One of the most important things skiing (and biking) has done for me is give me confidence in my body and in my own physicality. I never really considered myself athletic growing up. I did well in class, went to a good college etc, and people always reinforced the idea that I was 'smart,' and that 'doing things with my mind' was really my strength. It took me a long time (until my late 20s and early 30s) to start thinking differently. I went through a painful divorce, got a job, moved across the continent and met a wonderful man with two kids. They all loved being outdoors and were life-long skiers. I loved being with them, but also often felt incompetent and like an intruder. With their encouragement though, I started skiing...and hiking..and climbing...and running. Skiing was tough to begin as an adult, but it also did amazing things for my confidence. I fell a lot, but I also learned to listen to my body, trust my body when going down a mountain and eventually, feel a great connection to the world around my through this body and the feet (and thighs!) that got me down a steep snowy slope. Like many of you on this site, I feel an incredible sense of peace in the mountains, and a great love of the amazing things that human bodies can do. Skiing really began a process, for me, of getting to know my body - its likes, its dislikes - and also, of liking my body and thinking it is strong, deserved attention and should be cared for in important ways. I feel that this is especially important with SO's daughter. She's only 10, but I already see how self-conscious she can feel about her very strong and athletic body. I want her to see her body for what it is: a beautiful, strong, capable part of us that let's us do amazing things, see amazing places. She's also a big reason why I started biking - it was something we could do together, something we both loved and that took us to new places. Skiing was really the first sport that made me feel this connection, and that made me appreciate what a wonderful opportunity we have to get to know our physical strengths.