From Ski Boots to 3″ Heels

There are a lot of “never” and “always” statements I said when I was younger like, “I’ll never wear heels,” or “I’ll never wear makeup,” or “I’ll always love climbing and snow,” or “I’ll never own my own business.”

I think that I can officially say that all of those “always and nevers” have been blown out of the water. 

Working as an instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) leading trips around the world, I was in my element – what inspired me, fired me up, got me going in the morning. But things shifted. It was time to let go, and find community, other interests, a home… and not knowing it at the time, but to become a “life coach” eventually.

It really hit me when I was having dinner this week with friends that have known me for 20 years (and I haven’t seen in a long time) – they’ve only known me as the hard core climber, skier, outdoors woman who only stops to eat so she can refuel for the next adventure (like the above pic).

When I told them I have an entire suitcase of dresses in my car, 3 inch heels, a make up bag and a ballerina and rhinestone iphone case, their jaw dropped to the floor and one of them said, “I think I need to digest this for awhile – it’s not registering.” (We all had a great laugh of course.)

I didn’t force it to happen – it just happened. Interests changed, and my body has been changing to things more soft, more kind, more gentle, and more feminine. I’ve sold all my ice climbing gear, ropes, my coveted -40 degree sleeping bag, and anything else related to vertical and cold.

It was my life, I loved it then, and now it’s passed. I never thought that would happen. 

Yet it did. And I love my new passions – tango dancing and surfing. I’m flowing with what interests me, not what I should do based on how others have known me or how I’ve know myself. It’s liberating and exciting. It’s fun and rewarding. 

I can’t say it’s been without fear. But not having fear would mean I’m not stretching myself into new ways of being. It’s what I need to do and want to do.

What do you feel shifting within you? An interest that’s changing – perhaps dissolving, yet you’re holding on because you don’t know what to replace it with?  Or it’s how you’ve identified yourself?

Explore, check things out. Give yourself permission to say no to what doesn’t interest you anymore, or what feels like you’re doing out of obligation instead of desire or passion for it.

You’ll know the difference because your body will tell you – meaning you’ll feel heavy or tight in your chest when it’s something you’re not interested in anymore, and you’ll feel an excitement for what is.

As you head into the holidays, what’s one thing you want to do or add to your day that you haven’t done before? That will stretch you? Maybe it’s to take a ski lesson, or try ice skating. Or perhaps a pottery class, or guitar. Maybe you’ve thought about knitting something, but haven’t.

Now’s the time. Forget about the New Year’s resolution and open to what’s possible NOW. I’m here supporting you, cheering you on, believing in you.

If I can go from ski boots to 3″ heels, I know you can create your passions too!

Categories: Heart Centered Living

About the Author: Angela Patnode

My passion, my calling, is for you to be totally you. Through private coaching, in-depth retreats, and online group coaching programs, I help you tap into your intuition and clarify your desires and vision, I guide you to take active steps toward making your desires a reality.

4 comments to “From Ski Boots to 3″ Heels

  1. eric

    Angela,
    I know exactly what you mean by stretching. Life is stifled in the comfort zone. All the fresh stuff is outside habit and safety. I congratulate you on being brave enough to change. Happy holidays and travels,
    Eric

    1. Angela Patnode

      Thanks Eric! Here’s to stretching each day of our lives!

  2. Robin

    Angela,

    Good for you to go adventuring again! We’ve loved our time in California, including Sand Dollar beach! Gorgeous! Loved what you had to say about stretching and stepping out of comfort zones…I feel like I’ve done alot of that this year, staying true to my word of the year which was “create.” Sometimes just being open to possibilities is the best way to tap into what draws us…It’s a wonderful journey! Keep shinin’ and happy trails! Have a peaceful Christmas too!
    Love, Robin

    1. Angela Patnode

      Thanks Robin! It’s wonderful to be stretching and guide others to do the same. Life is more magical and vibrant outside the comfort zone. I love your word of the year – wishing you lots of creativity this coming year!

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