I recently learned to snow ski.
I had imagined skiing to be a fun experience because I love spending time in nature, but I had absolutely no idea what this new adventure had in store for me, and my heart raced with a strong mixture of excitement and fear.
The first day started off most humbling. Just getting the snow boots on took quite an effort; and a lot of help. As I struggled – battled is probably more accurate a word – to squeeze my feet into those “space” boots, recollections of giving birth filled my mind. Then came time to walk! I suddenly knew what Neil Armstrong felt when he took his famous first steps on the moon.
I finally managed to stomp my way to the area where my ski lesson was held. Although the surface was initially flat, there was enough snow to guarantee slow, awkward, and clumsy baby steps on my part.
As I looked up the mountain, my fears surfaced to new levels. It was one thing to think about skiing down a slope, but now I was about to actually do it!
“What if I fall and break a bone!?”
“What if I can’t learn to stop, and I crash into and hurt someone!?”
I took a deep breath to help calm myself down. It also helped to see so many other – including youngsters – racing down the slopes effortlessly.
I was determined to learn to do the same. After all, I told myself, if a five-year old could do it, so could I.
So I spent the entire day practicing and practicing the basics until I finally felt a little comfortable keeping balance as I learned to change direction and stop safely.
The second day came too quickly. The good news was that my ski instructor advanced me to the next level. The bad news is that my promotion rekindled my fears.
Now it was time to go up the “bunny slope”, which didn’t look small at all once I was looking down on it! But I faced my fear and learned to curve my way down over and over again until once again I actually started to feel comfortable.
The third day was the “moment of truth.” It was time to take the ski lift to the top of the mountain! To be honest, just getting on the lift scared me half to death. Have you ever seen how high those chairs climb, attached only to a wire?!
Being able to overcome my fears proved totally worth it. Words can’t describe the incredible beauty as I stood in awe overlooking Lake Tahoe from more than 6,000 feet above. The mountain pines were covered with fluffy snow, and the sun glared warmly in a blue, cloudless day.
At some points, the blue sky seemed to blend directly into the lake so far below, creating a crystalized-emerald effect on the water. It was simply one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen.
Enjoying the amazing view was one thing, but now it was time to ski down the mountain, which proved A LOT steeper than I had expected.
Fear surfaced yet again, but I trusted my two-and-a-half days of training, and I headed down the slopes slowly, but safely.
As I reflect back, I am so grateful to have had such a wonderful adventure. In fact, I realize that the entire experience can be seen as a metaphor for life.
Each step; each turn represent life’s challenges, and I had to continue down the path even when I fell. By overcoming my fears, I was able to learn to ski around each obstacle, get up when I stumbled, and to eventually reach my targeted goal. It was so worth it!
I decided to share my story because I am sure that you have also had an experience where you had to face your fears and try to step out of your comfort zone. Right?
Life will continue to send similar challenges over and over again in our spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental journeys.
In order to experience more satisfaction in our relationships, health, careers/finances, etc., we will need to step out of our comfort zones and face our fears.
Otherwise, growth is impossible, and we will miss out on so many amazing opportunities.
So, whenever you set goals/intentions for yourself you will face challenges that also represent new opportunities.
Never give up. Prepare yourself for the obstacles. Get up each time you fall.
You can make your intentions a reality.
I promise you – as I recently affirmed on my recent ski trip – that you will feel great satisfaction. Like you’ve never imagined.
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