The pros and cons of 'Making Elevens'.

So what am I writing about here.... Ok. Just pointing it and hoping that it goes, can (most-times) be a bad idea. That is a style, that if put together correctly it can make unusual lines, huge airs, and good recoveries. But the problem is nobody cares about recoveries. They want to see stomps. That is why it is left to payed athletes. But really keeping recoveries in films brings something that is real about skiing. Whether it is an outside edge getting caught, or cartwheels with skis on, we have those moments every day, and a strong save is great to watch. At every mountain around the world, when people click in they don't want to come out again until they are ready. Nothing is worse that losing a ski, losing your balance, going over the handle bars, getting sloughed out. But, nothing is better than having all that and worse happen to you, and then still coming away skiing at the bottom.
Those wiser than me are more patient because of their close calls. Those less persistent than me are quitting. Those more bold are blind to their brushes. At some point we have all had a moment of foresight the instant before it happens, and it is not looking good for you. But instead of closing your eyes and clinching every muscle as hard as you can, and we looked it in the eye and said 'not today buddy'. Got ourselves back on or feet before anyone could see you go down. And we were empowered. And the next tumble, because we know it'll happen, we have the notion to pull our shit together mid-crash, and we almost have it, but we still get thrashed.
The 'Almost Saved' category is long indeed. But that doesn't bum us out, no way, that is a source of stories and reminders and insights. It can take a stiff lash of the whip to make the blur go away, but more importantly you have to remember what clarity you've found. Not being able to recall those lessons means you will not move forward, do not pass go, you have failed.
The harsh reality is that our experiences are what determines how we feel. Most people go around acting on their feelings and thoughts. And ultimately it is our actions that determine our experience. Yes, there are random happenings. Yes, some people are that unlucky. But having control over the people you surround yourself with, and your own mental and physical state is all we have. Putting yourself on the line, repeatedly, is a thrill for some, a habit for others, or just how you react to your own experiences. In any case, the bottom line is 'you play with fire you will get burned'. And when you go all in for that last time, you will be at the asylum or the morgue. If you have come to terms with that and continue to send blindly into the unknown, keep on keeping on. The moments that last are intimately close to the things that nobody cares to remember but cant forget. No risk, no reward. I only hope that I mature soon enough, that I can better understand myself, and play big on the winning hand. All it takes is a bit of strategic betting, and I bet that I will have multiple close calls and minor moments, both good and bad, en route to the one that makes it all worth it. And how sweet it will be.

Experiences are just a consequence, but they are also teh driving force.