Age : The Golden Attribute

I saw the above post on a FB page today and I was immediately inspired to write.  This is a subject near and dear to my heart...that of the limitations of age.  Here's what I believe...

If you hear yourself saying 'if only I were younger' or  'I’m too old to...’ you are not living the life you were meant to live.  You are shortchanging yourself of many fantastic experiences.  I believe the issue is more one of size, rather than action.  Meaning, at 18, when I took up skiing, much like an unrestrained toddler I threw myself on the slope.  I was young, resilient, no thought given to broken limbs, concussions, or lost wages.  Life was meant to be lived, here, now and big!

At 47, when I decided to learn to snowboard thoughts of injury and slower recovery did cross my mind.  I was damned sure if I fell it would hurt.  So, instead of throwing myself down the hill I started safe, and small.  I stayed at the bottom of the hill, not even taking the lift to the top until the 3rd day I went.  I only worked on the board for an hour, accumulating small successes with each attempt, then switching to skis for the rest of the day.  In other words, I didn’t say ‘I’m too old to learn to snowboard.’  I said ‘what small step can I take toward snowboarding today’  I scaled down my expectations.

As we age it’s important that the number isn’t the only factor we consider because it puts up false roadblocks, narrowing our experiences with the misconception of keeping ourselves safe.  The reality is we are not creating safety we are nurturing fear, fear of falling, fear of failure, fear of looking silly.  Age is what you allow it to be. 

At 55, I want to face the next 50 years with gusto.  I’m smarter than I was when I was 18.  I’m more experienced.  I understand my body better, how it moves and works. This is my golden era, my time to call on intellect, experience and body awareness.   I want a bigger world before me.  And, that can’t happen if I allow age to take precedence over all the other traits and talents that I have accumulated because of my age. 

When considering new experiences, by adding age to the Benefits column instead of the Disadvantages column you offer your mind the opportunity to try new things.  The next step is to take the time to break the task down into manageable bits, being realistic about the restrictions that age may present.  For example, don’t look at taking up snowboarding as being the new Shawn White this season.  Instead, research finding the best instructor you can get, someone that honors the fact that you are not 18.  Grant yourself the kindness of staying on the bottom of the hill until you are ready to tackle more challenging terrain, even if it takes all season.  Make the decision that you CAN take on this new, and exciting adventure, whatever it may be, because you have the benefit of experience, knowledge and AGE!

FYI : Lisa is a certified snowboarding instructor specializing in teaching women, and people with the Golden Advantage! ;-)