The Secret to Eternal Youth

Age is often seen as a benchmark for what others think we can or cannot do, what we should or shouldn't do, and who we are supposed to be. I have lived over 50 years on this planet and everyday I strive to live my life to the fullest, taking on new challenges, exploring new places, and seeking out new experiences, regardless of my age. I have often wondered should age define who we are, should it really that important?

For me, age doesn't have anything to do with who I am on the inside, or how I feel or behave. Of course, it is true that our experiences shape us and each year adds to our knowledge and perspective. But, age alone can never measure the wealth of wisdom we can attain from our experiences. Getting older is often something that people dread. There's a notion that with every passing year, we lose a bit of ourselves and are slowly inching towards the end of our lives. I think aging can bring with it a multitude of benefits. I am really liking getting older, this might seem like a strange concept to some, but rather than fearing aging, I am choosing to embrace it and use it as an opportunity to learn from my many, MANY mistakes and experiences.

With age comes experience, and experience is a valuable tool for gaining wisdom. As I get older, I have a wider perspective on life and can process information more quickly and efficiently. I feel more confident in my ability to handle obstacles and challenges and I am a lot less worried about what others think. I now appreciate the small things in life that I may have overlooked before. Whether it's a beautiful sunset or having dinner with family, I am more grateful and mindful of my experiences. I can look back on my life and see all the things that I've accomplished, my career, adventures, I see raising a family as my biggest accomplishment. My children and grandchildren give me a sense of pride and fulfillment. I still feel young at heart and still have a zest for life, regardless of my physical age.

I truly believe getting older is something to embrace, it's a privilege that not everyone is lucky enough to experience. It's an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop into the best version of ourselves. Age should never limit any of us or hold us back from pursuing our dreams. If we have a passion or a goal, we should pursue it wholeheartedly. The number of years we have spent on the planet does not have to define us, we can choose to be young at heart regardless of our physical age or how old we look. 

I have learnt the most important thing, at any age, is to embrace life and live it to the fullest, with passion, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Our soul is ageless and it's our spirit and energy that defines us, not our physical age.

Be wild in the face of fear

Fear used to hold me back. When I thought about taking on new challenges or new experiences, I'd talk myself out of it, giving myself all sorts of stupid reasons, and then feel gutted about missing out. When I did start to take those initial steps past my comfort zone, it changed my life in incredible ways. I discovered a newfound confidence in myself, even when things didn’t go according to plan, I was still capable of pushing myself forward. This kind of mentality not only makes you feel more empowered, but it also challenges you to push past limitations you once thought you had, essentially expanding your potential.

As I learnt to overcome my fears and take risks, I began to notice that my perspective on life changed. The limitations I put on myself and the assumptions that had stopped me from trying new things, were creations of my own mind. This perception shift became fundamental in all aspects of my life, and I began to approach life with a new sense of curiosity and excitement. My life is now full of many crazy people and wild adventures with a whole tribe of wild women to share my adventures with.

For anyone who doesn't know, Wild Women Adventures is a social group dedicated to bringing together women who are passionate about the outdoors, adventure, and exploring new places or trying new things. Together, we take on all sorts of challenges, from hiking up mountains, rock climbing, or dragonboat racing to wild camping, fire walking and more! We understand that engaging in these activities sometimes requires us to push ourselves past what even we thought was possible. But we do so with the knowledge that we have each other's back, and that together, we can achieve anything.

There's something uniquely empowering about being surrounded by a group of like-minded women who aren't afraid to take risks and step outside of their comfort zone. I have been blessed to meet many incredible and inspirational women who have enriched my path in life in ways I never could have imagined.

Being a part of this group has not only challenged me physically but mentally as well. When you're outdoors trying a new activity or meeting new people for the first time, it's easy to fall prey to self-doubt and fear. But being surrounded by supportive, adventurous women has given me the push I need to overcome those fears and feel more confident in myself and my abilities. Being part of this group, I've built friendships with people from all kinds of different backgrounds. It's amazing how much we can learn from each other even when we come from all different walks of life.

 

All the Wild Women Adventures I've been on have taught me that taking risks and stepping outside of my comfort zone is how I grow and learn as a person. It's not always easy, but with the support of this incredible group of women, I feel more empowered than ever to pursue my dreams, push my limits, and inspire others to do the same.

When you begin to conquer your fears and take risks, you're opening the door to a new existence. With every risk taken, you gain more confidence, achieve more growth and find more ways to learn from your setbacks to keep pushing forward. Rather than allowing fear to control your energy, take a risk, and you never know what wonderful things await!

The Many-paws

Menopause, that delightful time in a woman's life when your body decides to go all rogue on you and leave you hanging out to dry (literally). I'm currently going through this phase, and I have to say, it's been quite the ride. So I thought I'd share a few of my experiences so far:

Hot Flash Mania. I'm talking about the kind of heat that makes you feel like you're standing on the sun. It's like a fever that takes hold of you and refuses to let go. Sometimes it's triggered by something as simple as a spicy food or just thinking about being warm, and other times it strikes out of nowhere. It can be like standing in a sauna, all day, every day. I guess it's going to save on heating this winter. And don't even get me started on the insomnia. I could use the bags under my eyes to carry my shopping back from Aldi. Who needs sleep anyway?

I've been having many the menopause conversation these days, and from all accounts I have only skimmed the surface, and there more to come, (or not as the case may be). Dry as the Sahara you say... 'A friend' of mine recently told me over a Costa and a flapjack, "Its like the bloody Sahara Desert down there,  sex now is about as enjoyable as a trip to the dentist." Thanks, Mother Nature! This may be what triggers the mood swings, apparently another fun aspect of menopause I have to look forward too, "it"s like PMS on steroids, complete with sudden crying and irrational anger," the husband of my close acquaintance said, "she can go from zero to fiery rage in seconds, and all because I left the top off the toothpaste." 

Which reminds me, we can't forget the memory loss, or can we, I'm confused - brain fog, or frog as I described it earlier today. I often forget why I walked in a room, I forget my own name, as well as everyone elses. It's like my brain decided to shut down all non-essential functions in order to preserve energy for all my hot flashes. Sorry brain, but some days I really need to remember where I parked my car.

All in all, my menopause journey so far has been quite the adventure. It's like going through puberty all over again, except this time there are no raging hormones powering it. It's just your body saying, "Hey, I'm done with that phase of life, and now I'm going to make you suffer for it." 

At least it doesn't last forever, and I can look forward to the day when it's all over but for now it's a case of head down, come on body and brain we can do this...bring on the ice baths, the deep breathing and cuddling cats. 😁🙏✌🐈

 

Meet Hetty the Hearse

So, being a bit on the quirky side, and looking for an unconventional way to travel I had a crazy idea of buying a hearse and converting it into a campervan. Today that dream came true, after years of me looking to find perfect fit!

Buying a hearse is a relatively affordable option for a campervan. Many people shy away from campervan living because of the cost, but with a hearse, you can often find used ones for a fraction of the price. They tend to be quite spacious and roomy, so plenty of space to design a dream camper.

Now, I know what you’re thinking - “Won’t driving around in a hearse be a bit morbid?” Nah! I reckon with some creativity and imagination, I can turn my hearse into a unique and charming home on wheels. One of the biggest benefits of owning a hearse is the amount of storage space, well they are designed to carry coffins!  Another upside is it is sure to turn heads, or make people smile wherever it goes and I can't say I've have ever been one to want to blend in with the crowd.  I have absolutely no doubt people will be intrigued by such a unique vehicle and want to hear stories of its travels. It may even start a new trend!! - So if you’re someone who loves to stand out, with a little bit of creativity and imagination, I reckon any old hearse could be transformed into a beautiful, quirky, and unconventional campervan. And who knows, me and Hetty might just end up having the trip of a lifetime!...

Toxic waste

I have always said I am the eternal optimist. I try to look for the positives in every situation and like the song "always look on the bright side of life".. I have learned however, there is a time and place for positivity and a time and place for empathy  and understanding. 

As humans, we all hardwired to experience a wide range of emotions. Sometimes we feel happy, productive, and fulfilled, while other times we can feel sad, anxious, and depressed. It’s completely normal to experience a mix of emotions, and it’s important to acknowledge and accept that fact, despite a growing trend in today's society that I think does a lot more harm than good.

Toxic positivity... this is the idea that we should always maintain a positive outlook, regardless of the situation, and that anything less is unacceptable. While it is essential to focus on the good in our lives and practice gratitude, toxic positivity ignores the reality of people’s lives and circumstances. 

Life can be hard, and sometimes terrible things happen that are out of our control. Telling someone to just “stay positive” or “look on the bright side” when they are going through something is not only insensitive but also unhelpful. It reduces complex and challenging situations to simplistic solutions that do not exist.

Toxic positivity completely dismisses valid emotions that people may experience. The pressure to only be positive can make individuals feel ashamed for experiencing a range of emotions such as sadness, anger, and frustration. In some cases, people might feel guilty for experiencing negative emotions, which can further impact their mental health. It's important to validate and acknowledge people's feelings and experiences, rather than trying to dismiss or minimise them. Listening to what they have to say, empathising, offering support or understanding.

Acknowledging and accepting our emotions is an important step towards mental wellness. It’s okay to experience a mix of emotions, both positive and negative, and.it is perfectly natural to feel sad or anxious at times and recognition of this can only lead to a more honest and emotionally intelligent world.

Embracing Difference

I sometimes question my differences with regards to the world around me. I know how it feels to be in a group and behave or think differently to everyone else. In the past I have tried my best to fit in and be less unconventional. Being surrounded by people who seem to be doing and saying the opposite of what I am doing or thinking can be difficult. But let me tell you, I have learnt something that I'm more than happy to share... it's okay not follow society's norms, it's ok to be different and it's okay if your thoughts don't align with the rest of the world's perspective. There, I've said it! Phew! And it felt good!!

Society puts a lot of pressure on individuals to conform and behave in certain ways. Standing out is brave!  Cultural and social norms are there to hold us accountable and steer us in the right direction for the betterment of society. I personally think this can limit our thinking, and may even stop us from reaching our full potential. Not conforming doesn't mean we are purposely being defiant or acting out. It is more about having enough courage to think outside the box without fear of judgment from others.

Each person is unique and has something valuable to contribute to the world, including their own way of thinking and appreciating life. Instead of conforming to the way everyone else lives, I now embrace my differences, regardless of what society thinks. I have become my most authentic self by learning to be comfortable in my own skin which has given me an immense sense of freedom and an unbreakable spirit.

Not fitting in or conforming to social norms is bold. Don't be afraid to stand out. Your uniqueness is a gift, and you have something valuable to offer the world. So not only should you embrace your differences, you should be proud of them!

In the moment

Living in the moment is a concept that many people talk about, but few put into practice. It is about being present and fully engaged in what is happening in the here and now, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It involves paying attention to the people and things around you and savouring the experiences you are having, rather than rushing through life or letting it pass you by.

Living in the moment is important because it allows us to enjoy life to the fullest. When we are fully present, we can appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around us. We can experience deep connections with other people, and we can find joy in the simplest things.

However, it can be challenging to live in the moment, especially in a fast-paced world that is always moving forward. We are often distracted by technology, busy schedules, and the pressures of work and family. We may be preoccupied with regrets about the past, or fears about the future. All of these things can make it difficult to be present and fully engaged.

So, what can we do to live in the moment?

For me the first step is to slow down, take a minute or so to focus on my breath, notice the sensations in my body, and the thoughts and emotions that arise. 

Becoming more aware of my thoughts and feelings can help me recognise if I am getting caught up in worries or distractions,  and bring my attention back to the present moment. I then take time to reflect on the things I am grateful for, whether it is a beautiful sunset, a kind gesture from a friend, or even the simple joy of a good cup of coffee. Focusing on the positive things helps me appreciate the present moment.

I also think it is really important to make time in our lives for the things that matter most to us. For me this involves spending time with friends and loved ones, being outside in the fresh air, swimming in the sea, exploring new places, all of these experiences make me feel alive, fully in the moment and connected to the world around me.

Living in the moment is not always easy, and it takes practice and effort. But the rewards are immeasurable. I find joy and meaning in the simplest things, and it helps me to live a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

Photo credit, Rachael Young 👏