Go Skiing, Anyone?

I love skiing.

It might sound strange coming from someone who’s never been athletic, who barely passed PE class, and who has two left feet when it comes to coordination — but skiing stole my heart the moment I tried it.

I didn’t learn until my early thirties. After a quick 30-minute self-lesson on the bunny hill, I decided to take the lift up the mountain. I was too scared to get off at the first stop and secretly hoped I could ride it back down. When I found out that wasn’t an option, I panicked and jumped off at the next station — which, to my dismay, turned out to be a blue run, one level above beginner.

It took me nearly an hour to get down. I wouldn’t say I “skied” — it was more like a series of dramatic falls. I’d tumble, get up, slide a little, and fall again. Yet, in those fleeting seconds when I was actually gliding — not falling — I felt pure freedom. Like a bird cutting through the air. The rush of speed, the crisp mountain wind, that brief weightlessness — it was exhilarating. Despite the bruises, I was hooked.

Twelve years later, I returned to the slopes — this time with my kids. Since then, skiing has become our family tradition every December, right before the Christmas crowds arrive.

Growing up, I was the “good girl.” I was taught to be polite, obedient, and never cause trouble — to say what was appropriate and act the way I “should.” I hid my feelings behind a smile, always offering agreeable responses even when they didn’t reflect my true thoughts. Somewhere along the way, I lost touch with my own voice.

But when I ski, I’m completely myself. I love it simply because I love it. I’m not good at it — but that doesn’t matter. I laugh when I fall. I cheer when I finally make a smooth turn. The wind on my face, the rush of sliding down the hill — even if I’m moving at turtle speed — fills me with a joy that’s 100% real.

Recently, my daughter Kat got me started using a self-help app called Finch, which encourages healthy habits and emotional awareness. Each day it offers affirmations and reflections that help me explore my inner world. Through these prompts, I’ve uncovered emotions I didn’t even realize I’d been suppressing — feelings I once considered “imperfect” or “incorrect.” It was eye-opening to see how much of myself I had hidden away.

Skiing reminds me of that authentic part of me — the one that’s fearless, messy, alive. I long for the day when I can express that self freely — in what I say, what I do, and even what I wear. Because that’s what happiness truly is: being honest with yourself and finding joy in the things that make your spirit fly.

(Copyright © 2025 Moonlite Factory Blog)

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