Parenting
As a child, I was encouraged to explore new activities, and then in my 20s, I was advised to hone in on my goals and find my niche. Now, in my 40s, it seems the cycle has come full circle with experts urging me to embrace novelty once again. Yet, it was through confronting my own past failures that I uncovered the most profound lessons of all.
Growing up on the West Coast, I often spent holidays in a ski resort town near Mt. Bachelor starting at the age of 11. Skiing was the popular activity, and although I was reasonably athletic, I never mastered it. Even after taking lessons, my first solo run ended in a panic that had the lift operators stopping and reversing the chairlift because I was too terrified to get off. Standing at the peak, confronted by the vast snowy landscape I was supposed to navigate, my fear took over, and I decided then and there that I despised skiing.
Fast forward two decades, and I found myself as a new mother in the Adirondacks with my husband, Jake. When he suggested we go skiing one weekend, I hesitated. “I don’t want to leave the baby for that long,” I protested, a sentiment that lingered for the next three years while we welcomed two more daughters. As they grew to ages 4, 6, and 8, Jake brought it up again: “We should teach the girls to ski.”
My heart sank at the memory of my past failures. I didn’t want to risk the confidence I had built as a mom by confronting another mountain of frustration. Yet, the longing to stay active during the long, snowy winters gnawed at me. “Fine,” I relented. “But I’m not sure how well the girls will do; there are three of them and only two of us.” Deep down, I knew it was really about my own uncertainties.
Jake’s face lit up, and he assured me, “We’ll figure it out.” We scoured the town for mittens, hats, snow pants, and jackets for our daughters, mixing purchases with rentals and hand-me-downs to keep costs manageable. We practiced dressing and learned, often the hard way, the importance of bathroom breaks before gearing up. My anxiety continued to grow until we finally bought lift tickets—it was time to face my fears.
We began our adventure on the bunny hill, and after a few runs, Jake took the older girls up the lift while the youngest and I stayed behind. I stood close to her on the magic carpet, supporting her as we ascended slowly. To my surprise, she embraced it with enthusiasm and maneuvered through the snow like a tiny pro. Before long, Saturday mornings became our family tradition at the mountain.
The sight of my daughters in their colorful ski gear became as essential to our lives as their toys. One Friday, Jake suggested, “Want to head to the mountain before work?” I was taken aback; skiing had started as a family affair. However, I agreed.
As we ascended the lift together, I felt a mix of nostalgia and excitement. It was refreshing to not have to dress three little ones and I could imagine the girls’ reactions at the thought of mom and dad skipping work for a ski day. Seated together, I felt Jake’s hand on my knee as we rose to the summit. The sun peeked through the clouds, illuminating the snowy treetops, and I reflected on how I almost missed this opportunity.
Revisiting skiing turned out to be rewarding not just for our kids, but for me as well. It deepened our family bond and allowed Jake to share a passion of his with me. Nearly four years have passed since we started this journey, and every outing reminds me that choosing what feels comfortable isn’t always the best path. Embracing skiing again has instilled in me a renewed confidence to overcome past failures. I don’t regret how I felt at 12, but I now tell my kids—and myself—that time can change perspectives. We can have second chances if we are willing to seize them.
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Summary:
This article reflects on how facing past fears can lead to personal growth and strengthen family bonds. Emma Johnson shares her journey of overcoming the fear of skiing, initially rooted in childhood failure, to find joy and confidence in family skiing adventures. Embracing new experiences can foster resilience and change perspectives on past disappointments.