Lift as You Climb

"Lift as you climb."

I've long held this quote from Mary Church Terrell as a powerful mantra to inspire me to get on my knees, stretch out a hand, and ensure I didn't find myself at the destination without any partners to drink wine with. And how remarkable, that rather than feeling drained by the act of lifting, instead I feel re-energized? And, with this renewed energetic fire,  continue to climb in the company of others who are now in a better position to offer their hands, if need be. What a beautiful thought to meditate on. 

This quote stirs me because it isn't a one-way exchange of effort. The quote isn't, "Carry as you climb". The image conjured by "Lift as you climb" is incomplete without someone's hand, eagerly waiting, fingers completely outstretched and ready to seize the help being offered from higher up the mountain. In other words, this is not charity work. It is merely accelerating the progress of people who are already sweaty and struggling and gritting their teeth through the challenge.

In my interpretation, this quote also has no intended preference towards gender. While it has become a rallying cry for modern feminism (victim-obsessed feminism, more specifically), I choose to think that "lifting" deserving people of all genders ensures the behaviour is propagated. How is progress possible if genders are seeking to help only their own tribe, rather than providing a living example of the very thing (equality) they wish to see?

"Lifting while climbing" applies outside the spheres of workplace equality and women's rights. In romantic relationships, there is an opportunity to "take turns" while recognizing there are no guarantees that the progress or growth rate of two people will be parallel. The gap in personal or professional growth will require one partner to perhaps contribute the lift more often.

I firmly believe in order to scale your way through that high window, one partner must stand still and allow their shoulders to become the step.

It's an exchange of both responsibility and power. An understanding that cooperation is a much more efficient path than competition. A silent negotiation on personal progress. I love this thought, and how strong yet vulnerable it makes me feel. As much as I adore the concept, living it is still a work in progress. I've always owned my autonomy— perhaps even been defined by it— and most often I've found myself clawing my way up solo than inconveniencing someone by dirtying their shoulders.

Have a great weekend!

-CR

Here's a quick snap of my handiwork in the beautiful foothills near Grindavík earlier this year.

Pro tip: unless you're looking for a starring role in 127 Hours, always sign the trail register and scan for warnings from other hikers about trail hazards!