Three Steps Forward...

...Two Steps Backward.  This was the mantra as I attempted the nearly 18,000ft summit of Popocatepetl in the early 1990's before the volcano reactivated and became off-limits to climbing. 

After flying in from sea level to Mexico City (where we had a tense encounter with the corrupt "Policia" just as we departed the airport), we were on the great black ash heap that is the lower part of the climb within 24hours of arrival on our way to a small hut located at about 15,000ft. 

"Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back, Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back", "Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back" was the drumbeat pounding in my head until we arrived at the hut just before sundown.  After a sleepless, fitful night filled with headache and nausea, we decided to descend at sunrise.  "Scree-skiing" down the ash heap was a much more enjoyable experience.

And so it is with our professional, personal, and spiritual lives.  There are metaphorical mountains to climb, and along the way it feels like we take three steps forward only to slide back two steps.  Furthermore, despite our best intentions, desires, and efforts to achieve a particular summit or goal, we frequently fail.  The most important question to ask at these times is: "what did I learn?"
   
In the case of my unsuccessful attempt on Popocatepetl, even though I had achieved the highest elevation in my early climbing days, my body was not ready to go farther.  I learned that prior to proceeding to altitudes over 12,000ft my body needs more time to acclimate.  Then, as now, I am reminded of the Dirty Harry (Clint Eastwood) quote from the 1973 film Magnum Force: "A man's got to know his limitations."  

Thankfully, after spending more time in and around the volcanoes near Mexico City, we achieved the summit of Pico De Orizaba (approximately 18,500ft) a few days later in a memorable ascent with a few good friends. 

So, I ask: what are you learning about your own limitations?