Skiing (and Getting Over Fears)

Yesterday, Dan and I went skiing for the third time this season. This is only my second season skiing, and the first one was a COMPLETE DISASTER. Seriously. There are no better words for it. I hated it. I was terrible at it. I complained a lot. And I never wanted to go.

This season started out well when I got professional lessons the weekend after Thanksgiving. I did well with the lessons, but I still didn't get off the bunny hill. The next time I went, I decided not to pay for more lessons, so I went out with Dan and hit a green run, which ended with me in tears, screaming profanities as I flew down the mountain, still unable to turn and stop correctly. It is a terrifying experience when you're FLYING down a mountain at full speed knowing that you don't know how to properly stop yourself.

I had mentally been preparing for a new day of skiing in a new year. It took me all week to figure out my approach, but I wanted to be strong for myself. I WANT to enjoy skiing. Dan likes it so much, and I want to be able to enjoy that WITH him. I decided to give myself some encouragement, and that included turning to the Bible, something I have been doing often. Since 2013 is my year of being FEARLESS, I decided that applied to skiing as well. If I can be fearless in my attempts at everything else, why not skiing too? I found the following verse and repeated it to myself all through that first run down the mountain on Saturday.

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7

It just happened to work, and I made it down carefully but fearlessly. I said to myself "not fear, just power" over and over again. I didn't fall, but I also didn't give in to my normal routine of being TOO careful to enjoy it. I had fun, and I was excited to try it again.

Then, as we ate lunch, Aaron joined us. He is Dan's roommate from the USAFA Prep School and also one of his very best friends. He is going to be the Best Man in our wedding, and he already has the honor of tapping me on the butt with the saber at the end of the saber arch, welcoming me into the Air Force family. He is a really good friend to us both, and he offered to help me out a little since he's an excellent skier. Well, his help HELPED. He watched me ski in front of him to determine what it was exactly that was stopping me from skiing my best. It was like a personalized lesson, and I didn't even have to pay him an outrageous amount of money (but don't worry -- I did pay him in margaritas at dinner afterward).

After two more runs down the mountain with Dan and Aaron, I felt so good! I was confident in my abilities and REALLY wanted to go again. My legs were SHOT, though, so I called it a day. It was SO nice to finally be able to feel GOOD about skiing, though.

Here are some pictures from our day:

resting my feet after a successful first run

my fiancé is the best and brought me this hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps and pretty sprinkles

Dan was able to get a few action shots of me :)

Dan was able to get a few action shots of me :)

Dan was able to get a few action shots of me :)

Aaron and Dan -- Prep School roommates, best friends, and ski buddies :) 

Dan and me -- actually smiling and enjoying the day on the slopes! LOVE IT! 

All in all, it was a successful day at Copper Mountain. I am actually EXCITED to be going again this Saturday! I can't wait to practice my newfound skills.