“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience.” – Eleanor Roosevelt It’s that time of year when I start gathering ideas, researching destinations, and scheduling trips we want to take this year. So far, I have a Croatia boat cruise booked, several days in the Sonoma wine country, and a few other possibilities simmering. Trip planning is one of my genuine joys in life—anticipation alone is half the fun. My love of travel has deep roots. At 17, I was an AFS foreign exchange student and lived in Brazil.…
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Taking the Leap: How to Embrace New Experiences at Any Age
When my friend Michelle’s 76-year-old dad decided to take a leap into the river below, he didn’t just impulsively jump. He had his son and daughter check that the water was deep enough, scan for floating debris, and confirm it was safe. He gathered enough data to know his decision was sound—but he still had to take that first step off the edge. That first step is often the hardest, especially when we’re trying something new or unfamiliar. It’s that moment where desire and fear collide, and we freeze. This is particularly challenging in the second half of life, when that critical inner voice gets louder. When Fear Masquerades as…
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#ThursdayThoughts | Dive a Little Deeper for a Different Perspective
We recently visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium….haven’t been there in decades. Yet it is only an hour away. What a wonderful afternoon. I was mesmerized as I stood before the glass exhibits to see the beauty and structure of what resides in this watery world. Note to self: There are such interesting things so close to home (an hour’s drive). I was NOT curious about the undersea world much before now, and I wonder, how many other things have I missed in life. And, what else am I just skimming the surface of in life. Is it too late for me to become a Marine Biologist? Probably, but not too…
