In my continuing search for inspiration, I want to look at some folks who have defied expectations. And because my birthday is this week, I'm thinking in particular of people who have continued to excel beyond an age at which others expect them to stop or slow down.
First, a belated congratulations to Cadel Evans for his win of this year's Tour de France. Evans became the oldest person to win the race in 88 years; he is 34. The Tour is a grueling stage race that is normally dominated by younger riders. His win fulfilled the dying wishes of his longtime coach, Aldo Sassi, who died of brain cancer last December.
And, although she did not succeed in her goal of swimming from Cuba to Key West (without a shark cage), Diana Nyad certainly deserves a hearty well done! She first attempted the swim in 1978, at age 28. Now 61, Nyad made her second attempt. She made it slightly more than halfway, but was stopped by shoulder pain and large ocean swells.
To my mind, it doesn't matter that she didn't make it. I marvel at her trying. I'm sure she is crushed, but wow, what an attempt!
I love that there are people who exceed ideas of what is possible at any age. I love that my mother does pushups in her 70s. I love that my coach is 60-something (not really sure of his age). I love that I just read about Ernestine Shepherd, a 75 year old trainer and competitive body builder.
I love that I have so many examples to look at of people who find something they like and then keep doing it. They don't stop because some commentator thinks they may be getting past their prime. They don't stop because all of their friends are slowing down and sitting around watching TV. They keep doing what they enjoy because it enriches their lives - and because they enjoy it.
You who have been around here a while know that I'm less concerned with big achievements than with trying. Success is more about the process than the finish line. Even though I push myself for some crazy goals, I don't expect anyone else to do the same. We all have our own goals, expectations, and limitations. Our goals have to be ours. You don't have to want to swim anywhere or run a marathon. But do find something you enjoy, something that excites you. Do what you can - whatever you are capable of. And then push just one step further. Try. You might succeed. You might fail. But you do have the power to try.
Let's hear it for changing expectations - whether the expectations are about age, or disease, or size, or some other condition that others might consider a handicap. Defy expectations. Do something you love, and just keep doing it.
Julie
First, a belated congratulations to Cadel Evans for his win of this year's Tour de France. Evans became the oldest person to win the race in 88 years; he is 34. The Tour is a grueling stage race that is normally dominated by younger riders. His win fulfilled the dying wishes of his longtime coach, Aldo Sassi, who died of brain cancer last December.
And, although she did not succeed in her goal of swimming from Cuba to Key West (without a shark cage), Diana Nyad certainly deserves a hearty well done! She first attempted the swim in 1978, at age 28. Now 61, Nyad made her second attempt. She made it slightly more than halfway, but was stopped by shoulder pain and large ocean swells.
To my mind, it doesn't matter that she didn't make it. I marvel at her trying. I'm sure she is crushed, but wow, what an attempt!
I love that there are people who exceed ideas of what is possible at any age. I love that my mother does pushups in her 70s. I love that my coach is 60-something (not really sure of his age). I love that I just read about Ernestine Shepherd, a 75 year old trainer and competitive body builder.
I love that I have so many examples to look at of people who find something they like and then keep doing it. They don't stop because some commentator thinks they may be getting past their prime. They don't stop because all of their friends are slowing down and sitting around watching TV. They keep doing what they enjoy because it enriches their lives - and because they enjoy it.
You who have been around here a while know that I'm less concerned with big achievements than with trying. Success is more about the process than the finish line. Even though I push myself for some crazy goals, I don't expect anyone else to do the same. We all have our own goals, expectations, and limitations. Our goals have to be ours. You don't have to want to swim anywhere or run a marathon. But do find something you enjoy, something that excites you. Do what you can - whatever you are capable of. And then push just one step further. Try. You might succeed. You might fail. But you do have the power to try.
Let's hear it for changing expectations - whether the expectations are about age, or disease, or size, or some other condition that others might consider a handicap. Defy expectations. Do something you love, and just keep doing it.
Julie
3 comments:
Julie, thanks for coming into my life. You are an inspiration!
The old addage of 'do what you love, and love what you do, still stands. Nothing is 'work' then.
Julie, this is exactly why you are so great! You don't judge, you encourage. It's all about the effort and the trying with you. I can't tell you how wonderful that is for us "unathletic types" to hear after a lifetime of not being "good enough" in sports. Thank you!
I echo what Cheryl and Nancyspoint have said and want to add: I always say that people make themselves old cos they think they are old. My dad is 89 and a half, as my sister likes to say (well it is true, just such a childlike way of expressing it), and he has never declared himself too old to do anything - which is part of why I think he has lived so long. In contrast, I have friends who say: "Ooo, I am too old to go clubbing/wear that/do that". What rubbish. I looked at my body in the mirror today and it does look old - think chemo didn't help at all, despite subsequent exercise - but don't feel old inside myself. Now I just need to set goals like you do, Julie.
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