All In
All In
Rarely are we content with the chips we have. Everyone wants to double up but only a few can stomach the double down. The facts are that when you go all in, you either win big or you lose big.
Great experiences don’t accidentally happen; if you want to put in more days on snow, it’s an active decision. Riding deep powder in breathtaking mountain zones requires you to put things in place, even if you’re not sure if the gamble will pay off. The possibility of failure is very real, either financially, causing you to have to back out, or physically via an injury. Nothing is guaranteed. But what are you going to do? Let the potential to live out the grandest vision for your life slip away? Or do you go all in and do what it takes to make it happen?
Brandon Wiesener laying it on the line and going all in
Pulling the trigger isn’t a trivial decision. Whether you want to push yourself to ride at the highest level, become a backcountry guide, create inspiring action sports media, or just lead a life of adventure in the mountains everyday, it’s going to take some sacrifice and some luck. You may have a job that provides financial security but if it’s altering your path from where your heart is leading, it could require you to make some changes. There will be times when it seems like everything is falling apart and all you have is a dream no one understands but you. It can also hit the point where you question the dream itself and it just seems easier to surrender, to go back to normal living and take the path most traveled. Most people will scoff at your idea, pointing out all the flaws, but they must be ignored. No one likes a quitter; you won’t cross the river without getting your toes wet. The thing about crossing out of your comfort zone once is that it becomes addicting. You just had the most unreal day of your life shredding in the mountains so you will find a way to do it for as many days in a row as you can.
Sleds aren’t cheap, fuel isn’t cheap, the cost of living isn’t cheap, but the dream is epic and the reward is priceless. You can be going through the darkest times when things just don’t make sense, but when you pull that cord and punch the throttle, stomp a massive jump or simply take in a sunset reflecting off of a remote glacier, everything becomes clear again. Purpose, motivation, creativity, community, satisfaction; sledding provides an outlet that feeds the soul. Going all in with the sport can be the most rewarding experience, you just have to be daring enough to take the chance.
