If your wondering why you haven’t seen any blogs lately, if I’m being honest, it’s because I’ve had a serious case of writer’s block. I didn’t even realize that I had writer’s block, all I knew is that words, stories, and messages that normally came to me were missing. I just couldn’t seem to find the correct narrative. When you’re feeling stuck, the best way to get through anything is to put yourself in new environments and experiences that inspire and spark creativity and passion.

This past weekend I did just that in my first ever outdoor rock climbing adventure. Outdoor rock climbing is not like indoor climbing. The rocks are both sleeker and rougher, you are immersed in nature (fresh air, trees, and yep bugs), you hear the wind and the birds, and you also realize how big the world is around you.

Like anything new, there is a certain amount of fear and nerves to be expected. Rock climbing certainly has this but in addition it requires a lot of trust, in yourself, in your companions, and in the equipment your using. To say it was an experience worth repeating is an understatement.

While I can’t speak for everyone’s experience, for myself, rock climbing was a constantly changing puzzle. A puzzle that at certain times seemed impossible to complete but with a shift of perspective and a little muscle, the pieces of the puzzle would magically fit together. When faced with these seemingly impossible puzzle pieces, it was a reminder that the path up is not always obvious. I need to pause, breathe, open my eyes, and trust that I had the strength to keep going.

I realized that the obstacles I was facing while rock climbing felt very similar to the obstacles I face on a daily basis. Some life obstacles seem so overwhelming large that it feels impossible to climb up, some obstacles are more difficult than they first appeared, and sometimes we just get stuck on an obstacle.

When we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place (whether metaphorically or literally) we have three choices.

1. We can figure out a way up and keep going.

2. We can stay right where we are.

3. We can give up or choose to go back to the beginning.

Let’s talk about these options. Because honestly, I think they are all applicable in various situations.

Option 1: Figure out a way up and keep going.

This option is a fight for change. Change is uncomfortable and requires both mental and physical toughness to be able to keep going even though it might be easier to throw in the towel. This option is important when your faced with challenges like competitions/races, self improvement, goals, setbacks and challenges etc. Sometimes you simply just have to figure out a way to keep going. But keep in mind that at times this option might be just thing that is holding you back. Pushing through with blinders on no matter the consequence may not always be the best solution. It depends on what you’re facing and what change you’re fighting for.

Option 2: Stay where you are.

Staying where you are for a moment can be a good place to pause, breathe and analyze the situation. But let’s face it, there is only so long that you can hang out on a rock (whether it’s a literal rock or metaphorical rock). Eventually, you’ll have to make a choice. Do you decide to keep trying to move forward or do you decide to turn around and go back. Both options will have their own challenges, you have to make the decision on which direction to take.

Option 3 Give up or choose to go back to the beginning.

Sometimes we need to or forced to go back to the drawing board. Sometimes this might be choosing to give up. Other times this might be recognizing that there might be a better path we could be taking to get to where we want to be. And sometimes there isn’t another choice, we are forced to go back. Every time you go back down just realize that there is a lesson that can be learned along the way. You can choose to let the experience continue to drag you down or you can get back up on your feet look up at the obstacle and either try again or find a new path to your destination.

So the next time you’re feeling like your stuck between a rock and a hard place, I encourage you to pause and think about your options. Take a moment to breathe, think about or visualize where you’re trying to go, what does it look like when you get to the top, how do you feel.

And ask yourself, is the change you’re fighting for worth it to keep climbing or should you go back down and regroup?

There is no right answer. The answer is on you and your goals.