The real freedom you want

David and Ian, both avid mountaineers, decided to tackle a less-traveled route up Mt. McKinley in Alaska. Deemed as one of the hardest routes up the already highest peak in North America, this was no small endeavor.

David and Ian trained and planned for over a year for this ambitious endeavor. The window to climb Mt. McKinley occurs in June. It’s the sweet spot after winter snow ends and the warm summer snow melting occurs. It’s when the snow is firm to walk on, yet you’re not sinking deep into melted snow.

With eagerness and butterflies in their stomach, they hopped on their first flight with over 70- pounds of gear each. This was a one-month expedition. Carefully weighed gear and food proportionally divided for each day with three days of spare food in case. Their next flight was a small peddle jumper that dropped them and their gear onto a glacier with a firm pick-up time exactly 30 days later. No further contact with friends and family occurred after that. They were strictly on their own, only with a satellite phone for a dire emergency.

David and Ian laid connected a sled to their hips and dragged a sled with 70 pounds of gear behind them. After two weeks of making slow but steady progress, the team reached the famous Cassin ridge. This is where the expedition gets very technical. It was no longer on foot. The team would need to climb 15 pitches (each pitch is a length of rope) up a steep ridge full of ice and rock. It’s dead vertical with no room for error. To give you an idea of a normal climber, eight pitches in a single day would be average. This particular section is done at an altitude starting before daybreak, then intense sun, and completed as the sunset. This would take anywhere from 12-18 hours, depending on other conditions.

With a small weather device, they waited for a clear window to occur. An intense storm came through, then lightened up. Ian was ready to go, yet David was unsure. Waiting one more day, weather conditions stayed the same, light snow yet not completely clear. They worked as a team, so they waited. Two more days went by. Another storm ravaged their tent. Finally, conditions let up, and David was eager to get moving and complete their summit attempt. Ian was still doubtful full of what if’s.

After ten days, with only a few days of food left. David and Ian headed back down the mountain to catch their puddle jumper flight out. David saw a year of training and preparation go to waste. Ian saw that nothing bad happened. Upon return, when fellow mountaineers asked how it went, their voices said it all.

With a sullen hesitant voice about the perception of others, they couldn’t look anyone in the eye. So we didn’t even attempt Cassin Ridge.

“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” – Anonymous.

When you think about your freedom, it’s more than safety and security. Your real freedom is Peace of Mind.

Where does doubt keep you artificially safe? So how can you be inquisitive and ask the right questions to put your heart and mind at ease?

Our freedom comes from emotional integrity. It’s when our heart, mind, body, and soul connect as one. When this occurs, your choices come with ease, grace, and a simple flow.

This week, evaluate where the doubt arises. Ask a question to bring the connection back together. The answers will easily appear.

This peace of mind is what you truly seek.

Wishing you an abundant, joyful, and prosperous day!

Lora Polowczuk
Chief Energy Officer