I have always loved the look and feel of being in the mountains.  I am in awe of the magnificence of mountains and the fact that they even exist.  Peaceful and serene, they stand like sentries.  Whether they are beautifully green or shades of oranges and reds, I like being in the mountains. I am also aware of the dangers that can occur in the mountains.  But the risks never overshadow my appreciation of them.   I often think of my metaphorical mountains, no matter the mountain, I want and must persevere.  I think of challenges as my everyday mountains.  At first, when a challenge appears in your life, it seems like nothing, but as it continues, and you become weary, they can seem impossible.  But like anything else, if we take it one day at a time, small steps, we can manage to get through.
Every day can be a mountain if we allow it. Often, I find that I feel more overwhelmed when I am too connected to the outcome of a situation. I'm concerned about what others will think of the result or, more importantly, of my performance.  Stepping back helps me see the entire mountain. When I am too invested in the outcome of an issue, I cannot plan, evaluate my progress; even worse, I do not define clear goals. 

It may sound cliché, but each challenge strengthens us. It adds more texture, more substance to our souls. Challenges add complexity and nuance.  Not to say we should detach completely from experiences, but we should release the outcome once we have done our best. To live without concern for others is not healthy, but trusting that after you have done all you know to do and that a situation will play out as it should take a measure of faith whether you see it in a religious light or metaphysical one. We are here to experience this world. So experience it.

All of our mountains, our trials, and tribulations polish us like perfectly smooth, beautiful stones. I know it doesn't feel like it at the time. Usually, I feel quite beat up.

I'm not saying that we won't have problems in our lives.  I'm just encouraging you to keep going. You never know how close you are to the top. There is a natural ebb and flow of life.  In challenging times look inside yourself through meditation, GOD, or what spiritual being you follow. But also, when you are in a valley, reach out to those around you. You might be surprised to learn that your valley could be someone else's peak.
There no such thing as a pain-free life. What is painful for me may not be a problem for someone else.  Someone I think is struggling may be perfectly happy in their circumstances. Do not compare where you are in your life to what you see in someone else's life; you don't know where they are on their journey.   Life can be a challenge, believe me, I know. I have shared many of my challenges in past posts, but  I never feel more triumphant and better about life than when I get to the top of my figurative mountain—the excitement of starting a new adventure that lays ahead.  I'm learning to look around, absorb the experience, and enjoy the journey. I know I am forever changed by each mountain, moving towards my true self. Sometimes I get off track, but I'm committed to getting back into motion.  I press pause and enjoy my mountain.