10 Life Lessons I Didn’t Expect to Learn on a Ski Slope

After a 30-year break, a week ago, I found myself back on skis for the first time in three decades. Yes – thirty years. I went to Chamonix with Girl Powder Retreats, imagining crisp air, mountain views, and maybe a gentle glide or two. What I got instead was a lot of falling, a lot of laughing, and a surprising amount of clarity. Because here’s the thing: sometimes it takes doing something wildly outside your comfort zone to show you how far you’ve already come — and how much more you’re capable of.

The mountains have a funny way of holding up a mirror to your life. It's something about the dramatic landscape – nature at it's finest – that offers a sense of perspective.

So here are 10 life lessons I didn’t expect to learn in the snow, but now feel deeply relevant to anyone navigating change, reinvention, or simply trying to remember who they are beneath the noise.

1. Fear and excitement create the same sensation in the body — how your mind frames it is everything.

That flutter in your stomach can mean danger or possibility. The slope didn’t change; my interpretation did. This mindset shift can be carried through all potentially scary situations in life.

2. Asking for help is not weak — it’s smart.

The quickest way to progress was admitting when I didn’t know what I was doing. Support is a strategy, not a shortcoming. My ski instructor became my secret weapon in making progress.

3. Your brain learns from your behaviour — act brave and your mind will follow.

Courage isn’t a feeling; it’s a decision. Every tiny brave action rewires the brain to believe you can do it.

4. It’s never too late to fall in love with something new.

Whether it’s skiing, writing, lifting, or life itself — novelty wakes up parts of you that have been waiting patiently.

5. Your body is stronger than you think (and lifting weights always pays off).

Those squats and deadlifts? They showed up for me on the mountain. Strength training is self-trust in physical form.

6. The right people make the journey richer.

Surround yourself with those who cheer, support, and celebrate you — not the ones who leave you anxious or small.

7. Giving yourself space to think is not selfish — it’s a strength.

Stillness is where clarity lives. The mountain air reminded me how much I need it. I am a million times more productive with a calm and happy nervous system. Time out isn't a luxury - it's a necessity.

8. The most important thing you can do is relax and have fun.

Especially when you’re building something new. Tension blocks creativity; joy unlocks it. Simple!

9. Permission to pause is one of the kindest things you can give yourself.

Rest isn’t laziness. Thrive time counts. Your worth is not measured by output.

10. Growth happens the moment you realise, “I just did that.”

And that moment — that spark of self-recognition — is worth celebrating every single time.

Why this matters for reinvention

This trip reminded me that reinvention isn’t a grand gesture. It’s a series of small, brave choices. It’s falling, laughing, getting back up, and discovering parts of yourself you thought were gone. And it’s infinitely easier — and infinitely more joyful — when you do it alongside other women who get it. There is honestly nothing like a shared experience to remind you that you’re not alone, you’re not behind, and you’re not done yet. Which is why I launched my Reinvention Retreats for midlife women – to make it easier for all of us to get access to brilliant coaching and a reinvention mindset!

Ready for your own reinvention moment?

My next Reinvention Retreat is happening on 6th February in London, and there are just a few spaces left. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, a nudge, or permission to prioritise yourself — this is it.

Please be my guest and use the promo code RRR45 for £45 off your place.

I would love to see you there.