! Profound... possibly, they are Living The Dream too!
I would love your insight to this interesting concept! Are you "Living The Dream"? Is it your dream? is it someone else's perception of what you are doing with your life? WHAT is it that constitutes "LIVING THE DREAM"? Is it just a label... or is there much more to it than that???? Thank you for reading and Please share your thoughts!
Ciao for now and keep spreading the love!
