It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to this wonderful place. I have accepted an amazing position for an Outdoor Retailer in Atlanta that will allow me to take my climbing and role as an ambassador for my sport to the next level. In just a few short weeks I will sadly have to put Brevard in my rear view mirror. I can not convey how hard it was for me to decide to leave this beautiful forest and all the amazing people that make up this small mountain community; but one must forever be pushing forward, deeper into the zephyr of Life.
I'm sure many people have seen the title of my blog and thought " Well that's a bit arrogant.", but you must remember the story from which this clever title was derived. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was a young and confused boy that needed a new start in a place with more possibilities for prosperity and happiness than his home, which he left behind at a turbulent time in his life. He needed an escape from the world he knew and he needed the guidance of his new family to help him reach his full potential as a person. The Fresh Prince also brought a new perspective to his new home, not better nor worse, just something different...something fresh. In the end he walked away a better and wiser man. In so many ways I care not to expound upon this story is my story. I came to Brevard in need of healing, guidance, direction, peace, and strength. I came here to find myself in the silence of the forest. I hope that in my short time here I too brought something new, something fresh to this community and the paths that I crossed.
It has been over a year now and I can say that while I have not yet reached my full potential as a climber and more importantly as a person, I am on the cusp of something grand in my timeline. It is because of my time in this majestic corner of the world that I can now go on this new journey with a clear mind and a renewed energy.
The granite walls of North Carolina have made my mind strong and taught me that in moments of fear and chaos it is best to just breath and move forward slowly and deliberately...and that Death should be the least of our fears. The cold water of the Davidson River has cleansed my soul and taught me that if something takes your breath away, it's more than likely good for you and that you shouldn't fight it but rather let it wash over you. The trails have taught me that in life you have to react fast and stay balanced or you may come crashing to the ground; but you can't let the uncertainty hold you back from experiencing something great. The forest has taught me to be still and listen to my heart.
I want to thank all the amazing people I have met in my short time here. I have never seen such a happy place full of so much wisdom and unique perspectives. But there are a few people that have been pivotal in my reconstruction of the spirit.
Julia Tellman, Dan Ennis, Tyler Crotts, and Chuck Carlson: Thank you for reminding me to dance and that four drunk friends in a living room is better than a 400 person party any day. Julia: good luck on your walk-about. Dan: Kill it this season! I will be at the Clemson and home races for sure! Keep me posted.
Bennet Anderson and Davis King: Thanks for sharing Cathey's Creek with me. We've had some pretty amazing times... I can't remember them for some odd reason, but I know they happened and that they were awesome. Come see me in ATL. Keep climbing and be safe.
John Carpenter, Josh Baggett and Dan Horne: You're my boys! I've enjoyed every minute of your company and I hope you stay in touch! See you at Triple Crown!
Jeremy Whitworth: Thank you for believing in me and trusting me with your gym. I've enjoyed every moment with you and the Brevard Rock Gym family. You've shown me that a smile and the right words go a long way in life. Pardon my French but... you've really got your shit together man! You're going to go far in this life.
Wes Dickson: Thank you for reminding me that "Its all or Nothing" in this life and if you want something you can't wait on it but you just have to take it.....and thank you for the GALLONS of free coffee.
Carlos, Art, Joey, and the Sycamore Crew: It has been a pleasure joking, talking and working with you. Stay in touch. I wish you all the best Art: You owe me a game of chess!
Phillip Hoffman: What can I say man.... I wouldn't be here if it were not for you and I would not be stepping into this great opportunity without your guidance. You taught me to take the time to think hard before speaking. I think I may have developed a filter between my brain and mouth in our time together. The world will thank you. It has been a real pleasure working, climbing and talking with you over the last 15 months. I wish you the best and hope to see you frequently throughout this life * Jess: You have the most beautiful baby girl in the world and I can't wait to see her grow up! Thanks for being a great boss and for all the delicious baked goods :)
BREVARD: I see a bright future for you! Embrace that future and always adapt but never change what you are. Keep it simple and protect your forest! I am saying goodbye but I will be back. I will always come back to you. I first set foot in your forest as a young boy mountain biking with his dad and one day I hope to be an old man climbing here with his son. No matter where I go I now know that this will always be my home.
"You'll see one day when you move on, it just sort of happens one day and it's gone. You feel like you can never get it back. It's like you feel homesick for a place that doesn't even exist. Maybe it's like this rite of passage. You won't ever have this feeling again until you create a new idea of home for yourself for your kids, for the family you start, it's like a cycle. I don't know, but I miss the idea of it.. Maybe that's all family really is, A group of people that miss the same imaginary place."
I'm sure many people have seen the title of my blog and thought " Well that's a bit arrogant.", but you must remember the story from which this clever title was derived. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was a young and confused boy that needed a new start in a place with more possibilities for prosperity and happiness than his home, which he left behind at a turbulent time in his life. He needed an escape from the world he knew and he needed the guidance of his new family to help him reach his full potential as a person. The Fresh Prince also brought a new perspective to his new home, not better nor worse, just something different...something fresh. In the end he walked away a better and wiser man. In so many ways I care not to expound upon this story is my story. I came to Brevard in need of healing, guidance, direction, peace, and strength. I came here to find myself in the silence of the forest. I hope that in my short time here I too brought something new, something fresh to this community and the paths that I crossed.
It has been over a year now and I can say that while I have not yet reached my full potential as a climber and more importantly as a person, I am on the cusp of something grand in my timeline. It is because of my time in this majestic corner of the world that I can now go on this new journey with a clear mind and a renewed energy.
The granite walls of North Carolina have made my mind strong and taught me that in moments of fear and chaos it is best to just breath and move forward slowly and deliberately...and that Death should be the least of our fears. The cold water of the Davidson River has cleansed my soul and taught me that if something takes your breath away, it's more than likely good for you and that you shouldn't fight it but rather let it wash over you. The trails have taught me that in life you have to react fast and stay balanced or you may come crashing to the ground; but you can't let the uncertainty hold you back from experiencing something great. The forest has taught me to be still and listen to my heart.
I want to thank all the amazing people I have met in my short time here. I have never seen such a happy place full of so much wisdom and unique perspectives. But there are a few people that have been pivotal in my reconstruction of the spirit.
Julia Tellman, Dan Ennis, Tyler Crotts, and Chuck Carlson: Thank you for reminding me to dance and that four drunk friends in a living room is better than a 400 person party any day. Julia: good luck on your walk-about. Dan: Kill it this season! I will be at the Clemson and home races for sure! Keep me posted.
Bennet Anderson and Davis King: Thanks for sharing Cathey's Creek with me. We've had some pretty amazing times... I can't remember them for some odd reason, but I know they happened and that they were awesome. Come see me in ATL. Keep climbing and be safe.
John Carpenter, Josh Baggett and Dan Horne: You're my boys! I've enjoyed every minute of your company and I hope you stay in touch! See you at Triple Crown!
Jeremy Whitworth: Thank you for believing in me and trusting me with your gym. I've enjoyed every moment with you and the Brevard Rock Gym family. You've shown me that a smile and the right words go a long way in life. Pardon my French but... you've really got your shit together man! You're going to go far in this life.
Wes Dickson: Thank you for reminding me that "Its all or Nothing" in this life and if you want something you can't wait on it but you just have to take it.....and thank you for the GALLONS of free coffee.
Carlos, Art, Joey, and the Sycamore Crew: It has been a pleasure joking, talking and working with you. Stay in touch. I wish you all the best Art: You owe me a game of chess!
Phillip Hoffman: What can I say man.... I wouldn't be here if it were not for you and I would not be stepping into this great opportunity without your guidance. You taught me to take the time to think hard before speaking. I think I may have developed a filter between my brain and mouth in our time together. The world will thank you. It has been a real pleasure working, climbing and talking with you over the last 15 months. I wish you the best and hope to see you frequently throughout this life * Jess: You have the most beautiful baby girl in the world and I can't wait to see her grow up! Thanks for being a great boss and for all the delicious baked goods :)
BREVARD: I see a bright future for you! Embrace that future and always adapt but never change what you are. Keep it simple and protect your forest! I am saying goodbye but I will be back. I will always come back to you. I first set foot in your forest as a young boy mountain biking with his dad and one day I hope to be an old man climbing here with his son. No matter where I go I now know that this will always be my home.
"You'll see one day when you move on, it just sort of happens one day and it's gone. You feel like you can never get it back. It's like you feel homesick for a place that doesn't even exist. Maybe it's like this rite of passage. You won't ever have this feeling again until you create a new idea of home for yourself for your kids, for the family you start, it's like a cycle. I don't know, but I miss the idea of it.. Maybe that's all family really is, A group of people that miss the same imaginary place."
Goodbye Brevard and in case I don't see you.... good morning , good afternoon, good evening and GOOD NIGHT!
- Eric Matthew Singleton
"The Fresh Prince of Brevard"
