I’m 83. For my 74th birthday, I walked the Camino with Rebecca. Here at the end, I can tell you it was the adventure of my life.
“Life is fleeting” is a cliché, but let me tell you, that’s because it’s true. And, “at the end it’s what you didn’t do, not what you did that will matter,” is also true. Don’t let anyone “rain on your parade,” if you must – carry an umbrella, but keep moving to “your own drummer.” Do not hesitate to live “your one wild and precious life.” All true.
Midwest, small town, married 1959, Catholic, I accepted all the commandments handed down for centuries by men - until I didn’t. MY life began at age 60 by questioning “who says?” Once I saw who was behind “the green curtain,” I pulled the plug. Untethered, I set out to make death bed memories. I’ve drifted down the Yangtze, took butter tea in Tibet, watched solo bull elephants cross the Serengeti, floated on the Amazon, chewed coco leaves in Peru, awed by the Louvre, and blessed by ocean water poured down on me by humpback whales…
If you have the opportunity to walk the Camino, DO IT. I could not have had a more knowledgeable and patient guide than Rebecca. It was challenging but standing on those huge rocks at Muxia, waves crashing, I never felt more alive, more connected to the universe, and proud. Don’t let anyONE be your excuse from living your only life.
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!"
Beautiful reflection Rebecca! I am happy my newsletter inspired you! It's not easy, but once this desire is fully embodied, even the ones not supporting us, change their energies! keep going! THIS IS YOUR CALLING!
I’m 83. For my 74th birthday, I walked the Camino with Rebecca. Here at the end, I can tell you it was the adventure of my life.
“Life is fleeting” is a cliché, but let me tell you, that’s because it’s true. And, “at the end it’s what you didn’t do, not what you did that will matter,” is also true. Don’t let anyone “rain on your parade,” if you must – carry an umbrella, but keep moving to “your own drummer.” Do not hesitate to live “your one wild and precious life.” All true.
Midwest, small town, married 1959, Catholic, I accepted all the commandments handed down for centuries by men - until I didn’t. MY life began at age 60 by questioning “who says?” Once I saw who was behind “the green curtain,” I pulled the plug. Untethered, I set out to make death bed memories. I’ve drifted down the Yangtze, took butter tea in Tibet, watched solo bull elephants cross the Serengeti, floated on the Amazon, chewed coco leaves in Peru, awed by the Louvre, and blessed by ocean water poured down on me by humpback whales…
If you have the opportunity to walk the Camino, DO IT. I could not have had a more knowledgeable and patient guide than Rebecca. It was challenging but standing on those huge rocks at Muxia, waves crashing, I never felt more alive, more connected to the universe, and proud. Don’t let anyONE be your excuse from living your only life.
Reminds me of this Hunter Thompson quote:
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!"
Thank you for this, Lois.
Beautiful reflection Rebecca! I am happy my newsletter inspired you! It's not easy, but once this desire is fully embodied, even the ones not supporting us, change their energies! keep going! THIS IS YOUR CALLING!
Nice