For the Love of the Game - Day 21

I’ll never forget learning to snowboard. It was a dream come true for a kid who grew up in Florida. Before heading out west to Montana it was only something I could experience in movies and felt so out of grasp. Probably all the more reason I was motivated to do it!

We took a family vacation when I was 8 with another family who had two boys my age. Looking back it was really a once in a lifetime trip. Our parents put us boys in ski school for the first 3 days. I learned the basics and would graduate quickly. Then FINALLY I got the opportunity to take private snowboard lessons and I was hooked!

Skiing was fun but there was something bad ass about being on a snowboard that drew me in. I was OBSESSED. The truth is though that skiing is much easier to pick up on initially than snowboarding. Although once you get the basics of snowboarding you can progress pretty quickly.

We had one last down on the mountain and we had a blizzard roll in. I remember pulling up to the lodge that morning and you hardly at hand visibility a few feet in front of you. As exciting as it is to see fresh snow these weren’t the best conditions for a beginner - but I was determined. There was a lodge with leather chairs and a massive fireplace right in front of the bunny hill. So I spent the entire day in shifts between getting the hang of my board and warming up inside.

This memory is so vivid I can feel and see the snow dumping in front of my eyes. That’s the power of novelty, new place and experiences can really leave an imprint on you. What’s interesting about the bunny hill in Big Sky is that it has a T-bar. If you don’t know much about T-bars they are pretty old school and not all that easy for beginners. Even more challenging for snowboards! You see a skier can basically grab the “T” shaped bar and put it between their legs as a place to rest as they ride uphill. Since snowboarders don’t face up/downhill when riding this is MUCH more complicated! Plus we have to leave one foot unstrapped in order to maneuver when getting to the top.

So while I was learning a new skill I was also at a greater disadvantage, but like I said I was determined. The goal that day was basically to learn to carve fluidly. It took countless attempts and became an all day event. I was basically alone on that hill due to the wild conditions. I remember every break I took to go inside I would have to disrobe because my clothes would get soaked as the snow melted in the warm lodge.

But by the end of the day I was crushing the T-bar and carving effortlessly! It’s truly a time when I have felt so present and fully of so much joy in my life. It’s like time stopped and I had no other concern in the world. And that’s because it was really about the process and the love of the sport.

This is an important memory for me because the older you get the less we prioritize doing things out of love or fun. Think about it, when was the last time you did something for the sake of doing it? Without a specific outcome, goal or accomplishment in mind?

I simply wanted to ride! And so I did, over and over again.

I challenge you to take some time to reflect and see if you have things you are doing in life for the simple fact that you just love doing them. Not for more growth, money or recognition.

If not then think back to your 8 year old self and I’m sure you’ll find some inspiration!