3 Reasons why it is the small moments that count...

Life is not a single moment in time. Life is a stream of consciousness, a continuum of moments that layer on on top of each other, shaped by your interactions with the world, that result in a story to tell. Some moments are sharp to the touch, while others will warm you with unadulterated happiness, we do not always get to chose the moment or what that moment means to us, but that, as they say, is life.

Every moment is our moment, and we must own them. It is a painful reality that we are all endowed with a life that is little more than fleeting, so we must create meaningness for all life's little moments. It is the little moments that count.

This weekend, as I rested in a hotel high in the Swiss alps after a day of sliding down the mountain in fog thick as syrup, I recognized that this experience could shape my life. I don’t know how yet, but it got me thinking on some of the past moments in my life that still impact me today. Below are three of the ones that stuck out in my mind:

1) A solo hike to Lake Suzie, California: A full flask of whiskey might have been consumed upon arrival to one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the Sierras, and I may have ended up skinny dipping, and I may have fallen asleep by the lake and got eaten alive at sundown.

Life lesson: Nature is not to be messed with. Period.

2) Trying to teach my girlfriend to snowboard: A day in the mountains with the love of your life? What could go wrong? Well, my then girlfriend (now wife), had skied exactly 2 times in her life, and never even stood on a board before. After renting the board, buying the lift ticket, and explaining, at a high level, the concept of stopping and going, we hit the bunny slope. My instructions of “just go forward” or “move your back foot to steer” were not only misguided, but potentially dangerous. She left the mountain upset and with a hatred of mountain sports.

Life lesson: Be attentive to others. Not everyone has the same experiences you do, and may need to be coached in a different manner. I also learned, that I was a horrible teacher (something I try to change daily), and that I should never try to push someone to do something they are not comfortable with. I still feel bad everytime I see a newbie boarder.

3) Aiming for the Bushes: During my MBA, I was part of the Ski Club. We were out skiing in Bormio one day, and I had bought a helmet for the first time in my life. I was a bit cocky with the new level of protection I enjoyed, and I wanted to show off to my new buddies. On the fabled “last run before lunch,” we decided to go to the park, and I went big. Too big. Way too big. Long story short, I broke my arm.

Life lesson: Sometimes if you go big, you will go home, too. Sometimes you need to stay within your comfort zone. Always take stock of how you feel that day, and never try to make massive leaps in your development. Slow and steady will always win out, and do not try to impress others. Live life for yourself!