For some reason, idiomatic expressions have always intrigued me. The English language must be particularly challenging to learn, given its abundance of these expressions. I make it a point to note them down whenever I hear one, pausing to ponder its true meaning. Take, for example, the phrase “over your skis.” This idiomatic expression is often used to describe someone who is getting ahead of themselves or taking on more than they can handle. It finds its origins in skiing, where leaning too far forward over your skis can cause you to lose control and fall. Metaphorically, it serves as a caution against overreaching or entering situations without adequate preparation or skills. It suggests that such actions could lead to failure or a metaphorical “fall.” Essentially, it warns against undertaking tasks or making commitments that are beyond one’s current capabilities or understanding.
However, this is one expression with which I respectfully disagree. I believe we should occasionally find ourselves ‘over our skis’! It’s in these moments, albeit extremely uncomfortable, that we often learn the most. I recall a defining experience from my early teens, around 14 or 15 years old, when my uncle was somewhat reluctantly tasked with taking me up to the local ski resort. It seems the encouragement for him to teach me how to ski came from his parents. The method he chose for this lesson is etched vividly in my memory. He led me to the most challenging part of the mountain, a run marked by double or triple black diamonds, and there we stood at the edge of a precipice overlooking a bowl filled with rocks and trees. Not wanting to disappoint my uncle or appear scared, I mustered my courage and followed him off the cliff. In doing so, I was quite literally “over my skis.”
My uncle quickly disappeared down the course, leaving me alone to navigate the treacherous bowl filled with powder, rocks, branches, and unexpected drop-offs. It took the better part of the day to make my way down the mountain and back to the ski lodge. When I finally located my uncle, he was unwinding with a few beers alongside his ski patrol friends. That day, I was undeniably “over my skis,” overwhelmed with fear and trepidation for much of the time. Yet, something significant happened. I had faced the worst of it head-on. I came to understand that I could handle it, and I knew exactly what I was up against. That was the day I truly learned how to ski.
So, no matter what you’re striving to learn in life, I wholeheartedly recommend embracing the notion of being in over your head, of being way out over your skis. This approach not only fosters resilience but also accelerates learning by forcing us to navigate through our fears and uncertainties. It’s a testament to the idea that the most profound growth often comes from the most challenging experiences.
