Do What You Love. NOW. 18 1 6727

Several weeks ago, I lost a dear friend to the mountains in a ski accident in Switzerland. When I heard the news I was heartbroken and grief stricken. Yet a strange and familiar feeling was present. As I reminisced the joys and laughs of my friend, I became aware of this feeling that resided. Gratitude. Gratitude is a simple word with numerous meanings, and in this exact moment of time, it meant peace, harmony. Let me explain…

With a love for the outdoors and a thrill seeking attitude comes an immense emotional roller coaster. Where lows can be tragic and humbling, and highs can be exhilarating and rewarding. This range of emotion is extreme, but then again, apt for extreme sports. The uncertainty of what today’s adventure will bring I think is what is most appealing. Will I be confident or fearful, will I succeed or break, will it snow or rain? This might be the reason I indulge in my passions. The moment is so defined when you ‘adventure’. It’s what fuels me to get back outside and do it again. Because no matter what emotion my passion is igniting, there is one that is constant: an undeniable love of being outside.

I have witnessed fatal injuries and the hardship that inevitably comes with disability. I have heard the words, “lost in an avalanche” too many times, and I have shed numerous tears over my own progress and frustration with nature. Yet with all of these defying moments has come clarity. It is these moments that remind us how precious our time is, something that should never be taken for granted. DO. WHAT. YOU. LOVE. NOW. The rewards and joy will always outweigh the hardships. The feeling of bliss from accomplishment conquers all, whether it is jumping off a cliff, getting to the top of the mountain, or getting up on a kiteboard for the first time. Feeling happy for someone like seeing your little cousin on skis for the first time, your friend standing up out of a wheelchair, and seeing your dad’s face light up when discovering an untouched pow field triumphs any grief. Be grateful, for everything. The injuries and victories, the distress and stokeness, the powder and ice mogals, and most of all nature, for this insanely beautiful and vast playground. That is exactly what my friend, Sam Thompson did.

“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”- Maya Angelou

Here are some photos from previous adventures that remind me of why it’s so important to live in the moment, no matter how hard it may sometimes be. 😉

Now time to go outside, take a deep breathe, and smile…