Volume 7, Issue 1
Editor’s Note
Jerry Seinfeld once said, “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Does that seem right? That means to the average person, if you have to go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” Lucky for me, I have no trouble with public speaking. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t fear things that other people are comfortable with or even enjoy.
Last month, I was finally forced to face one of my fears. Ever since I have known my wife, she has begged me to go snow skiing. She had been many times and wanted to share the experience with me. Sadly for her, the thought of strapping sticks to my feet and throwing myself down an icy hill is the farthest thing from my idea of fun. However, against my better judgment, I decided to conquer my fears and overcome my previous 30-year avoidance of snow skiing.
The day finally came for me to face my Goliath. Because I valued my marriage, I decided to enroll in ski school rather than suffer the inevitable fate of arguing with my wife for the next four days. As I stood with my classmates at the top of a beautiful snow capped mountain, I convinced myself that my natural athletic ability would kick in and I would easily overcome my fright. Oh was I wrong!
After two long, painful days of strict coaching from my drill sergeant–like instructor, the only thing that I learned how to do well was get back up after each one of my many crashes. Frustrated and discouraged, I told my wife that I was giving up! In her normal encouraging way, she convinced me to give it one more try. Skeptical that she could teach me anything that my instructor couldn’t, I agreed to let her watch my technique to see if she could diagnose my problem.
The next morning we hit the slopes. After only 30 minutes of watching my poor excuse of skiing, my wife suggested one simple change that made all the difference! It took me from near death falls on the simple bunny slopes, to skiing over 13,500 vertical feet twice in one day!
This is a perfect example of how small changes, determination and perseverance can make a big difference. Saline County is fortunate to be filled with people that believe that no undertaking is too big, no dream is too small, and no fear is too daunting to overcome. This edition of Saline County Lifestyles highlights individuals who have impacted our community through their dedication to making a difference. Your town. Your life. Your magazine.
Click on the cover to see the virtual edition.
