Our Very Own Mont Blanc

 
(Click on images to enlarge them).


What is it about high mountains and our crazy desire to get to the very top, no matter what?

Why is it that we're often blind to the valleys and mountains below, which are far less dangerous and require far less effort? I took the above photo of Mont Blanc during a weekend ski trip to La Plagne - thundering over the French Alps at a height of 4807 metres, this is Europe's largest mountain. For many writers, getting a publishing contract is their very own Mont Blanc in the distance. Nothing will ever put them off the relentless, gruelling push to reach that peak.

I also fall into this category, I suppose, but I do try to remind myself that we must also try to enjoy what's around the feet of that great mountain. There is fun to be had! The smaller mountains nearby are just as grand, just as gorgeous, and we shouldn't dismiss them out of hand. The journey is often better than the arrival! Also, if we never reach that glorious peak, and there's a mighty big chance we won't, then at least we've had a blast on the way.

We can keep our sights on our Mont Blanc, but we shouldn't become so obsessed that we see nothing else. Let's put on our skis and let ourselves glide off. There is so much else to experience and see. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Some of us may just find that on the summits of those smaller mountains, and among lots of other undiscovered valleys, we find all the pleasure and satisfaction we need.

This is what I tell myself: keep on towards Mont Blanc, but don't go getting lost in a blizzard.