It's Your Story

Our house is prepping for the Winter Olympics by watching the x-games. Every time I watch these athletes compete I’m blown away! 

This winter, we ditched the lacrosse sticks (for once) and headed north to Vermont to visit family and teach the kids how to ski. The boys had been before but not Eloise. And although I snowboard, I hadn’t been in 14 years.

We were all so excited but I was also SO nervous. I had no idea if I could still snowboard or if I would suck so bad I would never get off the bunny hill. I even suggested to Mike that maybe I switch back to skiing - he said that I was being stupid. His lack of acknowledgment about me losing all of my athleticism didn’t help. 

Since everyone else was on skis and was on a board, I was no help to anyone learning. That meant I was alone most of the first day - able to solely focus on calming my nerves and reminding myself how to be athletic. 

If I’m honest, I wasn't just scared about getting hurt- I was afraid of damaging my ego.  It was easier to tell my kids I used to be good than it was rolling down a hill avalanche style. I liked the version of me I had in my head - I wasn’t sure if I wanted to replace it. I don’t actually know if the fear of getting hurt or the fear of hurting my ego was bigger. 

But I decided it was time for a new story- even if I was embarrassingly terrible, then I could still be a model of resilience and grit for my kids. Watching their mother fall a million times and work through her fear would be inspiring right?!? 

I'm sure I inspired anyone, but let’s be serious, my kids didn’t care if I was good, or inspiring, they just wanted me there. 

I didn’t need to listen to the part of my brain that was holding me back. I let go of the old story and held on to the one that served me - trying, failing, but being there was better than quitting.

Was I clueless on how to use a t-bar lift - yup.

Did I almost get a concussion - unconfirmed, but likely.

Did I take two of my kids out on the regular chair lift- sure did.

But I was there.

And I got to watch them fall in love with the challenge, beauty and fun a mountain can bring you. 

It’s your story. Make it serve you.