VF

Today was incredible. 

We were transported back to being learners, which was both terrifying and exciting. I think that once you’ve learnt to do something well and continued on that path, it can be daunting to start afresh. Also, you forget what it’s like to be a learner and the highs and lows which come with it. For many, it is dreaded, especially when it essentially closes doors, rather than opens them (at first anyhow). 

This is what it was like for us. The whole mountain is open for us as skiers, however by learning to board those beautiful, steep pistes are suddenly a no-go zone and we’re back to the baby lifts. Sigh. 

Craig and I are both essentially self-taught boarders however the transition was easier as we already know how snow feels and behaves. It was just a matter of distributing our weight differently on two edges, instead of four! For us it was a matter of getting used to having one massive tray secured to our feet and then having a go. And another. And another. And another. Until eventually-boom-we got into the swing of it! 

For me, that was earlier in the season when I decided to give it a go on my own, while Craig was working. I had three days of gritting my teeth and perseverance. Craig’s turn came on Friday where he strapped on a board for the first time and spent half a day getting the hang of it. 

So today, we had a full day (!!) to practise our new skills and become more confident boarders. And today, we conquered that mountain!!  

It was amazing! In the morning I was fortunate to make use of a 2 hour, essentially private, lesson I had, which was gifted to me by a friend who didn’t need it. The instructor told me a gem of advice and then click! It all fell into place!

Craig was practising during my lesson, and I relayed what I had learnt to him. We both massively improved and by the end of the day had gone up all the lifts and even made it down a rather steep blue without a single fall, turning smoothly throughout. 

Proud is an understatement. 

Today I remembered the complete and utter joy of learning. I remembered the determination, the motivation, the resilience and the passion. I remembered HOW to learn and imitate others. I remembered how to learn from my mistakes and not to punish myself when I went wrong, but to grow from it. I remembered how to set goals for success. I remembered the feeling of complete exhilaration when I was successful and how damn proud I was with my achievements and the achievements of others. I remembered learning is fun! 

It was a feeling like no other. I was literally whooping, laughing and singing throughout. 

Today I remembered what it was like to be a child again and shine with those ‘light bulb’ moments!