slyfox4
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
@Leela, welcome!!! Even though you did a follow up to all of the Divas SERIOUSLY amazing advice, I wanted to give my two cents, too.
1. Your day. Your terms. Your skis. Your fun. Your happiness. YOU DO YOU! Seriously! It took me days and years to get where I am, and there were days that I beat myself up for not thinking I was good enough, but in the end I didn't care because I was doing it for me. I was having fun. I got in some sticky situations and thought "this is it, I'm DONE skiing," but then I got down and I'd think "hot diggity damn I DID IT!" and then I would be bursting with happiness. You ski your run how you feel comfortable, I have friends who won't go down a black diamond with me because she knows she isn't ready for it...and that's 100% okay. There have been times that I suggested a trail to my friends and it turned out like absolute crap and I'm essentially yelling "I'M SO SORRY GUYS!" the entire way down. I'm sure your colleagues felt horrible for bringing you down something that you weren't comfortable with.
2. I have friends of all abilities. Not once have I ever thought they were a crap athlete or a poor skier. Everyone starts somewhere, and it's my job as their friend to guide them, give them advice, and cheer them on. Regardless if they're a skier or a snowboarder!
3. Gear...I wouldn't be where I am without the gear I have. No joke, my partner attributes my skills to my Line Pandoras. That ski opened up an entirely new world of feelings and skills for me. My confidence sky rocketed the moment I put those bad Larry's on and zoomed down the mountain. You mentioned getting some newer gear was on your priority list. I would for sure consider demoing some skis on a relaxing day to see how you feel on something different. All of the Divas are great at giving advice on which skis would be great for your ability level and what you want them for. This is always the first place I turn to for advice!
4. I tell this to all of my friends who are getting into skiing or snowboarding. You won't get anywhere until you try something new, and until you get a little out of your comfort zone, BUT, only if you feel that you can do it. It takes courage to face something steep, or bumpy, or filled with trees. But skiing has taught me courage, and to trust in myself. I've learned to understand my own limits, to listen to what my body is saying, to listen to my mind. There were times I've been with ski racer friends who zoom down a black diamond I haven't been down before. I stop at the top. Collect my thoughts, and *ski my own run.*
Skiing is supposed to be fun...don't forget that, ever!
1. Your day. Your terms. Your skis. Your fun. Your happiness. YOU DO YOU! Seriously! It took me days and years to get where I am, and there were days that I beat myself up for not thinking I was good enough, but in the end I didn't care because I was doing it for me. I was having fun. I got in some sticky situations and thought "this is it, I'm DONE skiing," but then I got down and I'd think "hot diggity damn I DID IT!" and then I would be bursting with happiness. You ski your run how you feel comfortable, I have friends who won't go down a black diamond with me because she knows she isn't ready for it...and that's 100% okay. There have been times that I suggested a trail to my friends and it turned out like absolute crap and I'm essentially yelling "I'M SO SORRY GUYS!" the entire way down. I'm sure your colleagues felt horrible for bringing you down something that you weren't comfortable with.
2. I have friends of all abilities. Not once have I ever thought they were a crap athlete or a poor skier. Everyone starts somewhere, and it's my job as their friend to guide them, give them advice, and cheer them on. Regardless if they're a skier or a snowboarder!
3. Gear...I wouldn't be where I am without the gear I have. No joke, my partner attributes my skills to my Line Pandoras. That ski opened up an entirely new world of feelings and skills for me. My confidence sky rocketed the moment I put those bad Larry's on and zoomed down the mountain. You mentioned getting some newer gear was on your priority list. I would for sure consider demoing some skis on a relaxing day to see how you feel on something different. All of the Divas are great at giving advice on which skis would be great for your ability level and what you want them for. This is always the first place I turn to for advice!
4. I tell this to all of my friends who are getting into skiing or snowboarding. You won't get anywhere until you try something new, and until you get a little out of your comfort zone, BUT, only if you feel that you can do it. It takes courage to face something steep, or bumpy, or filled with trees. But skiing has taught me courage, and to trust in myself. I've learned to understand my own limits, to listen to what my body is saying, to listen to my mind. There were times I've been with ski racer friends who zoom down a black diamond I haven't been down before. I stop at the top. Collect my thoughts, and *ski my own run.*
Skiing is supposed to be fun...don't forget that, ever!