No Two Ways About It

Too often I find myself looking for my next challenge, running around from task to task, never really stopping to breath. I was up in Loveland on my new skis and skiing had finally clicked; everything was going smoothly for the first time all season. Halfway down a blue, I was flooded with everything that had been going right today: I was in the mountains, wearing all of my own gear, I hadn't fallen yet, and was headed down my first blue and wasn't worried about it, I wasn't stressed, I was enjoying it.

It is such a small thing, so small that I feel we miss it too often. Enjoy the little things in life. I'm embarrassed that it took me being on skis to finally grasp that concept. Once I started thinking about it,  there are lots of 'little' things to be thankful for. One of my teachers gave us a little book that every school day we were to write 3 happy things in there, it will no longer be a box to check off but something to really ponder. I encourage you to find something, right now, that you are thankful for, something you could enjoy for 30 seconds.

Looking at the incredible panoramic view from the top of Loveland, I was asked to take a picture for a couple,  and after the ensuing chit-chat I learned that they were from Chicago and had bought a 4-pack of lift tickets for Loveland. The gentlemen noticed my Rab Guide Glove, and soon he was in my mits as I was holding his and telling him why I bought those gloves. As an outdoor community,  the ability to ask questions about the gear that others have is so important to the expansion of high quality apparel. He only knew of Rab because a store was opening in town. I had a little more knowledge of Rab. Rab is a European  company that was started in the early 80's, and I filled in him, politely answering his questions to the best of my ability.

It is crucial that we listen to others that are  passionate in their field of interest. We don't have to believe their conclusion, however, when we listen to their ideas they also listen to us. That was my favorite moment of the day. They made me feel human, made me feel like I was valuable, and I didn't abuse that respect. Something to ponder.

If you would like to read more about my world,  go to any outdoor website and look for articles near the bottom of the home pages. That is where I get my 'distractions'.

Speaking of, another distraction.

K