Out of My Comfort Zone and Open-Hearted :)

So, David and Werner pull me out of my comfort zone, at times, and I sooo appreciate this. Not always, initially….but, usually, eventually! ;)

For instance…this past weekend we went skiing in Big Bear.

Yes, we actually do get snow in various parts of California, something I never realized when I lived on the East Coast! :)

David has been skiing, almost every year, since he was 3 and he loves it!

I have not joined David and Werner on their mini-ski trips for the past four years, though, and am really okay with that. :) Werner was the one who took me on my first skiing adventure and I think that I joined him, maybe, two times.

Early last week, though, Werner called me at work and told me that he had booked Thursday and Friday night in Big Bear—and asked me if I could get off work to join them. I said it was highly doubtful, with such late notice, :) but much to my dismay my manager approved my leave request! :)

David was incredibly excited all week—so, I kept asking him to remind me why we love skiing—and he did. :) And I kept an open-mind and heart!

By Friday afternoon—after my lesson and a few successful jumps off the lift and runs down the bunny hill, my anxiety level went down and I began to really enjoy the experience.

We were in the midst of a snow storm and many people had left for the day. There was a sense of stillness, with everything white and beautiful.

David was in his glory, with his head tilted back and tongue out—catching snow flakes—every time he was not whizzing down the hill. :) (Too cute!)

And a few times, when I got to the bottom, David and Werner were standing there smiling and giving me kudos.

David said things like, “Momma, you are doing really well! You’re getting faster!” and repeatedly, “Will you come with us again, next year?”

I felt loved and my heart-- full of gratitude. It’s always the simple things in life, for me.

And Saturday afternoon, as we waited for Werner to get the car, David snuggled up with me and sang one of his original “I LOVE YOU, MOMMA” songs to me, without any thought of the many skiers and snow boarders around us—and again, my heart was overflowing, as I took in this beautiful moment. :) I am fully aware that he is eight and growing up fast and things will change, so, I cherish every loving and kind moment between us. I am so blessed.

People are always telling me how lucky he is to have me as a mother…that I am perfect for him, because I allow him to be all of who he is—but I know the truth. I am absolutely the lucky one! :) He brings out the best in me and forgives me for the rest.

Anyway, even though I really did love skiing—and only fell twice in two days—I thought I was in the clear at that point—but after lunch they informed me that we were going sledding! :) They knew of some hot spot—and when I saw how steep this area was, I offered to be the photographer! :) But they weren't buying it….and, again, I was so grateful that they pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Sledding down a steep hill—while trying to protect your son’s life—is the funniest thing ever. It just made me laugh so hard! :)

Funnily enough, when I returned home, I checked my emails and one of my daily inspirational group emails contained a quote that summed up what I have been writing about.

“If you have the courage to step outside of your comfort zone, you will not only be amazed by the marvel and sights of the world, but also with the wonders that lay deep within yourself.”
Rosanna Ienco

Let's allow ourselves many moments where we step outside of our comfort zones—so that we can be blessed in such beautiful, joyful and fulfilling ways! :) Life is good! And so are you! :)

With Love,
Kathryn