Yard Sales are a Part of Life

Yesterday I was snowboarding at Keystone. A friend I was riding with planned on meeting up with someone from Facebook. We all met, and it was lovely. After a few runs, we stopped at a rest area full of powder, made snow angels, and talked about life. Our new friend, in her late 30s, shared about how she is going through a breakup from an 8-year relationship. They were engaged. The ex is already with someone else. I don't believe in coincidences and this moment of connection was evidence of that. All 4 women that were riding together that day were going through breakups. The universe has a way of giving you exactly what you need, even when you feel as if things aren't going your way.

This situation, someone being so deep into a relationship, only to have it end in an unexpected way, reminded me how at any moment, life can completely change. I thought of a metaphor for this.

A yard sale is a term used in skiing to refer to a fall that is so intense, it causes you to lose all of your items. Usually, they're spread out all over, hence the name yard sale. Think of tumbling down a mountain, one ski pole catching air and flying above you, the other rolling to the left. As you continue to fall, one ski stays on, while the other shoots down the slope. You are left disoriented, with no sense of direction, often needing help from others to get your bearings.

Life has no shortage of yard sales. At any moment your secure footing can slip and suddenly everything starts to fall apart.

This caused me to think about what people place their sense of security into. Often it's other people, via romantic relationships, friendships, and family. People also identify with their jobs, social statuses, appearances, wealth, etc. This metaphor of a yard sale reminded me no matter what your situation is, you are not immune to falling and losing everything. When we place our sense of safety in things outside of ourselves, we are at risk of getting hurt.

Yard sales can also be a gift. Once you have settled, there is a greater appreciation for the simple things we often overlook, such as our health and the people who helped us put ourselves back together. A yard sale can serve as a reminder to be more cautious, or even take a break if needed. A yard sale can be a sign it's finally time to toss some of your gear.

Here's to falling, embracing losing everything you thought you needed, allowing others to help piece you together, and maybe even upgrading after everything has settled.