1. Let’s Climb

Today I am taking the first step toward the next phase of my life’s journey. I am afraid. I have had this foot raised for a long while. It lands today, finally, with heart racing and eyes closed. 

Most often we speak and write and share from a presumed or privileged position of authority. That others should care about what we have to say. 

This is not that. My voice is speaking from a place of vulnerability, probably even a place of worry. Do I have the audacity to believe my words matter? 

It’s just that I have been wanting to share words in my mind and heart for some time. My wife, my children, my brother, and even my parents still catch what they can when my heart overflows. But, that’s not always fair to them or to my heart. 

What if I expanded the walls I have placed on my heart and mind? What if I removed the fears I have placed as guards at the edges looking down upon me? What if I disarmed the doubts I have allowed others to point at me? 

What if I added doors to my thoughts and windows to my dreams? And, then, what if I added a path where they start…and slowly began the climb onward and upward? 

I don’t know where this will end, but I know I must begin. 

I place this effort in God’s hands. He knows my intention and hope. I ask Him to protect me.

I hope you will join me on the journey ahead. Good companions are welcome. And even if you can only support me from a distance, I am sure I will feel it. 

All posts going forward will be made on the rehan.climbs page, I hope you will meet me there. 

I will share more in the coming days. For now, today, this foot needed to land. The first step needed to be taken. 

I hope my father would be proud. 

Let’s climb together. 

– Rehan

I’m an organizational psychologist, educator, father & founder. After completing graduate school at Teacher’s College, Columbia University in New York I spent formative time with students & scholars at Dar al Mustafa in Tarim. I’ve worked with the UNHCR in Geneva & taught social sciences as an adjunct professor in Miami. I write, speak, & consult on parenting, education, & institution-building. I’m honored to serve as the founding executive director of Sanad Trust Foundation, a nonprofit that provides education, wellness, & community programs for children, families, & elders.