People ask…”how did you get into climbing?”

The easy answer is I went on an outward bound kayaking trip in Maine when I was 25, and at the end of the week long trip, there was a day of rock climbing.  I did it for the first time and thought… I dig this.  I should do more.

But that is the easy answer.  Rock climbing found me.  While I started exploring climbing and mountaineering briefly in my late 20s, I also found my husband at the same time and before I knew it, I was married and having kids.  I had only climbed a few times before I got married, and quickly jumped into starting a family.  I didn’t own much climbing gear, but remember vividly selling it all on ebay when I believed I wouldn’t climb again because I was starting a family. (and how can anyone possibly raise a family and go climbing?)

After having 3 kids, I suddenly realized I was deeply unhappy with my life.  Something was missing.  My youngest was 9 months old when I asked my husband for a divorce. I was 38, suddenly a single mom of 3 kids, ages 5, 3, and 9 months and had no idea whatsoever what my future would look like.  I had left my wall street job when I had kids, and although I was well educated and experienced, I couldn’t imagine returning to a corporate environment.  I had no idea what my future would look like, but I had faith that somehow, things would work out. 

During my separation, I got back into climbing full force.  Not only did I fall back in love with the basic joys of climbing, but it was a CRITICAL part of rebuilding my life through my separation and divorce.  It helped me feel strong, independent, confident and capable in a time of my life where I desperately needed it.  Climbing was something that was entirely my own.  I did it completely for myself, for my self worth and self love.  To say it saved my life is not an understatement.  That was over 10 years ago and I haven’t stopped.  

Then in April 2022 I randomly felt a lump. I just knew things were about to change. (and this was a few months after getting a clean mammogram!)

I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a lumpectomy, radiation and hormone therapy.

The hardest part was the lack of connection I felt with my body. There were so many days that I probably looked ok from the outside, but my soul was lost. My body was hijacked and I struggled. And I didn’t see it coming.

My body went from hero to zero overnight.

I was angry, short tempered, anxious and depressed. I didn’t recognize myself. And I didn’t like what I saw. It’s hard to witness your behaviors and thoughts and not know what the hell is going on.

I am a firm believer that climbing and nature is the perfect way to learn about yourself, heal your soul, and develop ways to grow inside.  The lessons learned are both obvious and subtle, and continually reveal something new about yourself.  Usually at the exact moment when you need it.  

- xo Anyssa