A few weeks ago, I was in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, for work.
But, because I am not all work and no play (though my family might want to debate that point), I went skiing.
At noon, I was on top of the world, almost literally, and feeling the thrill of speeding down the mountain, letting go.
But by three in the afternoon, I had fallen (fracturing my shoulder), and I was about to be wrapped up like a burrito and carried down the mountain by the ski patrol.
I went to the ER but was not in tremendous pain. Fortunately, the break was on the side of my non-dominant hand. Nevertheless, I said to my co-founder Amy, “Maybe I need to stop skiing.”
Because Amy is the truth-teller that she is, she asked me in the most kind, but direct way, “Is that really the lesson you want to take away from this? You went skiing. You fell. You got hurt, and so you shouldn’t ski?”
I’ve thought about this a lot. Because four years ago, when I was skiing and fell, that is what I said. In fact, I have the newsletter to prove it.
If skiing brings me so much joy, why would I stop doing it? Even if continuing means occasional falls, bumps, bruises, or even a broken bone?
As a proponent of disrupting yourself and jumping to new S Curves, which inevitably involves some discomfort, I have come face-to-face with –– Am I walking (or skiing) my talk?
I made a mistake at work; I should stop trying new things?
I messed up a presentation; I should stop giving presentations?
I lost my job; I should stop working?
It sounds ridiculous, I know.
Perhaps the real answer is (one that I thought of when yet again I asked someone to blow dry my hair, a definite upside of being injured) that in addition to skiing again, I also need to learn how to fall.
Martial artists know how to fall.
Another friend, a former ski patrol member, tells me you can learn how to fall.
So, I will! Because learning is the oxygen of human growth, and discomfort is a part of growth.
I will get back on my skis.
S is for Ski –– S is for S Curve.
Say yes to the S.
This week’s podcast reprises one of our most popular episodes, featuring Emma McAdam. If you’ve seen a Therapy in a Nutshell video on YouTube or Instagram, that’s Emma. She’s a licensed marriage and family counselor and has devoted her career to a gentle form of education around emotional and mental health. If you haven’t heard this episode, be sure to tune in. If you have, give it another listen, and be reminded how wonderful Emma is.
My best,
Whitney
P.S. Interested in a surefire system for helping clients accelerate their individual growth while also becoming a catalyst for organizational growth? If so, get Smart Growth certified. Learn more.
