"I'm too old! She's too old to go hiking! He's too old to learn skiing" A limiting phrase that I've hear oh too often. As Carol Lapointe says, "Don't let age be your cage." It's becoming common knowledge that life-long learning is beneficial. Even more so, your brain has an astonishing ability to learn and master many new skills, whatever your age, meaning well into your 50's, 60's, 70's and beyond. Int fact, according to psychological scientist and lead researcher Denis Park, "It seems it is not enough just to get out and do something- it is important to get out and do something that is unfamiliar and mentally challenging....."when you are inside your comfort zone you may be outside of the enhancement zone." I have two women in my life who are disregarding the "limits" of age- my mothers- Carol Lapointe and Debbie Roberts. Meet Carol Lapointe! Age had not stopped this woman. She decided to learn how to alpine ski in her 50's. She attended an avalanche safety course with me to extend her summer into winter adventures. Now a grandma of three active boys, she has taken up a strength training regime to strengthen her upper body for lifting up the grandkids and pushing them in a stroller. In her "retirement" Carol is blogging, learning instagram, and learning how to grow a business. There is no stopping this woman! Meet Debbie Roberts! She has decided her physical health is important. Ever since watching her children bike from Canada to New Mexico, she has committed to riding her bicycle daily. Regardless of her fatigue and the weather Debbie gets up and rides her bike! Forest fire smoke? No problem-She doesn't make excuses rather finds alternative ways to exercise by walking in the mall or going to the pool. Debbie is taking charge of her life and setting goals for future adventures. "If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal," Paul Coelho. *Denise Park Lead researcher and scientist at University of Texas physiological science
1 Comment
…Building a Life worth Living….One Step at a Time So I am retired...what now (other than driving my husband crazy) ? I am still very passionate about influencing others towards “Building a Life worth Living”. In my 35 year career as a therapist I have been taught so much about Building a life worth Living” from every client I have been privileged to work with.
Mindfulness has been a huge part of helping myself and others do just that…Build a Life Worth Living. Mindfulness skills (Skillful Behavior and Skillful Thinking) have improved my life, and the lives of others so significantly that I only want to continue to grow in these skills and share the JOY it brings. With that in mind, I have decided it is Time to stop driving my husband crazy at home and take Mindfulness out of the therapy room and into the Mountains, hence, the birth of Mountain Mindfulness. |
Author
Categories |