In the mountains it is easy to wake up with vigor. You will surely need it throughout the day; vacationing in the mountains is often tiresome work. The mountains provide an atmosphere of ambition that leads to exhaustion. I know how hard my day will be and it causes me to smirk. I enjoy my morning cup of coffee knowing the harder the day, the more fun. Knowing first thing in the morning that, lord willing, your hardest day, where YOU, not anyone else but YOU, will either rise to the challenge and go home a winner, or you will crumble and be forced to attempt the task another day.

People tell me this vigor should be reserved for vacations: that exhilaration is revered for the ultra-rich or the ultra-athlete. I often wonder why people don't consider themselves the extraordinary? Why should living the life that you want be the exception? Fear is a invisible force that contradicts vigor. It tells you to keep out of the drivers seat, to never leave the trail, and to stop thinking you can do more. Be happy with a life that you didn't choose.

The truth is, that no matter your surroundings, vigor and fear lurk about. Like two campfires cutting the darkness of the night, you choose which fire you add the wood to. The fire that produces the majority of the light controls your perspective. Recognize the mountains around you, plot over your morning coffee how you are going to rise with vigor and conquer that bitch.