If we let it, fear can stop us from moving forward, taking risks, and making the most of opportunities. In contrast, courage enables us to take risks, pursue our dreams, and achieve what we want out of life.
You deserve the gold medal each and every time you accomplish such a wonderful experience. The cats are cats and they like to pout on occasion. They want you to know they are offended.
I think you are able to have such great times because you have a nonjudgmental safety net. My mom has that. She is 92 and is just as independent as you are. She also knows there are 4 children that would be at her side in a minute. In our family the one with the smarter mouth wins the game. So if we weren’t giving her a hard time on occasion she would think the wrong children had come calling.
On the other hand those of us who don’t have a safety net aren’t so gung-ho on stepping out and doing things on our own.
People my age still have husbands. I do not.
He died 2 years ago and I am uncomfortable just counting on me in unknown territory.
I believe you have a solid core for many years and with the care of your husband
Hi Susan, That's what started the need for courage - the death of my husband, and my fear of making decisions and doing things on my own. You are right, I think, about the safety net. I say no, and they say, 'Let's go.' We know what you can manage, and we will help you do it. I would not have taken any of the trips without their encouragement.
I’m 61 and an avid solo hiker. Sometimes my sons come with, and sometimes others, but mostly I go it alone. And in beautiful well traveled trails. I’m about to start my 10 alpine lakes in 10 weeks yearly challenge. My favorite hiking buddy is 82 and really kicks my butt.
I meet the neatest people on the trails and always in awe of folks older than me and into 80’s and 90’s. I always ask them how they are managing and what’s the secret. #1 answer is get out there, do it, and never stop.
Also .. one of my summer tasks in July is picking about 100 pounds of blueberries at our u-pick farms in my area. I freeze them in ziplocs and stack them in my deepfreeze — just enough for about 1 cup per day and first thing in the morning. Soft, cold little purple marbles.
Tricia, Bravo to you. My first thought was that if you are doing that in your sixties, you have a much better chance of being able to do it in your 80s and 90s, which is just what the people you meet on the trails are saying.
A wee bit of realism, coupled with the courage gives a lot more confidence because you can do things, as you noted when you have the courage and the ability beyond what you think you can do❣️
Great post! Fear often tells us we should stay back, that we might fail. It sounds like your long walk was worth the effort. Thanks for this positive reinforcement to take risks and believe that life won't stop if you don't get all the way to the end.
That is a great post and example of what we can do choosing courage over fear! Funnily enough I've decided to re-read Susan Jeffer's book just yesterday because it literally was FEAR that crept up on me during my recovery from burnout & her work still stands up well for me. But back to you, wow! And wow again not allowing it to be (as Elizabeth Gilbert once said) in the drivers seat of "your car/life"
What an amazing trip. I have that kind of fear with walks and whether I can keep up with other people. There was a tine when that fear was well founded. And now I can probably manage more than I think
Janice, this is a treasure to read. Thank you for the inspiration you’re providing for people like me (age 80), for the example you’re setting, and for the hope you’re planting in our hearts.
Such a lovely outing, Janice. You have wonderful children who always include you. It fills my heart to hear it. You are one of the bravest people I know. Keep it up, my friend.
I was cheering you on as I was reading. The trip sounds spectacular. Interestingly, I missed out on more earlier in my life because of fear. Now, I push myself too much. Maybe I’m making up for lost time?
Thanks for this, Janice. I’ve found that when I can push past the impulse to avoid tests I most often do better than I expected. And that’s especially true for physical tests.
If we let it, fear can stop us from moving forward, taking risks, and making the most of opportunities. In contrast, courage enables us to take risks, pursue our dreams, and achieve what we want out of life.
You deserve the gold medal each and every time you accomplish such a wonderful experience. The cats are cats and they like to pout on occasion. They want you to know they are offended.
I think you are able to have such great times because you have a nonjudgmental safety net. My mom has that. She is 92 and is just as independent as you are. She also knows there are 4 children that would be at her side in a minute. In our family the one with the smarter mouth wins the game. So if we weren’t giving her a hard time on occasion she would think the wrong children had come calling.
On the other hand those of us who don’t have a safety net aren’t so gung-ho on stepping out and doing things on our own.
People my age still have husbands. I do not.
He died 2 years ago and I am uncomfortable just counting on me in unknown territory.
I believe you have a solid core for many years and with the care of your husband
Your tank is full and ready to go.
Hi Susan, That's what started the need for courage - the death of my husband, and my fear of making decisions and doing things on my own. You are right, I think, about the safety net. I say no, and they say, 'Let's go.' We know what you can manage, and we will help you do it. I would not have taken any of the trips without their encouragement.
I’m 61 and an avid solo hiker. Sometimes my sons come with, and sometimes others, but mostly I go it alone. And in beautiful well traveled trails. I’m about to start my 10 alpine lakes in 10 weeks yearly challenge. My favorite hiking buddy is 82 and really kicks my butt.
I meet the neatest people on the trails and always in awe of folks older than me and into 80’s and 90’s. I always ask them how they are managing and what’s the secret. #1 answer is get out there, do it, and never stop.
Also .. one of my summer tasks in July is picking about 100 pounds of blueberries at our u-pick farms in my area. I freeze them in ziplocs and stack them in my deepfreeze — just enough for about 1 cup per day and first thing in the morning. Soft, cold little purple marbles.
Tricia, Bravo to you. My first thought was that if you are doing that in your sixties, you have a much better chance of being able to do it in your 80s and 90s, which is just what the people you meet on the trails are saying.
A wee bit of realism, coupled with the courage gives a lot more confidence because you can do things, as you noted when you have the courage and the ability beyond what you think you can do❣️
Hi Jill, It's a surprise to me that I can do those things. I am so sure I can't, and then I did.
Great post! Fear often tells us we should stay back, that we might fail. It sounds like your long walk was worth the effort. Thanks for this positive reinforcement to take risks and believe that life won't stop if you don't get all the way to the end.
Hi Cathey, what a good reminder - life doesn't stop just because we don't reach the end.
I'm so glad you found/and continue to find the courage for these adventures. Courage is contagious, to others and ourselves!
Hi Nancy, So true, and maybe it helps build self-confidence along the way.
That is a great post and example of what we can do choosing courage over fear! Funnily enough I've decided to re-read Susan Jeffer's book just yesterday because it literally was FEAR that crept up on me during my recovery from burnout & her work still stands up well for me. But back to you, wow! And wow again not allowing it to be (as Elizabeth Gilbert once said) in the drivers seat of "your car/life"
Hi Denyse, Fear is a sneaky little culprit, that's for sure.
It is there for a reason as we know but it can be far too big for its boots!
I had to laugh - so very true.
What an amazing trip. I have that kind of fear with walks and whether I can keep up with other people. There was a tine when that fear was well founded. And now I can probably manage more than I think
Hi Cali, that's what I'm finding.
Janice, this is a treasure to read. Thank you for the inspiration you’re providing for people like me (age 80), for the example you’re setting, and for the hope you’re planting in our hearts.
Hi Careen, Thank you so much.
Such a lovely outing, Janice. You have wonderful children who always include you. It fills my heart to hear it. You are one of the bravest people I know. Keep it up, my friend.
Hi Sharron, I do have wonderful children and am so appreciative when they include me, even when I drag my feet.
I was cheering you on as I was reading. The trip sounds spectacular. Interestingly, I missed out on more earlier in my life because of fear. Now, I push myself too much. Maybe I’m making up for lost time?
Hi Jan, Fear really came alive for me after my husband died, and I was on my own.
Ahhh, and I was a single parent and alone then. That makes so much sense.
Thanks for this, Janice. I’ve found that when I can push past the impulse to avoid tests I most often do better than I expected. And that’s especially true for physical tests.
Hi Charles, I think we don't give ourselves enough credit sometimes.
Thank you Janice. So much of what you have shared lands right in my heart…and my hips and knees (-:
Courage indeed.
The courage to move.
I feel very connected in this moment.
Kindness Always
Nan
HI Nan, Yes, the knees seem to have a mind of their own.