In response

Well, this is certainly a record number of responses to my blog (more than every other post combined).  Whether the responses were simply to improve my spirits, or because you felt the need to express your views on the philosophy of climbing, it is good to know that people care.  I have read some thought provoking insights in each response, and feel that I can relate key points from each to my life.  I also love the variation in messages and posts that I received.  Though interpretations of my writing may have differed slightly from person to person, I feel that most of the variation was due to differences in the tenets and mentalities of the individuals responding.  No two responses stated the same idea, and I found that to be quite refreshing.  It shows that there is no ‘correct’ method for approaching a solution to a dilemma.  Each individual’s experiences and circumstances are so diverse that it only makes sense to expect such discrepant responses.  This is also why I'm sure that everyone understands that perhaps their advice is not applicable to other people (though as I mentioned earlier, with a collective pool of ideas, it is easier to pick out the key points that are relevant to one's life).  Personally, I admit that I probably spend too much time analyzing the lives of others and base my own expectations from what I find.  It is very easy for me to see the good in the lives of my friends, but I don’t see it so well in myself.  I’m sure that this is the case with many people.   Though it is almost incomprehensible to consider making such a significant change, I do need to stop juxtaposing my life to the lives of those around me.  I almost feel like that goes against human nature and natural evolution, but maybe it would be worth trying.

I have been climbing a few times now since I 'quit' and it has been quite nice.  I feel more like the old me, with fewer expectations and a more detached attitude.  While I still care, I don't get frustrated with failure, but instead try to be more surprised by success.  It brings back some of the old levels of excitement.
In conclusion, for something that I was so hesitant to post, I am pleased to see the expression and opinion of others.  Thanks to everyone out there who loves the sport and refuses to give up!