the climbing climbers climb has climbed

I've mentioned my desire to take a break from climbing this year—not a complete hiatus, but rather an effort not to let it dominate my daily life and plans, as has been the case for nearly six years. Does this make me foolish? Should I instead embrace climbing as the vital and important part of my life it has become, striving for balance and welcoming it as a healthy, productive passion? The pursuit of climbing, chasing seasons, and climbing cool mountains has been amazing but one day you wake up and you’re living in a van and all for it.

My reservations stem partly from the changes within the climbing community, especially with its growth on social media and increasing popularity. The sport seems to have lost the mystique it once held for me. I'm uncertain about how my relationship with climbing will evolve as I age. I suspect not much will change, and I'll likely continue climbing into my later years. However, the truth is, over the past seven months, I've felt discontent with my relationship with climbing. I've questioned whether I've been climbing for the right reasons, or if my focus on becoming stronger has overshadowed appreciating my current abilities.