Learned XC with no previous "slidey sports" after 40-50? Tell me your story!

I'm a lifelong trail runner, so that's 35+ years doing my mono-directional single-leg alternating-balance sport where the primary goal is to NEVER SLIDE. 😂

Now I'm learning classic XC this winter at age 50 and sheesh am I terrible with the balance/glide combo. On top of that, falling is feels scary since I almost never fall while running and I've had bad injuries after those rare running falls. Even speed on a downhill equal to running speed is stressful. Because I'm sliding.

Diagonal stride is coming along slowly but well. That is, until I need to shift weight and glide on one foot. Brain panics and ski goes all skittery. Scooter drill, yes I know, lots and lots.

Tell me YOUR story of how you got through this learning curve. Thank you, thank you! 🙏