Today's Senior Skiing newsletter had an article about ego related to skiing. It seems that as we age into the 70's, 80's and even 90's, our ego can drive us to take chances on the slopes beyond our current conditioning and skill set. We have imbedded in our psyche the belief we should be able to master bumps, sketchy conditions, trees, etc. like we could in our younger days. Not so! To keep enjoying the sport we love, it is best that we know when to limit our adventures. Really, we should not have to prove ourselves to others or ourself!
In my 88th year, I have daily reminded myself about the above admonition. I have learned to delight in just being on the slopes. I have learned to enjoy what I can do, and not long for the more adventurous challenges of the steeps. Skiing can be an enjoyable ballet on the gentler slopes. Graceful complete turns can be most satisfying. Also in the past, whatever the hill conditions might be, I have had pride in toughing it out at least for a few runs. However, now is the time for me to tamp down that desire.
My geezer skier friends, I wish you many days of simply being out there and remind you to pause from time to time and view the scene, take a few pictures, have a coffee break with your buddies and perhaps reminisce a little about the good old day.
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