Forty-Thrive

Some say life’s an uphill climb. Hell, I’m pretty sure I’ve said that, but with negative underpinnings. The thing is, I do see life as an uphill climb, but I actually like hills, whether I’m cycling, walking, or hiking. I like them for a few reasons. 

The first is that I enjoy the effort, hard work, and discipline involved. I like challenging myself. I enjoy feeling strong, heart beating against my chest, legs burning, sweat rolling, the wolf howl atop the mountain. 

Climbing uphill makes me feel ALIVE.

The second reason is that uphill climbs generally take me to places that are a bit off the well-trodden path and therefore quiet, presenting a chance to be closer to other life forms besides humans and the gift of humility.

The third reason is that there’s usually a view involved––an extra reward, a different one besides the effort and quiet involved. A chance to witness the world from a different perspective.

The way I see it is that life can be easy, life can be hard, or it can be somewhere in between. I like all the ways, personally. I like the climbs, the strolls, the power walks and pushups (but if I had to choose… I’ll take a backpack and a mountain trail any day).

Challenges test me and help me grow. 

Ease gives me the time and space to appreciate the wonder and beauty in all their forms. 

The in-between keeps me putting one foot in front of the other. It prevents either extreme from monopolizing the experience, and it keeps life generally new, interesting, and me curious about what’s now, what has been, and what’s next? 

So, after a few years of “bad” birthdays, I choose this year to Forty-Strive and Forty-Thrive. 

To dance with a brave new way of being alive. 

To embrace the blood, sweat, and tears, enjoy the ease, and take in the views. 

Whatever this year brings, whatever I create, whomever dances with me, I will stay the course, do the work, and give as much as I can of myself. I’ll likely burn out, fall asleep, and want to give up. 

And then I’ll pull myself up and out of the swamp, wake up and make some coffee, brush my graying hair, and begin again. I’ll celebrate and remember and love the whole damn ride.

Photo below courtesy of Alan Strydom – thank you for capturing my joy in this moment.