It’s the Climb

So, the long climb is over: my first book, 4000s by 40, is out! I’ve been quietly letting people know this week, taking my time before announcing it to a larger audience, being mindful of my purpose for writing it. I decided months ago that when I released it, I wanted to step into this one foot at a time—with intention, as they say. I learned so much about writing, and myself, during the journey, and now that this moment has arrived, I’m realizing something that also occurred to me when I was climbing the 4000-footers: it’s not the accomplishment that fills my being. That’s not what sustains me. What lifts my spirit and grounds my soul is the climb.

Already, I find myself wanting to write the next book and get started on it today, even though I still haven’t quite announced 4000s by 40 is out yet. I haven’t posted it to social media, other than to a small private account for friends and family, hoping to get a little peer review before releasing it to the masses. I suppose I didn’t really need to do it this way, but it felt right. I want the book to be successful, to be sure, but mostly just want the words to get shared and connect with people. I suppose I want the words to fly.

With that in mind, I’ve started climbing again. I took a couple days to enjoy the book’s completion, mostly by getting a little more sleep and taking a day off from work, but I’ve never been one to bask in anything. I’m still nervous if people will like it, so that probably has something to do with my muted elation, and the truth is that I won’t be able to get excited until I hear that others are enjoying the book. I hope they do!

So, I’m climbing. Writing here, writing the next book, writing ideas for the ones that follow. I’m also plotting more physical climbs, with hopes of returning to the mountains on Friday. What is this new reality? That after exhausted effort, I want more of it. I heard something recently—wish I could remember where—about having these moments in life where you can see yourself, your true self, standing on the other side of some invisible line, and you have to decide whether you are going to step into that person. Maybe that’s it. Maybe I’m not celebrating the completion much because the effort is where I saw my true self, and I want to take more steps in that direction.

If you do find yourself looking for a new book, I’d be honored if you checked out 4000s by 40. I’m going to set up a Facebook page and post to wanderingmatt8 on Instagram, as well as here, hoping to hear about others’ climbing and writing experiences. There’s so much beauty out there and I’d love to hear what others are doing and working on. There’s so much to share. Happy climbing!