During my visit home to Bend, Oregon, I ventured up into the Cascade Mountains for a Father-Daughter snowmobile adventure. I haven’t been in well over two years and you can bet I was ready.
I was overcome with fresh new senses and total freedom. You know those times you feel on top of the world? Yeah, this was one of them for me.
I also took this opportunity to notice the many delicious metaphors for life up in the mountains. And the moment I decided that, I was inspired by one after another after another!
- Take every moment to high five; even if it’s a tree overhanging the trail
- Follow the signs… the more signs you see, the closer you are to your goal
- Stick together
- Everyone wants to leave their mark on the world… even you. What will you create?
- Take time to reflect…
- Clear air inspires a clear mind.
- When you’re riding fast, focus just beyond your immediate sight. It’s amazing what you’ll see.
- Gain perspective any chance you get.
- Remember where you came from and how you got here.
- Follow a leader who knows where he’s going but isn’t afraid to stray from the groomed trail
- When you get stuck, don’t dig in any deeper. Ask for help.
- Don’t be afraid to go in reverse. Amazing journeys begin by moving back to launch forward.
- Celebrate small victories, like a fresh groomed trail, untouched powder, time spent with with the people most important to you, and a birdhouse that still stands 9 years later.
- Stop and listen. Listen to the birds. Listen to the skiers passing by, listen to nearby snowmobiles, listen to your father share his heart, listen to your thoughts, listen to who you are, listen to the moment. Just listen.
- Soak up the energy. There is a magical energy in the forest that energizes the spirit and awakens the soul. Receive it. It is everywhere.
- Smile, yell, scream, and cry with excitement when you feel it.
- Choose more of “these” moments to enjoy in life.
I started the day excited to experience the great outdoors and true bonding time with my Dad, something I hadn’t had in a while, and ended my day understanding more about life through snowmobiling. Dare I say, everything I need to know about life, I learned snowmobiling? I do. I do dare!
Thank you, Dad, for teaching me about the important things in life.
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