Some highlights from Rocklands thus far. Only been here a few days but I feel like it’s already been beneficial for the brain chemistry. I think befriending Fred the cat was the biggest highlight. Wow, I love that cat. So freaking affectionate. — I’m really grateful for this trip because, the last couple years have been hard for me. Probably the hardest of my adult life. Which, when I reflect on it, probably means that I’ve had it pretty darn good compared to most. Though, for as petty and inconsequential as personal problems can seem in comparison to the bigger picture when you take a couple steps back, it’s amazing how urgent and all-consuming they can feel in the moment. I’m grateful for the distance from and perspective on them that time here will provide, maybe even more than I am for the climbing opportunities (though admittedly, I’m excited for those too). Almost everyone I know in their 30s and beyond is exhausted, anxious, and dealing with some major ish, either personally, existentially, or both. To me, the energy of the world feels electrified, confused and borderline hopeless in a way that it didn’t 5 or 10 years ago. Maybe it’s part of getting older, but I think a lot of people are feeling it— that end-times feeling. Of course, progress is being made in a lot of areas of humanity that is inspiring and hopeful, but like newtons 3rd law, all that progress and awareness seems to be accompanied by an equal amount of ego, fear and malice. Everyone’s going through it. There is so much injustice in the world, so much suffering. Everywhere you look, in every place, it’s so apparent. It’s overwhelming. The whole world needs a f-ing break but, there’s too much money to be lost 😔. To those who are going through it hard right now- I’m sending strong hugs, and love. — I’m grateful for this trip, for the hard mental reset I’m hoping it will provide, more than the hard sends. But, I’m also grateful for some immaculate stone like the stuff that comprises the @jwebxl problem pictured above, “Rise up”- the first I was able to check off my fat-too-long to-do list. I’m trying to approach each day with as few expectations as I can. I’ll let you know how that goes.