Have you ever forgotten something you loved?
Something that brought you joy?
Something that you looked forward to?
I did.
I guess life got busy. Family, kids, work, sports, in-laws, even self-imposed pressure caused enough distraction and I simply forgot. For 20 years, I failed to remember something I loved! That's some serious forgetfulness!
What was it? It's simple.
I forgot how much I love skiing!
(Snowboarders, no hating! Love of the hill is love of the hill...no matter how many boards you have strapped to your feet!)
I love the freedom...
- to explore
- to improve
- to try new things
I love the speed...
- wind in the hair
- feel of snow being cut by skis
- ability to pick the pace and difficulty of the slope
But most of all, I love the QUIET!
If you've ever been on a hill, you might be thinking, "What quiet?". The lifts are noisy, there are people all over, the board(s) you are on makes noise as you move down the hill.
But if you look, you can find it. You see, I love the quiet of the back run, the area of the hill that is less traveled, covered with snow-laden trees and fresh powder. It's the run called "All Around the World", or "Walk Out" or "Home Run". It's the one that takes you the long way to the bottom, has plenty of options for side trips through the trees. This is the run to take once you've worked up a sweat and are ready to explore. Once I get to this run, I like to stop. Listen. Really listen.
There is nothing like the silence that comes with snow. Even better when it is snow on the top of a hill surrounded by trees on a calm day! A soft hush, an absence of other sounds, a hollow yet cozy cocoon of silence. It's amazing! If you haven't had the experience, put it on your bucket list. Dress warm for the experience (otherwise it is much less enjoyable). Find a quiet place covered with snow and just listen.
I can't believe I forgot this!
It makes me wonder what else I have forgotten. How about you? What joy-filled activity have you forgotten? What used to bring joy? What have we forgotten?
Have we forgotten the joy that comes from:
- the student who struggles and finally "gets it!"?
- seeing pride in the eyes of students whose studying has paid off?
- a smile or morning greeting from the student who is normally super shy?
- the student who secretly loves your class but won't admit it until the following year?
- laughing about a crazy day with a colleague?
- a beautifully crafted cup of coffee?
- a sinfully delicious pastry at the end of a long week?
- or is it something else?
What brings you joy? peace? energy?
What allows you to see the blessings around you?
This week, I wish to have open eyes and an open heart to recognize the many ways this life brings joy, to remember where I have found joy before, to celebrate and treasure each one.
And this time I hope I don't forget!
Ever.
Find joy. Find peace. Live well.
Kim
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