Skiing again boosted my can-do attitude

If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.

~ H. G. Wells

Until this winter, unlike my husband, I had not skied in over a decade. While Dave grew up skiing, I only learned how after we met in my late twenties. 

I want to ski with our grandchildren. They will soon be old enough to start. It’s time to become comfortable on the slopes again. 

Having slipped on icy terrain earlier in the year and hurt my hand, I was apprehensive about the risk of injury.

We went to a local ski resort, in early March. Once I got my ski boots on (not an easy task), surprisingly, the rest of the day was a breeze.

I kept up with my husband. He is a much better athlete than I and a highly competent skier. I felt euphoric.

We did it again in more challenging terrain and snow conditions, a few weeks later. Both times, I pushed myself but didn’t fall once, even when skiing double black diamonds, the most hazardous terrain.

A surprising bonus I had not anticipated was the body confidence I developed. Even during the recent ice storm, when outdoors, I realized I had overcome my recent fear of falling. 

Fear can make us more vulnerable to injury. Subconsciously, I had started walking with my head forward to watch my steps, which impairs balance and body alignment. This is common in aging and it impairs health over time.

Skiing enhances both physical and mental well-being. Spending more time outdoors in the winter boosts mood and sleep quality. It can improve endurance and strengthen lower body muscles due to the constant squat position. 

More importantly, skiing can improve the ability to feel the position of different body parts and the effort needed to move them, aka proprioception. This skill is crucial for balance and coordination and can help prevent muscle strains and sprains.

Closing thoughts

Aging is the aggressive pursuit of comfort.

~ Gary Brecka

Embracing discomfort increases resilience.

I am grateful that my husband introduced me to skiing and challenged me to keep up with him.

Skiing again after not doing so for over a decade was rejuvenating and has helped improve my body confidence and can-do attitude.