Why I Keep Pushing

I’m 65, and people are always asking me (especially my European friends), when are you going to retire? Aren’t you tired of pushing so hard at your age? You could just relax, visit with friends, watch Netflix, you know, live the good life they say. My answer is always, that sounds like the horrible life!

Hiking in Mineral King, California

First of all, I keep pushing because I love the things I do: my work, the travel and being outdoors. I love feeling fit, although, I’ll admit, I don’t always feel like hitting the gym. And, although I’m a bit embarrassed to admit it, I enjoy when the MD looks at me, then at my chart, and asks, are you really 65?

Climbing at the gym

Sure, I can’t do some of the things I did when I was 25 – there are limitations. But many of the limitations we put upon ourselves are self-imposed. We say, I’m 50, 60 or 70 years old, people my age just don’t wade rivers to hike or fly fish, they don’t go on 10 mile hikes, they don’t climb at an indoor climbing gym well, guess what, I do. And I see many others who don’t buy into the “your too old” philosophy, and do all of these things as well. Or they bike, ski, swim or play tennis. In other words, they do all of the things they did, or wanted to do, when they were younger. Just at a lightly different pace.

I can’t imagine not hiking over a mountain pass on a beautiful morning. Or not feeling the anticipation of that hungry trout taking my fly on a Montana River. That to me is living. Stay fit, eat right, meditate, and keep your mind on the positive. Be one of those “over-the-hillers” who really are out there going over the hills, down the streams and Rocking Outdoors!