Markers of Change
One of the things I love about living in Colorado is our four distinct seasons. While we can sometimes get a snow storm in September or a balmy 70 degree day in January, for the most part the different times of the year are marked by changing weather patterns. And with each season comes different activities, shifting habits, and unique celebrations. For me these changes signify a transition to a new phase and give me a chance to recalibrate.
I like to reflect on where I currently am and how that compares to where I was a year ago. It provides an opportunity for some “routine maintenance”. Like the importance of periodically changing out air filters, swapping a new toothbrush head, or rotating your tires - personally the seasons remind me to assess my physical benchmarks, check in on relationships, and schedule time for rest and relaxation. And the changing of the seasons inspires me to set new goals for what I want to accomplish over the next three months.
Like many ski enthusiasts, one of my markers of a new season is the annual Warren Miller film. For years I’ve been watching the iconic ski and snowboard compilations that debut in November each year. Watching in theaters with other snow sports fanatics makes the experience even more exciting and inspires me to get out on the slopes. Originally a ski bum, Miller and his friends started filming each other to evaluate and improve their techniques. In 1949 he founded Warren Miller Entertainment and began producing one feature length ski film per year. He would travel around the country borrowing money to rent theaters and charging admission to see his films, while doing live narrations as the video played. Despite the fact that he passed away in 2018, his legacy continues to live on and this year marks the 75th film in the Warren Miller series.
Warren Miller’s classic line at the end of each film has always resonated with me. “If you don’t do it this year, you’ll be one year older when you do.” In some cases it might not be a bad thing to wait another year for something you want to do or accomplish. More time to get in better shape, timing that corresponds with someone who could join you, or a runway to save enough money to make it happen. As I get older though I’m finding myself more struck by what waiting another year might cost. Will I still be able to do that in a year? Am I missing an opportunity? What will be different a year from now? And what am I waiting for?
As the snow begins to fall and winter sets in here in Colorado, a new ski season kicks off for me. And thanks to Warren Miller, I find myself thinking critically not just about the next few months, but the year ahead and what I want that to look like. What are the markers of change in your life throughout the year? I encourage you to lean into the change and take stock of where you want to go and what you want to accomplish. Are you in the same place you were a year ago? Is there something you’ve been putting off? And are you moving closer to your dreams and ambitions, or are they getting further out of reach?
