| Learn how a ski trip to Mt. Bachelor changed the | | | | same time get some great tips from an expert skier. |
| perspective of the author and opened up a whole | | | | So, I did it. My first attempt was scary and I |
| new world of experiences that had been previously | | | | survived. Better than that, I wanted to do it again |
| unavailable. | | | | and improve upon the new skill he had given me. |
| This past weekend I went with my husband to | | | | By lunch, I was actually having fun in powder for the |
| Central Oregon to ski at Mt. Bachelor. I have been | | | | first time ever. John was patient, held me |
| skiing for the past 11 years consistently and would | | | | accountable and would not let me revert back to old |
| classify myself as an upper intermediate to beginning | | | | tendencies. He was great at calling me on small |
| advanced skier. My favorite runs are steep | | | | things, like when my arm position was getting lazy |
| GROOMED terrain. Or at least, they use to be. | | | | and my balance got thrown off as a result. When I |
| Prior to my adventure at Mt. Bachelor, I would look | | | | felt frustrated, he tweaked my body position slightly |
| at "powder" and would turn the opposite direction. | | | | and had me practice again. And when I succeeded, |
| My past experience with powder taught me that | | | | John was right there to celebrate with me. This |
| powder was heavy, hard to maneuver, would throw | | | | entire process helped to build my confidence and |
| off my balance and if I wasn't careful, I would end | | | | confidence allowed me to feel comfortable getting |
| up on my face struggling to get out of the mess I | | | | uncomfortable and doing something new. |
| got myself into. I loathed the stuff so, I made the | | | | By the end of the day, I didn't recognize myself. On |
| conscious decision to stay clear and avoid powder | | | | the last run of the day, I turned to John with a big |
| situations. | | | | grin and asked, "Can we ski over there?" and I |
| When I began my first day on Mt. Bachelor, all of the | | | | pointed to a patch of knee high powder that was |
| skiers in my group told the instructor, "We don't do | | | | pleading to be skied. By the end of the weekend, I |
| powder." I thought that would settle it. The | | | | was searching for powder on every run and was |
| instructor, John, first asked about my past | | | | skiing in and out of the trees, realizing that I had |
| experience and the results I had when I last skied | | | | reached the next level in my skiing ability. Had I |
| powder. I love what John did next. HE VALIDATED | | | | stayed at my previous level, I would have missed |
| ME! I was validated by being told that most people | | | | out on all of the fun. I can't wait until next year to go |
| feel that same way and that there are a few | | | | and ski some powder! |
| secrets that will make skiing even easier and more | | | | The ski weekend at Mt. Bachelor, taught me a |
| fun. John's response caught my interest. Maybe I | | | | valuable lesson about perspective and how a new |
| could learn a trick or two. | | | | experience can change a person's perspective. As a |
| Next, John took one challenge I had experienced in | | | | coach, I have the same power as John had with me |
| the past skiing powder and gave me one simple tip | | | | to help my clients change the perspective of how |
| to improve my balance so I wouldn't get knocked | | | | they see past, present, and future experiences. Using |
| around. After helping me to understand how my | | | | similar techniques, I am able to investigate, validate, |
| body should feel, he pointed to a section of powder | | | | educate, direct, hold accountable, tweak, and |
| and said, "Go for it." | | | | celebrate with each and every client in order to help |
| So much for staying clear of the stuff! I couldn't say | | | | them reach the fun of life's next adventure. Whoo |
| "no" nor did I really want to. I was ready to give up | | | | Hoo! Bring on the Powder! |
| the opportunity to get over my fear and at the | | | | |