That “feeling” we get as we age.
Celebrate! You have a choice.
I just finished 2 weeks on the road. The racing was next level throughout the categories. Beginners to pros. One thing that stuck with me as a wrote this. We have a choice. I’m in my 50’s. I feel like I’m healthy. I feel like, in some ways, I’m reverse aging. This realization has come through some hard work physically and mentally.
One thing that really struck me. The older age groups of racers and participants in all the events. I’m trying to think back to the ’70s. Could I have imagined 40-60+-year-olds getting on a bike and actually RACING (Some of the masters' numbers were huge. 80+ riders starting a race!)? My memory is of my parents/their friends at the pool smoking cigarettes and having cocktails. Things have drastically changed from our wellness perspective.
One thing that really has jostled me…the perception and celebration as we age. I truly feel life began at 50 for me. I just didn’t realize it! Certain cultures in Asia celebrate the aging process. Why don’t we?
Here are a few things to celebrate, and learn from, as we get older as athletes.
50-year olds. You are halfway to 100. It used to be unfathomable to think of 100 as an attainable age. The number of centenarians is projected to increase eightfold by 2050. The best way to live the back half of your life is through wellness, health, and exercise!
Maturity. In my 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s I thought I was “maturing”. I wasn’t. I was learning. Now, I am maturing. Smart enough to make GREAT decisions in my life. Exercise and wellness have always been important to become faster. Now, they are essential to making me happier. I’m much better at balancing all of the stressors and my group of 4.
Relationships. I didn’t value friendships, marriage, my kids, my spirituality, or my mindfulness as much as I should have. Now? I have tapped in. Opened the spigot. Letting it go, flow, pour out. How? Reflection. I am reflecting back on mistakes made and things I did well. Some of it really opened up when I started journaling. It identified strengths in my relationships. It also identified unhealthy relationships too.
We aren’t focused on possessions as much as we are on experiences. Maybe it’s just me, but I do find that an experience (Like an epic hike, fun bike ride, trying something new) creates more interest and fulfillment than a widget ever did. Don’t get me wrong, financial security is important to all of us, but I’ve found that I don’t STRESS nearly as much about it as I used to. Why? All of the things that I have been blogging about for a year. Journalling. Exercise. Friendships. Meditation. Love. Caring.
Unlock your happiness and health by digging in. Reflect on the 4 points above. Tell me what you find!
Tailwinds,
Chad