Conquering the Wild Wild West

Conquering the Wild Wild West with Phyllis Miller:  Pushing Beyond the Comfort Zone

Hey there, fellow adventurers! I want to share with you a tale of pushing boundaries, facing fears, and ultimately triumphing in the face of adversity. Join me as I recount with our very own Phyllis Miller, her journey through the stunning landscapes of the wild west, where every step challenged not just her physical strength, but also her mental fortitude.

Meet Phyllis Miller, augustwenty’s financial wizard by day, and fearless world traveler by choice. While she has traveled the globe, seeking out the wonders it holds, there's always been one thing that sends shivers down her spine: heights. Yes, even the thought of standing on the edge of a precipice is enough to make her knees go weak. But hey, what's life without a little adrenaline rush, right?

So, armed with determination and a healthy dose of research, she set out on a quest to explore the majestic landscapes of Moab, Utah and Colorado with a friend.  These rugged terrains promised breathtaking views and heart-pounding adventures, but they also meant confronting her fear head-on.

First stop: Delicate Arch in Moab, UT. As she  embarked on the trail, she couldn't help but marvel at the surrounding beauty.   But as the path steepened and the elevation rose, so did her apprehension. Climbing slick rock with a 500-foot elevation gain? No problem, she took her time getting to the top, around the curving cliff to the vastness and beauty the arch beholds.   She’s got this!  

Next on the agenda: Corona Arch. Everything was smooth sailing as she ascended the slick rock mountainside, until she found herself gripping onto a chain support for dear life. Her heart pounded with each precarious step; the chain was positioned on her left side, while she, a right-handed individual, felt somewhat off-balance. Adding to the challenge were small divots carved into the rock, serving as precarious footholds. Frozen with fear, she reached a standstill halfway up. Meanwhile, her friend had already reached the summit and was peering down at her with concern. "Phyllis, are you all right?" she called out. Phyllis’ response was hesitant, "No, I don't think I can make it." Yet, her friend’s  unwavering encouragement echoed in Phyllis’ ears, "Yes you can, you can make it. Just place one foot in front of the other." With her friend’s support and Phyllis’ own determination, and wanting to finish what she started, she summoned the courage to push past her fear and eventually reached the summit, where the breathtaking view left her in awe. However, as the initial rush subsided, a new challenge presented itself: the descent. With cautious deliberation, she made her way down, one slow and steady step at a time.

Next up: Telluride, Colorado, where a 9700-foot elevation trail awaited her.  As Phyllis tells the story: “The rocky terrain posed a new set of challenges, but with each careful step, I felt a sense of empowerment coursing through me. And though the journey was challenging, the feeling of accomplishment at the summit made it all worthwhile.”

Reflecting on these experiences, it was a reminder to Phyllis that our minds truly are powerful tools. We have the ability to talk ourselves into or out of any situation, and oftentimes, the only thing holding us back is our own self-doubt. But by challenging ourselves and pushing beyond our comfort zones, we discover our true strength and resilience.

So, the next time you find yourself faced with a daunting challenge, remember this: you are capable of more than you know. Whether it's scaling a rocky peak or simply changing the gutters on your roof, embrace the fear, push through the doubt, and let your inner adventurer shine.

Until next time, keep exploring, keep pushing boundaries, and never stop stepping out of your comfort zone.

Cheers

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