The mind is a muscle and, if you don’t use it, it atrophies.

I have taken the foot off the gas a little recently in all aspects of my life. I’ve needed to regroup and also just take it easy for a while. I’ve been focussing on fun things like skiing, moderate climbing, and just having fun. The New Year, as with everyone though, was a kick up the butt to get back onto things and start making progress on long-held goals.

But I keep failing, falling off the wagon, and getting angry that I’m not committing to things in ways I have before.

I love being in the mountains. That combination of the physical, mental, and emotional pressures make me feel truly alive. To make the most of it, and to stay safe there, I want to be a mountain athlete. The buzz, strength, and determination I have developed in the mountains has turned into a true asset in the rest of my life both professionally and personally and, with this foundation, I believe I will be better prepared for life as a whole.

Where to begin. Do I start with a summary of what an incredible year 2014 has been? The ideas and plans for 2015, Sophie and I have been hatching? Or the feeling that, even after so many experiences, I still feel like a complete beginner.

After writing about my recent epiphany, the journey to finding meaning in what I’m doing, and decision to focus on a single mission over the next year, a good friend emailed me an article called Taming the Swarm by Oliver Emberton. Wow, this article really nails it!

When I’m about to make a big decision, I often take the time to ask myself, What is the worst that can happen? I don’t mean this in a throw caution to the wind sort of way. I mean this as; based on my judgement, experience, and intuition, what are the consequences of my actions and am I willing to suffer the worst case scenario. I’m not always right but I trust myself to make the best decision I can at a given moment.

When Sophie and I moved to Chamonix we exposed ourselves to a number of risks: our security, our careers, even our reputations. Likewise, when I set off on an alpine climb in the high mountains I am exposing myself to risk, this time: injury, or worse.

With so much on the line for either of these paths, why would anyone voluntarily put themselves into these positions?

With our move to Chamonix, France, people often ask us ‘What do you do for work?’ and I have struggled for a concise answer, replying with ums and ahs. Our recent adventure gave me plenty of time to think and I am forming a new philosophy for myself; an analogy for the stage of my life I am in.

I am munching.