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the climb
  

The race was on in the forest.o:p>

It was open to any green frog

To climb the tallest of gum trees,

The start at the base on a log.

 

There were over eighty contestants

From ponds, some near and some far,

Eager to test their frog fitness

And show how brave that they are.

 

The race was begun by an elder

With a wave and the loudest of croaks

That snapped all the frogs into action

To hop to the trunk with one stroke.

 

They climbed with great concentration

Getting higher with every small hop

But the crowd below shouted comments

“It’s too high to get to the top”.

 

“No-one has ever done it.

No-one has ever got near.

It’s impossible to climb to the summit.

It’s too high. too narrow, too sheer”.

 

The frogs quickly got tired

Losing their grip, then to drop

Except one who just kept on climbing,

Refusing to rest or to stop.

 

This frog alone climbed the gum tree,

Overcoming the height and the fear.

When asked later how he had done it?
Replied, “Pardon, I’m unable to hear”.
 

the doctor's thoughts ..........

I have been very conscious of giving my children advice.  It is so easy to transfer your own fears on to others, especially your children.  I remember when they started climbing trees I had to just turn my back and ignore my fears that they would fall.  Luckily they did not  and now all go climbing on rock faces.  I still have to look away at times even though they are roped.
Another more personal experience was in my anaesthesic practice.  I practically taught myself to give an anaestetic when I was working in remote areas.  I realised how dangerous it could be but knew my limitations and gave hundreds of anaestetics with no supervison and no serious problems over a period of fifteen years.  I then thought I should get a complete update and went to a capital city to be alongside a top specialist for a couple of weeks.  It was the worst choice I could have made for he was so negative and condescending about my situation.  He continually critised my lack of training and considered that only specialist should ever give any anaesthetic.  When I returned to my practice in the country I found that my confidence had completely gone.  I started having problems with my anaesthetics even though I did little to change my routine.  It became so stressful that I gave it away.  I never forgot how this specialist had shattered my ability with his comments, even if they were well meaning.
So too in all things that we do.  It is very easy to talk others or even ourselves out of something.  Sometimes, once the risks have been identified and acccepted, it is best just to get on and do it.