Yesterday was fun. We went skiing. I’m using the term loosley. Overall, I’m pretty happy with the progress I’ve made. I have been skiing a total of 3 times now. So yeah, not very much. We go once a year. And I’m 37. Have I mentioned that I’m not as springy as I used to be? Obviously I’m not on the fast track to the winter Olympics but I am learning.
I was able to get a lesson and practice on the bunny hill. I’m actually pretty good at turns (on gentle slopes) but I kinda sorta freak out when it gets steep. Hence the constant falls. On the bright side I did get the official “pass” from our instructor. Another bright spot is that they have a really nice staff up there. I may have been rescued once or twice. They had a slow day and I’m sure I provided lots of good entertainment for them. You’re welcome.
My goal was to actually ride the lift and to make it down the hill. Technically, I did do both. Not actually on my own but hey, baby steps. Falling and making a fool of myself aside, I truly love skiing. I love the mountains and the fresh air and the beauty of it all. I love the energy and the complete vulnerability of going headlong down a snowy slope. Mostly, I love feeling completely alive. Wind, cold and all. I.am.alive.
Also, riding that lift up and up and up is about the most peaceful thing a being can do. You know that lull you feel floating on the river? The smoldering captivation of a campfire that you can’t look away from? Yeah, it’s that but with snow.
And to be honest, the looking foolish part wasn’t really that bad. I realized that I am a stubbornly proud person (something I actually already knew but passionately hate to admit) and that there are a lot of kind people who get that. I was thankful that God allowed me a humbling experience and yet to maintain a bit of dignity. One more flaw that was so plainly pointed out…*sigh*. Well, pride certainly does go before the fall! Or maybe with the fall in my case.
And so I leave you with this:
“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill
“In life, the question is not if you will have problems, but how you are going to deal with your problems. If the possibility of failure were erased, what would you attempt to achieve? – John Maxwell from Failing Forward
“Go ahead, venture out and make a few mistakes. This life won’t wait for you to get it all figured out.” – Veronica Henneke
Hennekes At Home 