LTF and Inspiration
- April 2013
- Simple Living
Hi Steph,
I wanted to drop you a note to say how much I am enjoying your new book, Learning to Fly.
As an athlete (casual climber, and pretty serious mountain biker), I love having other female athletes to look up to. And you have been one of the athletes I’ve looked up to for awhile now–I loved your first book, and really enjoy watching the videos on your website. A big part of why I look up to you is your love of climbing/jumping for the freedom it gives you, how much you learn about yourself by dedicating a big part of your life to these things, and the pure joy you derive from it.
For me (although I’m only a few chapters in…and have to admit skipping ahead to the chapter about free soloing pervertical sanctuary before reading anything else), this book really sets you apart. Your experiences aren’t those of some superhuman athlete, but of a real human being that has been through some hard times just like the rest of us. Moreover, I really identify with a lot of the feelings you talked about during the sad times…in particular, the fact that you felt self indulgent for even being sad in the first place. But the wonderful part (which I’ve experienced as well) is the happiness and freedom you felt after emerging from the hard times. Epitomized by the fact that you went from a point in life where you felt so sad and perhaps powerless over your emotions to a point where you were so happy and so in control over your fear and other emotions that you were able to free solo the route on the diamond. If that isn’t inspiring, I don’t know what is!
Anyway, thank you so much for sharing your experiences!
Holly
Thanks very much Holly, I’m really glad you like my books and also that they have struck a chord with you–that’s every author’s biggest hope.
I’ve realized I should start asking people if they would consider adding a review to Amazon or Goodreads. So if you have the time, that would be great too!
🙂 Steph
