International Mountain Day- What's Your Mountain?

Today is International Mountain Day.  In all honesty, I had never heard of it until Elvis Duran mentioned it on his morning show today.  Did you know that 13% of the world's population live on mountains/in mountain communities?  And, mountains provide 60-80% of the world's freshwater?  I can't even wrap my head around that.  Check out more interesting facts here: http://www.un.org/en/events/mountainday/

So, what a perfect day for a mountain theme.  It is funny because a couple of weeks ago, the pastor at church asked, "Where does your mountain begin?"  That question resonated with me, both personally and professionally.  I have mountains.  You have mountains.  Without mountains, wouldn't life be plain?  Yes, pun intended there.  Not all mountains are the same though.  You start climbing your mountain where you are.  At different points in our lives we are faced with truths, struggles, choices, mountains.  Friends.  College.  Career.  Marriage.  Family.  Marriage.  Divorce.  Career again.  Health.  Lifestyle.  Location.  Religion.  Finances.  How will you climb your mountain?  Do you have help?  Will you accept help?  Just imagine how beautiful the summit will look.  You can get there. 

How about some mountain quotes for some inspiration?
"It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe."  -Muhammad Ali

"You don't climb mountains without a team, you don't climb mountains without being fit, you don't climb mountains without being prepared and you don't climb mountains without balancing the risks and rewards.  And you never climb a mountain on accident- it has to be intentional."  -Mark Udall

"There are a lot of mountains to climb out there.  When I run out of mountains,  I'll build a new one." -Sylvester Stallone

"The only Zen you can find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there." -Robert M. Pirsig

How about songs with mountain themes? 
Rocky Mountain High, John Denver
Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Our Mother the Mountain, Townes Van Zandt
Rocky Top, The Osborne Brothers
King of the Mountain, Midnight Oil (my personal favorite on this list

Jokes about mountains
Why are mountains so funny?  Because they are hill areas.  (Say it aloud, give it a second...)
What do you call a pile of cats?  A meow-tain

Okay...this category wasn't easy to fill

And, a picture.  **Warning** This pic might make some people feel a little anxious.

Now go, face your mountain.