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I’ve just returned from a ski trip, and I had a moment up on that mountain that truly stopped me in my tracks—quite literally. It was a lesson in panic, problem-solving, and the unexpected simplicity of getting unstuck. Reflecting on it now, I realise how much it applies to life in general, especially when we face challenges that feel insurmountable.

A Dream Realised, a Challenge Faced

Skiing had been on my vision board for years, and this trip with my family and friends felt like a dream come true. I hadn’t skied in over two decades, and even then, I was never a particularly confident skier. I took some refresher lessons before we left, as did my children, and I was excited to take on the slopes of Austria.

One particular day, feeling relatively confident, I decided to tackle a steep slope I had managed the day before—albeit with some difficulty. My children, much more agile and fearless, glided down with ease, heading off with a friend while I took my time descending at my own pace.

When Fear Takes Hold

On the flatter sections, I felt comfortable, in control, in flow. But the moment the gradient increased, something shifted in my mind. My confidence crumbled. Suddenly, every turn felt impossible. It was as if my brain had erased all memory of how to ski. Panic took hold, and my body froze.

This was my first realisation: when faced with an unfamiliar challenge, even something we are capable of can feel impossible. Our minds can completely block us, making us believe we are incapable, when in reality, we just need to adjust our approach.

The Fall That Changed Everything

Struggling with my turns, I eventually lost control and fell. It wasn’t just a small stumble—I skidded, landing in an awkward, twisted position on a steep slope. My legs were bent in ways they shouldn’t be, and every attempt to move only made me slide further down. My mind went into overdrive.

I tried everything: repositioning my skis, attempting to remove them, using my poles to steady myself. Nothing worked. The more I struggled, the worse it got. My thoughts spiralled: I’ll be stuck here all day. I might need a helicopter to rescue me. Should I start shouting for help? Every worst-case scenario flooded my mind, and the panic intensified.

The Power of Pausing

Then, something shifted. I realised I needed to stop fighting, just for a moment. I took a deep breath and simply sat still. I watched the skiers in the distance, took in the scenery, and told myself: You’re going to get out of this. There is always a way.

And then, in that moment of calm, the answer appeared.

All I had to do was roll onto my side.

It was so simple. Just a tiny shift in movement, and suddenly, I could reposition myself, regain my balance, and stand up.

A Lesson in Simplicity

The sheer elation I felt was overwhelming—not just because I was back on my feet, but because the solution had been there all along. I was so focused on panicking, on trying every conventional trick I knew, that I had overlooked the easiest, most natural solution.

This experience has stayed with me, not just as a skiing memory but as a life lesson. How often do we find ourselves in situations where we feel completely stuck? We try everything we know, but nothing works. We spiral into negativity, believing there is no way forward. But often, the answer is something simple, something just beyond our frantic grasp.

Applying This to Life and Creativity

This lesson applies to so many aspects of life—especially creativity and business. How many times do we feel like we’re doing everything we’re ‘supposed’ to, but nothing is working? Maybe you’ve built a website that no one visits, posted artwork on social media with little engagement, or put your work in a gallery only for it to be overlooked. It’s easy to feel like you’re failing, like there’s no way forward.

But sometimes, the answer is just a small shift in perspective. A new approach. A pause to reassess.

In my book Your Art Matters, I talk about this concept in a chapter on turning adversity into advantage. Some of the most successful artists have faced setbacks, only to find that one simple change—a different platform, a new technique, a fresh perspective—was all they needed to break through.

 

That day on the mountain reminded me of one fundamental truth: there is always a way. Even when we feel stuck, overwhelmed, or convinced we need outside help, the solution might be right in front of us—we just need to pause long enough to see it.

So, if you find yourself feeling like you’re slipping—whether in your work, your creativity, or just in life—remember to take a breath. Sit still. Look around. The way forward might be simpler than you think.

 

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Have a great week & take care,

Michelle xo