the ⛷ trail wasn't done with me yet

Last week I shared how my ski trail frustration reminded me that expectations (and behaviors) are learned and culturally grounded..returning me to hope and humility.  That was reminder #1!

The ski trail wasn't done with me yet!  🎿 

Over the next few ski excursions, the reminders continued to accumulate...and each delivered a useful insight for facing the joys and challenges of changemaking in social justice efforts.

#2: Slowing down can increase speed and flow.

On my second trip, I wanted to slow down a bit.  I decided to take in more of the scenery and focus more on my technique.  

Wouldn't you know it?  

Suddenly, I was covering more ground with more ease...and speed! Each glide carried me further than I expected.  And it felt better as well.

Where could slowing down actually ease your way?

#3: Forging a new path is difficult, plodding, and awkward.

On my third trip, I was breaking new ski trail over fresh, untrodden snow.  The good news was that I wasn't having to navigate the divots of boots!  The downside was that because there were no tracks of any kind, the progress on my first loop was slow and uneven.  

Basically, I was having to go step by step with my skis on...not a graceful process!  

My second loop was similar.  To even out the "steps" from my first loop, I now needed to alternate where I placed my weight so that both tracks would be even.

It wasn't until my third (or even fourth!) time around that I could smoothly glide along, take in more of my surroundings, and relax into the flow.

Isn't that the way it is with anything new...or even new approaches to something familiar?  The beginning is often clumsy, uneven, and a LOT of effort (e.g. sweat)! 😂

On this trip, I had the advantage of knowing how much I would enjoy the results.  

More often, though, we are unsure of the outcomes.  

It's especially hard to endure the "awkward beginnings" without discouragement when you're venturing into something new...whether it's building new skills, expanding into a new professional role, or joining a new group.  

Remembering that the difficult and awkward parts proceed the ease and flow can help relieve the pressure you put on yourself while you find your rhythm.

Where are you experiencing the "plodding, awkward" beginnings of something new?  How can you connect with the rewards that are yet to come?

#4: Taking a break for something you love allows you to return with renewed perspective, creativity, and energy.

On one day, I left a long to-do list in the middle of the day to take advantage of the ski conditions.  To be honest, as much as I wanted to go, it was hard to leave knowing how much was waiting to be done.  I was facing a deadline for an upcoming speaking engagement, behind on accounting for my taxes, and overdue on video editing for my website and correspondence.

Had I been able to rely on the conditions lasting, I likely would not have gone.

Once I was out, however, something changed.  Thoughts that had been scattered and labored began to flow.  In fact, I composed most of this message in my head while skiing.  

I was having a similar conversation with a client yesterday.  He was expressing how stressed, angry, and overwhelmed he was feeling with recent events... AND that his intention was to keep pushing through the week.  He saw no room to slow down.  

With a gentle nudge, he, too, remembered that even brief pauses for breath, exercise, or connection with loved ones can give exponential benefits as he is seeking to endure the current challenges without burning out.

What is something you love that you'd like to take time for today?

#5: When you get turned around, reassess...and choose how you proceed.

Yep, that's right.  My most recent ski adventure involved getting "lost" with my mom on a new trail system.  Despite doing our best to read the maps and follow directions, somehow we were back at marker 9 for a second time...rather than being done as we'd expected.  

Because we took a wrong turn (we still have no idea how!), we doubled our time skiing.  Oops.

By the time we made it to the actual finish, we were exhausted and, as my mom joked, had completed most of the recommended 150 minutes/week of exercise.  😂 

There will always be mistakes, wrong turns, and "ending up" somewhere other than intended.  

How do you respond when this happens?  Making the most of the opportunity can make a huge difference in how you feel moving forward, and what you gain in the process.

My hope is that these "lessons from the trail" uplift and remind you that you deserve to integrate joy, love, learning, and laughter into the efforts you make to improve the world around you.  

Which reminder resonates most with what you are experiencing right now?  

You matter.  You can (and do) make a difference.  I'm so thankful you're here!