Julia, This is timely inspiration for me. I am 73 and still working as a NASA experimental particle astrophysicist ( because I love it so much? Actually, yes!) I am facing FOMO regularly as I age further. I have loved airplanes all my life but have never had the time/money for flight training. I do now and that is my next goal! I have two major medical blacks (heart attack and stroke) that would need FAA waiver for a Private Pilot license. Failing that, I will go for a Sport Pilot license that only requires a valid driver’s license, that I have. I can accept the attendant restrictions. Thanks, John Mitchell
Definitely! I emailed also! I hope you can be part of my support group. I plan to keep working because I have some projects either underway or in planning that are important to me.
I achieved one of my BHAG 4 years ago when I moved from Denver to Isla Mujeres, MX (a little island off Cancun). I’m working on another BHAG as the plans for building a house on the little piece of property I bought on the island are almost ready to be submitted for permits.
But what’s really rolling around inside me these days (I’ll be 59 in about a month) is what my BHAG physically will be. I’m well on my way, even if currently it’s all vaguely lumped under “getting/staying healthy”.
I’m super consistent with exercise and have been for the last 4 years and my food is light years healthier than it has ever been. I’ve got a super strong friendship and support/ social network here, along with an amazing relationship with my daughter and SIL, and lots of other family ties. Plus challenging, well paid work that I enjoy and the freedom to work part-time.
And I’m working on filling in some gaps.
Catching up on all the health screening that went by the wayside during the pandemic. Cutting way back on smoking on my way to quitting ( a monumental goal as I’ve been a heavy smoker for 40+ years). Upping the intensity of my exercising. Tweaking lifestyle to cover all the areas (cardio, strength, mobility, muscle building, sleep, balance, menopause hormonal, working my brain by learning a new language, etc.)
As I write all this, I realize how lucky and privileged I am to have the resources and time to focus on doing all the things that I have some control over for aging well.
I don’t know that I have a specific goal beyond seeing how good I can feel! But time will tell.
I’m thrilled to find your Substack and am feeling energized and more motivated after reading just a couple of posts! 🙏♥️🙏♥️
Thank you Lisa. I appreciate it very much. As someone who once smoked five packs a day as a teenager, and quit cold turkey, I know the journey, albeit it wasn't forty years. I did have eating disorders for forty years, which is different because we have to eat, so there's that. These things we do to ourselves...but smoking, beat that one, Lisa. The stakes are so high.
This is a fantastic perspective, Julia, and such wise advice! The dichotomy between so many people I know who are the same age yet live complete different lives astounds me. One group is constantly on the go, hiking, climbing and making the most of every minute, while the other bemoans injuries and, little by little, walks slowly to the grave. Although, who am I kidding? Some folks seem to grease the slide to get there! Have goals, including BHAG, is the way to make the years worth living! As for me, I do not want to waste any of the time I have with my boys who are growing up too rapidly and will leave the proverbial nest far too soon, but in the meantime, I maintain my SMAG such as my hikes in Glacier and the surrounding wilderness areas. When they are on their own, I'll simply extend what I'm doing to section hikes, volunteering at fire lookouts, cooking for backcountry guides. All the fun stuff!
We see that contrast all the time, Amy. I remember back in 1984 when I was in New Zealand for the first time and I saw lots and lots of older folks hiking. I wanted to be that. I AM that. That's the power of examples. Whoops...I feel an article being born......
Julia, I love this post! It is amazing what goals can be achieved by people of any age, but it is especially inspiring to hear of older people accomplishing lofty goals. Good for them! My BHAG is to showcase my new art series, Breast Cancer, Female and Young, at a gallery. I never thought I would do this -- the idea happened organically, and I'm determined to see it through.
By the way, I loved the post where you were riding the horse. Amazing and wonderful!
Love this, my BHAG is to swim with humpback whales in July 2025, my 60th year on earth (I turn 59 in 2025). You’ve also encouraged me to get a list going, to do the things while I can.
I hope to do that, too, but other things are in front of it. After I thought about it, I hardly needed to do Kili twice. I mean really...all that time and treasure? Do something new!
The term BHAG just tickles me. And the concept is something I've been sort of nibbling around the edges, finding excuses. But having a BHAG?! That sounds like something I need to jump right into. Thanks for the kick!
You're welcome. Kili landed for me primarily because a retired NFL player poked me hard in the side about going to Tanzania and not doing it. As soon as we hung up I added it to my agenda and my life has never been the same. That's how I turned sixty. I wanted something similar for 70, but with what I had going on, just being able to walk again was my summit.
I wish I could, Sheila. I've lost about 60% of the use of my right thumb from the surgery. My grasp is crap. There are all kinds of things I have to rethink. I love kayaking, and when it comes to rafting, I can only paddle on one side and not very well. I'm working on strengthening, but the ligament in my thumb joint is shot. I'll see over time but right now I'm in a brace full time and trying to exercise some of the strength back. Crossed fingers..the rest of them!
I received a Google link to this article. I was so impressed. Also because, home schooling, off the grid living too. I just spent months on Jacksonville Oregon and am slightly familiar with Applegate Valley and Williams. Jacksonville is a gem of a place. Interesting people everywhere and it's tiny!
Not sure if I qualify for BIG Hairy Ass Goal, but I'll reframe as qualifying for a BEAUTIFUL Hairy Ass Goal. At 72 and 73, my husband and I are planning an interstate move -- from Austin, Texas to the Granite Bay area in California. What we are moving toward is more hiking trails and more accessibility to trails. Here in Austin, most of the trails are craggy and not very user friendly to my older connective tissue -- so there it is, a move with all it's stresses, packing, unpacking, and the like to move toward something that we love. And, it's not just the hike anymore it's the "wandering" in and through the woods, lingering along the trails that follow the water, and breathing in the wisdom and holiness of nature. And the area that we've chosen has a lot of Folsom Lake access where we can also kayak, another thing we both love It's the love of life and earth that light me up and nourish my gratitude.
I did the same thing back in 2020. Gave up fifty years of familiarity in Colorado and moved to the PNW to be closer to the coast, the trees, rain and dense forests. It was hard as hell. And it was absolutely the right thing to do, Stephanie.
Julia, your comment is so encouraging! Thank you. By all means "steal this." I'm happy to hear from someone else that did a big move like this and survived and thrived to tell the tale! Now, if I can just sell our house. Stay tuned . . .
We did this a few years ago too - from Seattle to Sacramento (near-ish). It seemed impossible at the time, so many details, to dos, problems to solve, crises, worry, anxiety, lost sleep and just plain hard work. We lived through it and came out the other side all in one piece and really happy to have accomplished our dream. We came for more sun, warmer weather, to care for elderly parents, and to shake us out of our ruts before retirement so we could plan better years ahead. (Just a few years younger than you). Keep the bigger goal in mind at each dip in the road. One day at a time, one step at a time. It's doing the hard things, and accomplishing them, that gives us the space to dream even more and bigger dreams. The fear of the (imagined) struggle is often worse than the actual struggle and keeps us small and stuck. So inspired by you! It sounds fantastic!
Julia, This is timely inspiration for me. I am 73 and still working as a NASA experimental particle astrophysicist ( because I love it so much? Actually, yes!) I am facing FOMO regularly as I age further. I have loved airplanes all my life but have never had the time/money for flight training. I do now and that is my next goal! I have two major medical blacks (heart attack and stroke) that would need FAA waiver for a Private Pilot license. Failing that, I will go for a Sport Pilot license that only requires a valid driver’s license, that I have. I can accept the attendant restrictions. Thanks, John Mitchell
I'm watching, John. Keep us posted.
Definitely! I emailed also! I hope you can be part of my support group. I plan to keep working because I have some projects either underway or in planning that are important to me.
I achieved one of my BHAG 4 years ago when I moved from Denver to Isla Mujeres, MX (a little island off Cancun). I’m working on another BHAG as the plans for building a house on the little piece of property I bought on the island are almost ready to be submitted for permits.
But what’s really rolling around inside me these days (I’ll be 59 in about a month) is what my BHAG physically will be. I’m well on my way, even if currently it’s all vaguely lumped under “getting/staying healthy”.
I’m super consistent with exercise and have been for the last 4 years and my food is light years healthier than it has ever been. I’ve got a super strong friendship and support/ social network here, along with an amazing relationship with my daughter and SIL, and lots of other family ties. Plus challenging, well paid work that I enjoy and the freedom to work part-time.
And I’m working on filling in some gaps.
Catching up on all the health screening that went by the wayside during the pandemic. Cutting way back on smoking on my way to quitting ( a monumental goal as I’ve been a heavy smoker for 40+ years). Upping the intensity of my exercising. Tweaking lifestyle to cover all the areas (cardio, strength, mobility, muscle building, sleep, balance, menopause hormonal, working my brain by learning a new language, etc.)
As I write all this, I realize how lucky and privileged I am to have the resources and time to focus on doing all the things that I have some control over for aging well.
I don’t know that I have a specific goal beyond seeing how good I can feel! But time will tell.
I’m thrilled to find your Substack and am feeling energized and more motivated after reading just a couple of posts! 🙏♥️🙏♥️
Lisa, I'd love to quote you on this. I wish you heartfelt luck with all of it and thank you for sharing this with me/us!
Quote away! And just so you know, I love your writings more with every post I read!
Thank you Lisa. I appreciate it very much. As someone who once smoked five packs a day as a teenager, and quit cold turkey, I know the journey, albeit it wasn't forty years. I did have eating disorders for forty years, which is different because we have to eat, so there's that. These things we do to ourselves...but smoking, beat that one, Lisa. The stakes are so high.
This is a fantastic perspective, Julia, and such wise advice! The dichotomy between so many people I know who are the same age yet live complete different lives astounds me. One group is constantly on the go, hiking, climbing and making the most of every minute, while the other bemoans injuries and, little by little, walks slowly to the grave. Although, who am I kidding? Some folks seem to grease the slide to get there! Have goals, including BHAG, is the way to make the years worth living! As for me, I do not want to waste any of the time I have with my boys who are growing up too rapidly and will leave the proverbial nest far too soon, but in the meantime, I maintain my SMAG such as my hikes in Glacier and the surrounding wilderness areas. When they are on their own, I'll simply extend what I'm doing to section hikes, volunteering at fire lookouts, cooking for backcountry guides. All the fun stuff!
We see that contrast all the time, Amy. I remember back in 1984 when I was in New Zealand for the first time and I saw lots and lots of older folks hiking. I wanted to be that. I AM that. That's the power of examples. Whoops...I feel an article being born......
Julia, I love this post! It is amazing what goals can be achieved by people of any age, but it is especially inspiring to hear of older people accomplishing lofty goals. Good for them! My BHAG is to showcase my new art series, Breast Cancer, Female and Young, at a gallery. I never thought I would do this -- the idea happened organically, and I'm determined to see it through.
By the way, I loved the post where you were riding the horse. Amazing and wonderful!
Thank you. I so want to see that horse again.
Love this, my BHAG is to swim with humpback whales in July 2025, my 60th year on earth (I turn 59 in 2025). You’ve also encouraged me to get a list going, to do the things while I can.
I hope to do that, too, but other things are in front of it. After I thought about it, I hardly needed to do Kili twice. I mean really...all that time and treasure? Do something new!
The term BHAG just tickles me. And the concept is something I've been sort of nibbling around the edges, finding excuses. But having a BHAG?! That sounds like something I need to jump right into. Thanks for the kick!
You're welcome. Kili landed for me primarily because a retired NFL player poked me hard in the side about going to Tanzania and not doing it. As soon as we hung up I added it to my agenda and my life has never been the same. That's how I turned sixty. I wanted something similar for 70, but with what I had going on, just being able to walk again was my summit.
Come race kayaks. You can race flat water with a questionable foot.
I wish I could, Sheila. I've lost about 60% of the use of my right thumb from the surgery. My grasp is crap. There are all kinds of things I have to rethink. I love kayaking, and when it comes to rafting, I can only paddle on one side and not very well. I'm working on strengthening, but the ligament in my thumb joint is shot. I'll see over time but right now I'm in a brace full time and trying to exercise some of the strength back. Crossed fingers..the rest of them!
I received a Google link to this article. I was so impressed. Also because, home schooling, off the grid living too. I just spent months on Jacksonville Oregon and am slightly familiar with Applegate Valley and Williams. Jacksonville is a gem of a place. Interesting people everywhere and it's tiny!
It's a terrific story. Thanks, San.
Not sure if I qualify for BIG Hairy Ass Goal, but I'll reframe as qualifying for a BEAUTIFUL Hairy Ass Goal. At 72 and 73, my husband and I are planning an interstate move -- from Austin, Texas to the Granite Bay area in California. What we are moving toward is more hiking trails and more accessibility to trails. Here in Austin, most of the trails are craggy and not very user friendly to my older connective tissue -- so there it is, a move with all it's stresses, packing, unpacking, and the like to move toward something that we love. And, it's not just the hike anymore it's the "wandering" in and through the woods, lingering along the trails that follow the water, and breathing in the wisdom and holiness of nature. And the area that we've chosen has a lot of Folsom Lake access where we can also kayak, another thing we both love It's the love of life and earth that light me up and nourish my gratitude.
May I steal this?
I did the same thing back in 2020. Gave up fifty years of familiarity in Colorado and moved to the PNW to be closer to the coast, the trees, rain and dense forests. It was hard as hell. And it was absolutely the right thing to do, Stephanie.
Julia, your comment is so encouraging! Thank you. By all means "steal this." I'm happy to hear from someone else that did a big move like this and survived and thrived to tell the tale! Now, if I can just sell our house. Stay tuned . . .
We did this a few years ago too - from Seattle to Sacramento (near-ish). It seemed impossible at the time, so many details, to dos, problems to solve, crises, worry, anxiety, lost sleep and just plain hard work. We lived through it and came out the other side all in one piece and really happy to have accomplished our dream. We came for more sun, warmer weather, to care for elderly parents, and to shake us out of our ruts before retirement so we could plan better years ahead. (Just a few years younger than you). Keep the bigger goal in mind at each dip in the road. One day at a time, one step at a time. It's doing the hard things, and accomplishing them, that gives us the space to dream even more and bigger dreams. The fear of the (imagined) struggle is often worse than the actual struggle and keeps us small and stuck. So inspired by you! It sounds fantastic!
Heidi, And I’m inspired by you! Onward. Thanks for the encouragement and goodwill. ~stephanie