Double Black: A Ski Diva Mystery

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Sure, I'm sure!

Even though it's come and gone, here's a day worth noting: National Women's Confidence Day.

If you missed it like I did, here's some background: National Women's Confidence Day was established on June 7 by Vanity Fair (the lingerie company), and announced to the world by none other than their spokesperson, Queen Latifah. The idea of the day is "to recognize women who project the power of confidence and encourage other women to gain confidence and self-esteem."

As much as I abhor this as a blatent ploy to sell women's underwear, I guess I must be a sucker at heart. Because I can't help but applaud the notion behind it. After all, there's nothing wrong with encouraging women to be confident.

This is especially important in skiing, a sport where head games can do a real number on you. Lack confidence in your ability, and you can pretty much guarantee yourself a white knuckle, teeth chattering, toe clenching ride down the mountain. In other words, you won't have any fun. But feel fairly confident, and the run's a different story.

Seems to me that lack of confidence is more of an issue with women than it is with men. Chalk this up to social conditioning, intimidation, or who knows what. I'm not saying you should over estimate how well you ski and take unwarranted risks. On the other hand, why not give yourself permission to recognize the ability you do have? Instead of talking yourself down, boost yourself up. You'll ski better, feel better, and have a much better time.

I'm sure of it.

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