February 2023

Swish, swish, swish.

As I crisscross down the mountain, I lean into my downhill ski and drop my shoulder with each turn.

Concentrate on your balance and making even turns, I remind myself. Relax your arms and lean into the mountain. 

Swish, swish.

The world around me is quiet, but my mind is replaying all the times I've skied before, all the fear and insecurities I've wrestled with over the years, the times I've fallen when my ski tips cross mid-turn. That time in Utah, I had to take off my skis at the top of the Olympic trail and walk down the mountain (dying from embarrassment).

Life can be like that sometimes: Offering an instant replay of all the moments we've worked so hard to forget.

But 15 years later, I'm starting to see the value of these memories and what they can teach us.

Here are seven life lessons I'm learning from the slopes:

1. The conditions are always changing. 

You may find groomed corduroy, slick icy patches, and powder drifts—all on the same trail. It may be sunny and bright at the bottom with flat, grey light at the top. The conditions are always changing, so be prepared, responsive, and flexible.

2. You have to make your own tracks. 

The trails show traces of those who have traveled this way before but it's impossible to make it down the mountain using the same set of tracks. Your path will have its own twists and turns that are unique to you. Make your own decisions, use your own creativity, and make your own tracks.

3. It's okay to fall. 

This is a good opportunity to remind ourselves that failure is an important part of the learning process. What can we learn from our mistakes?

4. There's always a little risk involved. 

You may not be able to see the whole trail, but that shouldn't keep you from exploring it. Embrace a spirit of curiosity, bravery, and courage as you set out. As piano pedagogue William Westney reminds us, "Risk-taking is absolutely essential for success."

5. Sometimes it's good to be still. 

It's inevitable that the lift will slow down or stop at least once on the way up the mountain. Swinging our skis back and forth, it's easy to become impatient (not again!) or feel unsettled (what if we're really stuck here). Instead, consider this an opportunity to savor a quiet moment, be still, and take in the view.

6. It's better with people.

It's true in skiing and in life. Surround yourself with people who cheer you on and challenge you to be better.

7. Enjoy the ride. 

Yes, there's some risk involved, parts of it are beyond our control, and it can be a lot of work sometimes, but relax, have fun, and enjoy the ride.

Do any of these resonate with you in this season?