I WAS MORTIFIED.

I published this piece on January 3, 2020. After rereading it for the first time, I realized how much has transpired. 

I'd contemplated my New Year’s resolutions for days. And then I thought about the word “resolution.” There are several meanings beyond just making up your mind to accomplish a goal.

And if we are being completely honest, who ever follows through with resolutions? I certainly do not!

I decided to pivot and enter a new decade with mindful intentions. For me, this includes specific changes in how I will choose to live and learn. I often write every moment matters; all we have is now. My inner compass is calibrated. My vision is clear. I am ready. Are you? Join me!

How do I define intentions? I will share a few personal examples.

Instead of “I will lose 10 pounds this year,” I intend to listen to my body’s messages and promptly respond to them. My physical body will be the strongest, healthiest, and most flexible it has ever been. I will nourish my body with nutrition, exercise, and rest.

Instead of “I will cross something off of my bucket list this year,” I intend to challenge myself both emotionally and mentally. I will break through specific lifetime fears that have stunted my growth.

As you can see, I've carefully considered how I will manifest a rewarding, meaningful year. Intentions, rather than resolutions, are heart-centered and require a mindset shift. In fact, I didn’t wait until January 1.

On December 31st, 2019, I decided to face a fear of nearly three decades. And I tackled this intention literally head on and face first! 

It's never "too late" to try something new. I awoke resolute in my intention to conquer this fear. The last time I attempted to ski was twenty years ago. I did okay.

Then I fell off the chairlift! Yes, you read that right! Nobody taught me how to take off the skis, and as snickering preschool kids zipped past my mangled body, I made a RESOLUTION to never, ever ski again. It was mortifying that my now brother-in-law, father-in-law, and husband became a human forklift. I was done.

My husband and kids have become phenomenal skiers. I have joked for years that I am the only person who does not ski but who willingly leaves the Sunshine State in winter to spend two weeks in Vermont. I write, I walk, I rest. But after my freedom ride in July, in which I got back on a bike, I have become braver. (Please click this link to read it => https://www.daralevan.com/blog-every-soul-has-a-story/9au0268eod0yo6km3yev21t3xgmqus)

I deliberated if I could trust myself to fly down a mountain for the first time at 45 years old. I did not mention this to my family. I never thought I’d be able to summon the courage to actually follow through with this scary as sh** moment.

On the 30th, my friend said "C'mon, I'll show you the basics." I rolled my eyes, warning her that would require an immense amount of patience. Then my daughter added, “Mom, you can do this!” So I replied, “Why not? I always talk about embracing the moment. I need to try.”

The dialogue in my head was “I may die or become paralyzed, but at least I tried!”

Shout out to Spencer from AJs Ski and Sports in Stowe, Vermont. He laughed at my self-deprecating commentary and offered helpful tips as I tried on boots. His humor and relaxed vibe eased my nerves. The next day, I slowly moved down the bunny hill three times, and I only fell once!  I could not for the life of me figure out how to take off the skis nor walk in them. And I had a petrified flashback when I fell one time. Then someone told me I had a massive smile on my face even while I wiped out. 

So I signed up for a three hour lesson on New Year’s Day. I felt both exhilarated and nervous. As we drove toward Spruce Peak, I hoped for a patient instructor. I am beyond grateful for Phil whose calm demeanor and witty personality encouraged me to keep going. When we first began the lesson, my goals were to learn how to get back up and to get off the chairlift without panicking or face planting!

The afternoon far surpassed what I had imagined; I just wanted to end the day with all limbs intact. And Phil said, “You are athletic! You really did well; I rarely take beginners on the run you did!”

Really? I momentarily regressed and made a snarky comment. He looked me right in the eyes and said, “I am being completely honest, Dara. You took to this easily.” 

Phil’s wisdom both on and off the mountain has stayed with me three years later. His impact reached beyond teaching the technicalities of a sport. His perspective on life had depth and dimension. Phil was part of a personal breakthrough, and there is no turning back. I will continue this forward momentum and ascend in all areas of my life this year.

Here’s what I learned from my day on the slopes:

💜 It is never too late to conquer a fear.
💜 Progress is more important than perfection.
💜 Slowing down is necessary to catch your breath.
💜 Enjoy the ride because we cannot control it.
💜 Tiny shifts are all that’s necessary to vastly change directions.
💜 Whether climbing a mountain or skiing down it, take one step at a time.
💜 Trust and faith will fuel my future.
💜 It is empowering and liberating to release the past.

Here's an update since I wrote those words in 2020:

💜 I've flown on small airplanes. No biggie, right? I used to just look at a smaller plane and feel queasy.
💜 I paddle boarded for the first time. What a blast! I did not fall. More importantly, I knew that if I did, I'd get right back on the board.
💜 I jet skied (another first), white knuckled because the water was not only freezing but rough.

It's intriguing, too, that fear has lessened to discomfort. Lately, I intentionally challenge myself, curious about my response and excited about my newfound physical freedom. Most of all, I trust my inner knowing in a way that's empowering. I only have a few weeks left until 2023. Stay tuned because I remain committed--and psyched--for another adventure. 

WHAT ARE YOUR NEW YEAR'S INTENTIONS?