For someone who has currently been kicking themselves mentally for the last few weeks for not writing or doing the things I know I should be doing, like writing or working out more.
This article was a good reminder that sometimes life happens. It hit me that the reason I’ve not done those things is the job that has me doing 10+ hour days currently. The extra call ins. The 2 hour commute there and back.
The days filled with doctor appointments to figure out and finish things related to my health that I have been struggling with. Among other sudden responsibilities.
Sometimes finding kindness for yourself is needed. And I think I needed this article at this moment. So thank you.
Hopefully life will calm down for me soon and I’ll be able to do more. Until then I’ll keep trying to do what I can when I can.
My favorite thing in the whole world is reading. It's always been that way. I don't feel bad when I sit on the couch or the porch swing with a great book.
And that is just as lovely a thing to do for yourself because you love it. If this is your pleasure, then in every way I wish you many, many hours on that porch swing with many more great books. The gift is knowing what we love and giving ourselves permission to do it.
We all suffer injuries, and the joint, cartilage, and other hinges eventually wear out, so you have to be realistic about recovery, training, stretching, and the like. But the notion that adventure is determined by age rather than spirit is ridiculous to me.
I am 64, and just hiked the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim in a day. Over the next few months, I'll be climbing Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 for the third time, and backpacking into the wilds a lot. I don't understand sitting on the couch, actually or metaphorically.
Good for you for getting out there and dealing so well with the challenges life throws our way.
I would love to quote you on this, Joe. Please let me know. I'm writing another piece where I'd love to insert this. Let me know. Thank you so very much. You know I admire you for this!
Hej Julia, you just popped up in my notes and I am so glad about it that I subscribed straight away! 💫
Thank you for sharing this vulnerable story and giving insights to some of the quite rough and fearful waters you have been through. I just feel so much strength, relatability and inspiration in your writing.
My partner and I are going through a tough life-decision (Let's adventure, move to a new country!) right now and there is quite a few fears related to "age", "finances" and "health" going in here. And we are only in our mid- to end-30s! I feel I am going to catch up on quite a few of your posts now 😊
Fabienne, thank you so very much. If I may recommend: Tim Leffel's book A Better Life for Half the Price - 2nd Edition: How to thrive on less money in the cheapest places to live
He updates it and interviews people who live in various countries. Well done and well-researched. He also lives in Mexico part time and can address who has digital nomad visas. If you get involved they have a Facebook page, regular meetings and the like. He's a great guy (a personal friend and writing coach) so it might be worth your while to investigate.
I'm in the middle of what I'm calling the Flynn Life Events Road Tour: from Idaho down to San Diego and back up the coast, with many stops in between, for my son's wedding and my sweet late sister's memorial. It's an intense time that might look like down time from the outside -- but I see the world keeps spinning just as busily whether I'm cheering it on or trying to slow it down or simply putting my attention elsewhere. Life happens, no matter how much we work out or plan or keep our attitudes positive — which doesn't mean we shouldn't do all of those things. Cheers to this piece, Julia.
Julia, you are adorable, wise, amazing and wonderful — rest, play, fall down, do whatever .... I loved reading this. Thank you (I broke my leg a few years back at 64, three of us in wheelchairs) Still unpacking and learning to walk straight.
I admit I needed that, Prajna, there are moments (like now when my dogs are barking at me in several languages) that I need reminding to keep getting back up. I will, and do, but boy I'd love a day without angry feet. And I am regularly reminded that there are those far worse off, and mine came with terrific stories. It was worth it. Thank you.
This is both a brilliant reality check and a call to action. That call can be to heed our inner voice to be gentle or it can be to show up more fully. The latter is the voice I heard this week. The voice telling me 'I'm sore and tired' is exhausting me. This week I finally heard my other voice once again, it said "if you're showing up then show up fully"! It was what I needed to hear, as was your post.
Thank you for mentioning me here but, as we both know, our good buddy Kristi did not need me to help her out. My motives were selfish as I needed the assistance she could give, she enthusiastically hopped on board, and it all worked out for the best!
Also, I wholeheartedly agree that we hold our stories and adventures inside our hearts and our people want to hear about them. It does not matter if we are living them in that exact moment, what matters is that we are willing to share the full story with an open heart.
Maybe an “epic life” is not always defined by adventure travel, too. I’ve never been one for river rapids, but there is a lot that’s epic about showing up in your life wherever it takes you.
Barbara, that's a point I make regularly. This is what I wrote: " Kristi’s article inspired me to share more of my story because I am often accused by others of exhorting people to do what I do....I want all of us to find what inspires us and to go do it. We may not be able to do it right now. I just hope that fear isn’t the excuse."
I really don't care if it's to jump out of an airplane or simply fly in one for the first time ever, or learn some new skill at 85. "Epic" is overused as something we should all strive for, with remarkably narrow definitions. There are people for whom "epic" means walking again after a horrible injury. I can speak to that personally. I've had to learn how to walk all over again, so being able to take my pup out for a walk today on hills was indeed epic, compared to living on scooters, in boots, and using Ride Share to get around for the last two years. To your point, epic is relative to the individual.
You point out one of my ongoing irritations- not at you, but what I keep seeing in response to my work. That the only true epic life is one lived at the edge of danger, physical typically. I don't buy into that at all, nor do I state or imply it. My work is often misinterpreted this way. I am drawn to extreme sports, always have been. It's not most folks' cuppa. I love it if people try, but what I want is for each of us to decide to live a full life- whatever that may look like- before our plug gets pulled.
I agree with you completely, and genuinely wish some folks would stop throwing angry darts at me for things I don't say, don't imply and don't believe. Being willing to simply walk outside more often sans cell phone and reacquaint ourselves with nature is pretty awe-inspiring. There is nothing of CGI that Nature can't do better for the simple fact that it's real.
Too many of us are missing it entirely. We can find a light-protected night sky in several places in America without ever doing anything potentially injurious other than looking up for too long.
So many of us can't be separated from our cell phones even to do that. That's just one reason I write what I do. Thanks for the observation. Couldn't be more true, Barbara.
Hmm, there is a lot for me to self reflect on here! I'm guilty of presenting mostly the highlight reels, but I see your point about giving a false impression. I always felt that I'm just some small time guy on the internet and nobody would be that interested in my struggles. Maybe I'll write something a little more personal in the future.
Erik, you and I might look at what we do and compare it to some of the outdoor greats, thinking we aren't all that. Truth, to some, we ARE all that, simply by comparison. I find that by sharing the highlight reels from the ridiculous, that humanity allows everyone to know that the wilderness, or even the neighborhood park, doesn't have to be populated solely by the young and athletic. Mistakes are part of the experience.
Oh, I totally agree and would absolutely laugh at myself while sharing it. I guess what I'm "hiding" is all of the day to day struggles that I have to navigate in order to go on any adventures at all. Stuff like difficult financial troubles yet still somehow owing taxes, family members' failing health taking priority of my free time, a job I've fallen out of love with demanding even more of my off time, my kids' schedules limiting my own, etc, etc. I don't like thinking about that stuff, so I haven't even considered writing about it! But, in retrospect, it does appear that I'm just out having a grand time, all the time.
What you might do is point out that what you're juggling- the realities that so many of us live with, Erik, are often balanced if not soothed by what you're sharing. Those realities, just like my various shitshows, are made far less terrible when we have time outside. Nothing heals so much. There's a lesson in that for all of us .
Julia, I appreciate this SO much. When I look at you I do see a badass woman who grabs life by the balls. I missed a lot of your journey after 2020 because I was acutely trying to manage my grief (you know where I was in those days).
There is so much RIGHT in what you've written here. So, so much. Your ability to take what I've written and turn it into such incredible advice and inspiration is...well...BADASS.
I'm so glad you had a great time on the river! Give your pupper a treat for me. I'm sure she's glad you're back ❤️ We all are!
I am reminded of the lyrics from a Little Feat's song, Old Folks Boogie: "You know you're over the hill when your mind makes a promise that your body can't fulfill..."
We have to love our limits as well as our unlimited imaginations.
For someone who has currently been kicking themselves mentally for the last few weeks for not writing or doing the things I know I should be doing, like writing or working out more.
This article was a good reminder that sometimes life happens. It hit me that the reason I’ve not done those things is the job that has me doing 10+ hour days currently. The extra call ins. The 2 hour commute there and back.
The days filled with doctor appointments to figure out and finish things related to my health that I have been struggling with. Among other sudden responsibilities.
Sometimes finding kindness for yourself is needed. And I think I needed this article at this moment. So thank you.
Hopefully life will calm down for me soon and I’ll be able to do more. Until then I’ll keep trying to do what I can when I can.
May I quote you? This is SOOOO relevant!
Is it? 😂 you can quote me I don’t mind.
My favorite thing in the whole world is reading. It's always been that way. I don't feel bad when I sit on the couch or the porch swing with a great book.
And that is just as lovely a thing to do for yourself because you love it. If this is your pleasure, then in every way I wish you many, many hours on that porch swing with many more great books. The gift is knowing what we love and giving ourselves permission to do it.
We all suffer injuries, and the joint, cartilage, and other hinges eventually wear out, so you have to be realistic about recovery, training, stretching, and the like. But the notion that adventure is determined by age rather than spirit is ridiculous to me.
I am 64, and just hiked the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim in a day. Over the next few months, I'll be climbing Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 for the third time, and backpacking into the wilds a lot. I don't understand sitting on the couch, actually or metaphorically.
Good for you for getting out there and dealing so well with the challenges life throws our way.
I would love to quote you on this, Joe. Please let me know. I'm writing another piece where I'd love to insert this. Let me know. Thank you so very much. You know I admire you for this!
Hi, Julia. Sure -- take anything you want and use it however you wish. I admire what you've been doing as well!
Stay tuned. More to follow momentarily and thank you!
Hej Julia, you just popped up in my notes and I am so glad about it that I subscribed straight away! 💫
Thank you for sharing this vulnerable story and giving insights to some of the quite rough and fearful waters you have been through. I just feel so much strength, relatability and inspiration in your writing.
My partner and I are going through a tough life-decision (Let's adventure, move to a new country!) right now and there is quite a few fears related to "age", "finances" and "health" going in here. And we are only in our mid- to end-30s! I feel I am going to catch up on quite a few of your posts now 😊
But first, I need to go and read Kristi's post!
Fabienne, thank you so very much. If I may recommend: Tim Leffel's book A Better Life for Half the Price - 2nd Edition: How to thrive on less money in the cheapest places to live
He updates it and interviews people who live in various countries. Well done and well-researched. He also lives in Mexico part time and can address who has digital nomad visas. If you get involved they have a Facebook page, regular meetings and the like. He's a great guy (a personal friend and writing coach) so it might be worth your while to investigate.
I'm in the middle of what I'm calling the Flynn Life Events Road Tour: from Idaho down to San Diego and back up the coast, with many stops in between, for my son's wedding and my sweet late sister's memorial. It's an intense time that might look like down time from the outside -- but I see the world keeps spinning just as busily whether I'm cheering it on or trying to slow it down or simply putting my attention elsewhere. Life happens, no matter how much we work out or plan or keep our attitudes positive — which doesn't mean we shouldn't do all of those things. Cheers to this piece, Julia.
Julia, you are adorable, wise, amazing and wonderful — rest, play, fall down, do whatever .... I loved reading this. Thank you (I broke my leg a few years back at 64, three of us in wheelchairs) Still unpacking and learning to walk straight.
I admit I needed that, Prajna, there are moments (like now when my dogs are barking at me in several languages) that I need reminding to keep getting back up. I will, and do, but boy I'd love a day without angry feet. And I am regularly reminded that there are those far worse off, and mine came with terrific stories. It was worth it. Thank you.
This is both a brilliant reality check and a call to action. That call can be to heed our inner voice to be gentle or it can be to show up more fully. The latter is the voice I heard this week. The voice telling me 'I'm sore and tired' is exhausting me. This week I finally heard my other voice once again, it said "if you're showing up then show up fully"! It was what I needed to hear, as was your post.
Thank you for mentioning me here but, as we both know, our good buddy Kristi did not need me to help her out. My motives were selfish as I needed the assistance she could give, she enthusiastically hopped on board, and it all worked out for the best!
Also, I wholeheartedly agree that we hold our stories and adventures inside our hearts and our people want to hear about them. It does not matter if we are living them in that exact moment, what matters is that we are willing to share the full story with an open heart.
Whoa girl! There's some wisdom in those rapids.
Dropping the wisdom!! You are so right!
Maybe an “epic life” is not always defined by adventure travel, too. I’ve never been one for river rapids, but there is a lot that’s epic about showing up in your life wherever it takes you.
Barbara, that's a point I make regularly. This is what I wrote: " Kristi’s article inspired me to share more of my story because I am often accused by others of exhorting people to do what I do....I want all of us to find what inspires us and to go do it. We may not be able to do it right now. I just hope that fear isn’t the excuse."
I really don't care if it's to jump out of an airplane or simply fly in one for the first time ever, or learn some new skill at 85. "Epic" is overused as something we should all strive for, with remarkably narrow definitions. There are people for whom "epic" means walking again after a horrible injury. I can speak to that personally. I've had to learn how to walk all over again, so being able to take my pup out for a walk today on hills was indeed epic, compared to living on scooters, in boots, and using Ride Share to get around for the last two years. To your point, epic is relative to the individual.
You point out one of my ongoing irritations- not at you, but what I keep seeing in response to my work. That the only true epic life is one lived at the edge of danger, physical typically. I don't buy into that at all, nor do I state or imply it. My work is often misinterpreted this way. I am drawn to extreme sports, always have been. It's not most folks' cuppa. I love it if people try, but what I want is for each of us to decide to live a full life- whatever that may look like- before our plug gets pulled.
I agree with you completely, and genuinely wish some folks would stop throwing angry darts at me for things I don't say, don't imply and don't believe. Being willing to simply walk outside more often sans cell phone and reacquaint ourselves with nature is pretty awe-inspiring. There is nothing of CGI that Nature can't do better for the simple fact that it's real.
Too many of us are missing it entirely. We can find a light-protected night sky in several places in America without ever doing anything potentially injurious other than looking up for too long.
So many of us can't be separated from our cell phones even to do that. That's just one reason I write what I do. Thanks for the observation. Couldn't be more true, Barbara.
Absolutely!
Always I feel energized by your writing, Julia, its honesty and realness. Thank you.
Thank you for the very kind words, Amy. You've been through the wringer lately too.
Hmm, there is a lot for me to self reflect on here! I'm guilty of presenting mostly the highlight reels, but I see your point about giving a false impression. I always felt that I'm just some small time guy on the internet and nobody would be that interested in my struggles. Maybe I'll write something a little more personal in the future.
Erik, you and I might look at what we do and compare it to some of the outdoor greats, thinking we aren't all that. Truth, to some, we ARE all that, simply by comparison. I find that by sharing the highlight reels from the ridiculous, that humanity allows everyone to know that the wilderness, or even the neighborhood park, doesn't have to be populated solely by the young and athletic. Mistakes are part of the experience.
Oh, I totally agree and would absolutely laugh at myself while sharing it. I guess what I'm "hiding" is all of the day to day struggles that I have to navigate in order to go on any adventures at all. Stuff like difficult financial troubles yet still somehow owing taxes, family members' failing health taking priority of my free time, a job I've fallen out of love with demanding even more of my off time, my kids' schedules limiting my own, etc, etc. I don't like thinking about that stuff, so I haven't even considered writing about it! But, in retrospect, it does appear that I'm just out having a grand time, all the time.
What you might do is point out that what you're juggling- the realities that so many of us live with, Erik, are often balanced if not soothed by what you're sharing. Those realities, just like my various shitshows, are made far less terrible when we have time outside. Nothing heals so much. There's a lesson in that for all of us .
Julia, I appreciate this SO much. When I look at you I do see a badass woman who grabs life by the balls. I missed a lot of your journey after 2020 because I was acutely trying to manage my grief (you know where I was in those days).
There is so much RIGHT in what you've written here. So, so much. Your ability to take what I've written and turn it into such incredible advice and inspiration is...well...BADASS.
I'm so glad you had a great time on the river! Give your pupper a treat for me. I'm sure she's glad you're back ❤️ We all are!
Pupper is ecstatic....me too! Thanks for all the kind words. Heartfelt. Never surrender!
I am reminded of the lyrics from a Little Feat's song, Old Folks Boogie: "You know you're over the hill when your mind makes a promise that your body can't fulfill..."
We have to love our limits as well as our unlimited imaginations.
Lovely piece. Glad you are on the mend and living life without apology and on a Bosu.