How a freak climbing accident alleviated deep emotional pain

Rock climbing was a haven for Meg Atteberry — until an accident changed everything (Photo courtesy Meg Atteberry)

“All I ever wanted was for [my parents] to cheer me on and say they were proud of me. … But that never happened.”
— Meg Atteberry

Growing up in an emotionally abusive household, Meg Atteberry yearned for her parents’ approval. But no matter how hard she tried, the message was always the same: you are not enough. The emotional scars from her upbringing lingered long into adulthood.

Then one day, Meg took a dangerous fall while rock climbing.

The brush with death resulted in fresh trauma. But in the aftermath of the accident, something surprising started to happen.

On this episode, Meg shares the story of how a freak accident changed her relationship with climbing, and with her parents.

Meg Atteberry is a freelance content writer living in Denver, CO. You can see more of her work, including her outdoor blog, at Fox in the Forest.