Life Gets Mighty Precious
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
“Life gets mighty precious when there’s less of it to waste.”
While the words from a song by Bonnie Raitt, 65, talk about wanting babies, these particular words elicit a different response from someone who is post menopausal and on the other side of having kids.
I am 62. My body just isn’t the same as it was when I was younger. I definitely have more years in the past than I expect to live in the future. So, yes. Life is getting mighty precious!
The accepted path of aging in the past was that of a slow decline, aches and pains and limited mobility. There was nothing fun about it. Well, baby boomers of today are not accepting that as their path. That is definitely true about me. So… what can we do about it.
Let’s take a look at some of the options. The body of this blog is going to highlight 3 people who are choosing their own path and doing what seems to be incredible things. Yet we all know that if anybody can do something, we all can do it if we choose. It may take some hard work to get there, but we can do it!
First off, here’s a photo and audio of an interview with Lloyd Kahn who at almost 80 is still skateboarding and he didn’t even start until he was 65.
Of course we just have to see him doing it, so here’s a YouTube clip of Lloyd Kahn on Why He Skateboards at 70.
Incredible. My first thought is what does that mean for others? What new skill might you want to learn? What games might we play? What mountains might we climb either literally or figuratively?
I’m remembering when I turned 40 and that’s over 20 years ago now. My kids put together a special birthday dinner for me. We had cake and ice cream and presents with cards. One card in particular stands out. It had a bunch of dinosaurs on the front. Inside one of the kids had written, “What are you now, Mom? About a million years old?”
That may be why this next video is kinda fun. It’s a group of high school swimmers in competition against a group of older people. It’s called Whippin’ the Whippersnappers.
Grandma and Grandpa got game! Yeah! I love it. Perhaps with all the changes I’m making towards my optimum fitness level, maybe, just maybe I can give the grandkids a run for their money. Course one of them is on the track team, so I don’t know about that one.
Then of course, there is the fact of life that we will lose our loved ones along the way. We will all pass from this earth one day. I lost my spouse a little over 5 years ago. The grief can be overwhelming. It takes time to get your bearings and figure out what’s next.
I admire Virginia Ferrigno, “who honored the loss of her soulmate by moving forward.” (GB) Watch how she handled it with grace.
Joy, pure joy in living life, in enjoying music! I also do not smoke or drink, so those ideas of having fun have never applied to me. I love networking with like-minded folks, travelling to events, visiting with family and making plans for the future.
These examples all come from either Growing Bolder Radio or TV. You can find them at www.growingbolder.com (GB). I love reading stories about folks who carry on, who are loving life and living big, who are doing their own thing.
I am the Grandma on the Go and know that Grandmas Rock On. I am betting that you have more than one incredible tale to tell, a story or two or a hundred that can bring value to someone else. I invite you to join me on this new venture of blogging. Let’s rock this place!
I am 40 now…:) Life indeed get more prescious when you get older. Thanks for sharing and the great video’s
40 now, hunh Dennis? LOL. Life is really precious all of our lives. It is true that we seem to realize it even more as we grow older.
That’s amazing willpower and energy Cathy!
I really love it and I wished more same age people had the same mindset with you.
You are an idol! Keep rocking
Thank you, Vasilis. I intend to do just that.
Skateboarding at 70… Wow that is absolutely awesome. I love how you show that life has no age limits!
Very true, Layla.
The only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves. Well, this Grandma on the Go is expanding her limits and leading others to do the same!
Cathy , I LOVE YOU ! Thank you for sharing this. I am 38 , and life to me is a treasure. I have had in my short lifetime a few close calls thanks to my asthma , but all those experiences led me closer and closer to loving my complicated yet crazy ahmazing life , just the way it is.
I think it’s important to accept everything in your life as a blessing. My illness has brought me to so many amazing people , opened many doors and brought me my passion and purpose.
Thank you for such a fantastic post , truly a feel good read !
Much Love !
Elizabeth,
As a fellow asthmatic, I completely understand. When you just can’t get air in your lungs, your whole focus becomes your next breath and remaining calm. It’s finally under control for me, yet you know I carry an inhaler everywhere as assurance. When I’m pushing myself physically and begin huffing and puffing, that alone can trigger an attack. I don’t let that stop me from doing almost anything I want. Time for all of us to thoroughly enjoy every minute of our lives.
What a energetic post with great videos. Awesome Cathy. For me, Life is very precious especially when you realized that God sent You for reason & You are answerable to God for whatever you do in this world. then we started taking care of ourself and watch out each and every action. Thanks for sharing lovely Grandma and GrandPa Game.
You are welcome, Fizza.
I am with you Cathy. Not a Grandma yet but I know when I am…I’m teaching them how to longboard. I can make it down the street without falling haha
LOL, Ginny. I haven’t been on a skateboard in years but I’ve got roller blades. Maybe it’s time to dust them off.
Cathy,
First off Bonnie is my girl! I saw her in clubs when there was NO Cover in Vermont and followed her thru her grammy wins! She’s amazing! Second…this was so uplifting to watch the videos esp the swim meet! My 7 y.o. granddaughter is going to be seeing that one!
Thanks for keeping all of us young today!
Namaste…Cate
My pleasure, Kate.
Yep, I have a grandchild or two that could stand to watch that video too. Better yet, this Grandma on the Go is getting back in shape so they are gonna have a surprise coming. =)
Very value driven post Cathy, thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you, Alesha.
WhooT WhooP Grandma on the Go Staying Young at Heart Love the Bonnie Rait quote Life gets mighty precious!
Thanks, Trishaly. I found her photo with that quote and just loved it. Knew I’d have to do a blog post about it some day.
Amazing blog Cathy! Thank you.
It reminds me about a story of 2 ladies…. Both 75 year old.
One is preparing to die… moving to a small apartment, and focusing on everything she can’t do any more.
The second lady believed hat it was time to learn new skills…
and started to learn about mountain climbing!
She surrounded herself with inspiring and active people and climbed mountains!
Looking forward to your new blog posts Cathy!
~Muriël
Amazing what a difference your attitude makes, right? =)
love the videos you shared cathy, its time to live life
Yes it is, Sheena.