Last
week I went skiing. That may not sound like a big deal. But it has been
almost 25 years since I have been able to ski. I loved skiing.
Years
ago as my symptoms worsened, one by one, I gave up the physical activities
that I had enjoyed. Giving up skiing was a big loss. In the last seven
years following surgery, my physical health has improved. But I have
still not been able to do many of the physical activities that I had
previously enjoyed. Then two weeks ago I was telling a dear friend about
a program at Snow Creek to help people with physical challenges. She
encouraged me to give them a call. I did.
What's
the worst that could happen? I wouldn't be able to ski. But that's no
worse than the last 25 years.
The
next day I called and scheduled a lesson with a wonderful instructor.
With his help I was able to do more than I expected. I experienced the
joy that I had felt before of gliding down the mountain. No, I wasn't
graceful, but for a few moments I felt the joy that I had experienced
before.
The
difference between joy and longing was that I took the risk to fail.
I am reminded again that most of my choices in life are between love
and fear.