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Written by Karen D. Swim
There is an old gospel song called “Rough Side of the Mountain.” The song is older than I am and has been sung by many artists. At odd times, the song comes to me (the Mahalia Jackson version) and I sing the chorus (I’m coming up on the rough side of the mountain) like a funeral dirge. It was not until this Saturday, however that I saw the song and the rough side of the mountain in a completely new light.
I was 4 miles into a treadmill walk. My shoulders slumped and my spirit was dampened. An injury had forced me to walk rather than run which in my mind completed my humiliation. All week my body had betrayed me. Weird, scary things had happened that made me begin to think of big, scary things like mortality. Up until last week I had felt like I was only 44 and suddenly I felt like the oldest 44 year old on the planet.
As I walked, I could feel my thoughts growing darker and I was sliding fast into a deep dark pit. I could feel the hole growing larger, swallowing me bit my bit when something snapped in my head. I realized I could choose whether I was on the descent or the ascent. (Don’t ask me what caused the snap, not sure but the mental image of a cane was perhaps the thing that freaked me out). I could see myself as getting older and deteriorating or I could use this as my base and get better.
So, I mentally slid to the base of the mountain. If I took myself down to level ground, I reasoned, I would no longer be sliding down but climbing back up. (Take that dark and twisty thoughts!). I stood up straighter and began to feel the fire slowly returning to my belly. Now it was time to climb the mountain. Mahalia Jackson’s song began to play in my head (no singing out loud this time) and that’s when I got the epiphany.
If you have to climb a mountain, the rough side is actually much better than the smooth side. Now, I’m no mountain climbing expert but the times I have found myself trying to climb up or down one, the task has been far easier on the rough side. The smooth side is slippery with no way to control your movement. You have to create spaces for your feet and it’s hard to control your movements. The rough side, however, has nubby little patches and craggy spots that allow you to grab hold as you climb up or down. The big craggy spots even allow a resting place should you need to catch your breath.
All those years, the song that seemed so sad and depressing became bright and shiny. Oh yea, I was choosing the rough side. After all, it was the smooth side that had allowed me to fall so quickly into the pit. I need those rough patches of grass and rocks to help me climb to the top. I need a little grit under my boots to help propel me to the summit. Yes, on the rough side, your hands may get a little scratched and your body will need to work hard but when you get to the top you will be stronger for the journey.
I left the big scary things at the base of that mountain, and began to climb slowly but steadily up the rough side humming a happy little tune along the way.
Now it’s your turn. Have you ever reevaluated a long held belief or assumption? What impact did it have on you?
Karen Swim says
Faith, your comment truly blessed me! I never ceased to be amazed at how God whispers, and confirms His messages to us. I am truly humbled that I got to take part in your epiphany! Thank you so much for not only reading but sharing with me. God bless you!
Karen
Faith Maxwell says
Karen, This is an ephany within an ephany!
I have had this song on my mind for several days. I ask God,…..WHAT! am I just remembering a song from childhood or is there a message that You have for me. This moring my 35 year old son, that is living with us at this time and going through a pretty tough time, came in the livingroom and begain to sing….. “I,m coming up on the rough side of the mountain” He asked what was this song and where did he hear it. (he did’nt hear me sing it,because I never sang it in his lifetime)
I came in from my walk this morning and Googled the song title and came to your blog!
WOW! I feel blessed to have my answer.
Thanks,
Faith
Michele says
Karen, I’m often told that I’m a “breath of fresh air” or “really encouraging” by a lot of people. You’d think I’d get used to it, but nope, each and every time someone tells me that I’ve brightened up their day or helped them make it a little further in this rat race called life, my heart skips a beat and a smile creeps up on my face! I’m thrilled to have a small part in helping you keep climbing!
And, I always love it when folks share their heart in their posts. It’s something I’ve really tried to do on my own blog(s). 🙂
*smiles*
Michele
Micheles last blog post..I’m a Punk Duck at Write-from-Home.com!!!
Karen Swim says
Hi Michele! Your words were like a fresh shot of encouragement, thank you! I am not quite to the summit but climbing and grinning! Thank you Michele, you added another bright spot to my day. 🙂
Michele says
Wow, this is a really beautiful post! I agree that we need those bumpy spots to cling to and get ourselves on up the mountain. I battled a LOT of illness in my 20’s so I understand what you’re saying. Again, this is a really beautiful post! Sorry to repeat myself. 🙂
*smiles*
Michele
Micheles last blog post..I’m a Punk Duck at Write-from-Home.com!!!
Karen Swim says
Hi Truby! I can’t remember who said it but there’s a quote that says “the only dumb question is the one not asked.” Isn’t that so true? I was pretty shy as a kid and suffered from the same problem. I would come home and ask my mom instead. I have grown pretty fond of the rough side too, well not fond exactly lol but appreciative. Thanks Truby, I’m really glad we connected.
Truby says
When I was in school I would never raise my hand to ask questions when I didn’t understand the teacher. Not wanting to look embassing to my class mates, it wasn’t until later in life that I found out that most of my classmates felt the same as I did. Today
I feel just like I am climbing the rough side of the mountain, but the funny thing is….this way is much easier. I do ask questions when I am not sure of things these days. The rough side isn’t as bad as people assime it is. We need those rough edges. Thanks Karen
Jeanne Dininni says
So happy to hear that, Karen! Keep on climbing!
Look…up ahead…Can you see the summit? It’s not very far away at all…
Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations says
Karen,
great analogy…we do learn from life’s experiences more than life’s rest periods.
It helps to have others with us on the climb. You aren’t climbing alone. You never will be.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Cleaning Closets
Karen Swim says
Jeanne, thank you so much for that touching comment! I am happy to report that since I embraced the message, I have been climbing slowly but steadily upward! I am looking forward to the breather that allows me to slide down the other side. 🙂 That is a beautiful image to keep in mind as I climb, thank you Jeanne!
Jeanne Dininni says
This is beautiful, Karen, and I’m so glad you’ve made this wonderful discovery — this incredibly empowering paradigm shift! There’s such great headway to be made on the rough and rugged side of the mountain, whereas the smooth side is too slippery to let us advance very far in our climb toward the top. The slippery side is great for sliding back down to level ground after we’ve reached the top and can afford to take a little time out to enjoy a breather. But the only way we can make any real headway in life is to plant our feet firmly on those jagged, jutting rocks and start climbing!
Thanks for sharing such a meaningful image!
Karen Swim says
Lillie, thank you! It is so true, our human nature is to want the easy way but in our desire for easy we often take the harder path. It is a lesson that I keep learning. 🙂
Lillie Ammann says
Karen,
What great insight! Often the things that seem obvious aren’t accurate. We want the easy way and assume the smooth side is the easy side, but, as you so eloquently pointed out, it’s the very roughness that makes the mountain easier to climb.
Lillie Ammanns last blog post..I’m Home and Settling In
Karen Swim says
Did I mention the cheese would be from happy cows? 🙂
Melissa Donovan says
@Karen, A dance party with cheese? What could be better?
Karen Swim says
@Jamie, this line caused a catch in my throat: “I could take away my writing, and it was so very easy to do.” I have of course been reading your account on your blog and believe it echoes what so many feel (writers and non-writers). There is a danger in as you say holding on to tightly to our gifts but also allowing them to slip away. How many have silenced the writer, poet, musician, chef, tennis player or whatever moved them by their own hand. What a profound statement and wise word of caution. I am so very thankful for your insight my friend.
@Evelyn, when forced in to use the “dreadmill” I tend to entertain myself with my thoughts. 🙂 However, one of the things I love about movement is how it allows you to spend time listening to your body and mind. I often work through tough issues on a run or on the dreadmill.
Evelyn Lim says
What a great metaphor! I’ve been using the threadmill in my gym, huffing and puffing away on the upslope. It’s great that you are able to translate your thoughts on a physical activity to lessons for us all! Thanks for sharing!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..Soul Revelations From Past Life Memories
Jamie Grove - How Not To Write says
I used to hold the belief that no one could ever take away my writing. Then I found out that wasn’t true.
I could take away my writing, and it was so very easy to do.
I learned that while I shouldn’t take such things for granted, holding on too tightly can actually be the force that causes it to slip away.
Jamie Grove – How Not To Writes last blog post..Moving on from Failed Books
Karen Swim says
@Ulla, thank you dear friend for your encouraging words!
@Steph, I’ve seen EditQuest honey and I think you have made it to the top and are now being treated to the beautiful view. 🙂
@Amy, LOL! I want to be a hot, sexy 70 year old and if I have to use a cane I will bedazzle it with sparkly things. 🙂 You are the one who rocks Amy!
@Melissa, whoo hoo, I’m so up for a party. You bring the music I’ll bring the cheese! 🙂
Melissa Donovan says
This is one of the best metaphors I have ever seen and a great way of explaining why sometimes what looks like the easiest path is anything but easy. I’m going to climb up the rough side too. Let’s have a party when we get to the top!
Amy Derby says
Karen, you rock. No pun intended. Ok, well, maybe a little. 😉
There’s this woman in my neighborhood who walks around the block with her cane. I see her several times a day. I’m a bad judge of age, but I’d say she’s easily in her late 70s. I want to be like her when I grow up. 🙂
I’m scared of climbing mountains, but when I do I think of it like you said. The rougher side is easier to climb. I like that a lot.
Amy Derbys last blog post..Ninja Kick Your Competition (Again)
steph says
Whoa, Karen, what an amazing way to look at things! I really love it! I’m so glad you experienced that epiphany, that you feel better about the rough side, that you remembered about everything being a choice, and that you took back the control.
Thank you so much for sharing your perspective! I’m going to try to make it stick with me, too.
stephs last blog post..EditQuest at your Service
Ulla Hennig says
Karen,
I am glad I read your post this evening (it is 6.35 pm here in Berlin), because it put me in the right mood again. I am having a hard day tomorrow – lots of work today and too less time for it. I was walking home with my shoulders sagging and a disturbed mind. Would I make it tomorrow? Could I do the things which will be needed? Worry, worry, worry. And having read your post, I decided “I will climb up this mountain and I will reach the top!”. Thanks very much Karen!