2015

Today was a good day. Whilst many people were probably off enjoying the fresh snow (Yes, since my last post we have had some snowfall. Rain too…) this morning I taught a man who was back on skis for the first time in 15 years and this afternoon two total beginners for their “Première Glisse” lesson. The man, once I reintroduced him to his outside ski, remembered many of his other skiing skills and rapidly progressed from a wobbly run in a dodgy snowplough, to being able to do all the runs in Nendaz (that are open) at a reasonable pace and with reasonable style. The highlight from the class of two I taught this afternoon was when the 6ft tall, female client managed to finally straight-run on to the lake (frozen I hasten to add…just) without falling back and proceed to do a little victory dance to her boyfriend when she thought no one else was watching. I really wish I had had my camera out.

What with the start of a new year, along with much of the world, I am full of aspirations and goals. I have also taken a step back to reflect and consider other aspects of life, rather than just ploughing forward and ticking things off my never-ending list on my treadmill of life.

2014 was a good year, a very productive year. I gained more qualifications and passed more exams. I gained experience. I didn’t break any bones. I didn’t get tonsillitis. I challenged my body and mind. I became a godmother and was asked to be a bridesmaid for the first time. I have a loving family, a lovely boyfriend and wonderful friends. I am a very lucky girl and, particularly after a day like today, I feel very privileged. I am probably making you feel nauseous.

However, sadly, and you may think ridiculously, I don’t always feel like this but rather a bit down. As a very competitive person, I am always seeking to be the best, in everything and against everyone. This can be good, but it can also mean that one is never satisfied, and that dissatisfaction with one’s self can become wearing.

Inspired after reading a few articles that circulated online around the New Year, and from my trusty Glamour Magazine, I have decided, along with all my ‘concrete’ goals that I have set myself for 2015, I also have some ‘character issues’ I would like to tackle in a quest to be happier with myself again.

I came across this article shared on Facebook. In fact, if you’re having a down day, reading posts on her blog might help to give you a ‘pick-me-up’.

Miranda Hart’s advice in January’s edition of Glamour Magazine discussed similar topics in her heart-warming and amusing manner, as did an article in Cosmopolitan “Goodbye Little Miss Perfect” in the autumn.

As a particularly competitive person, reading the advice about not trying to compare yourself to others, not worry about what others think of you, and that everyone is in control of their being and how you live your life, has really struck a chord with me. As well as accepting there is no such thing as perfection and we should be satisfied in doing the best we can. This is always easier said than done, but I am going to give it a better go.

I hope this year to find peace with myself. To really do the things I enjoy and not punish myself with guilt and hatred when I don’t always succeed. To try and be proud of the person I am and what I have achieved and continue to do. As I wrote when I posted ‘The truth about this summer’s goals’, that if I started to focus my fitness and diet on being successful at the sports I partake in, maybe focusing on being a happier, more self-accepting person then maybe I’ll start winning at that, too.

I wish you all a very happy and healthy 2015.