Keeping My Inner 20-Year-Old Alive
In August this year, my husband and I spent three weeks ‘vacationing’ on Vancouver Island in Canada.
I feel the need to break down that word vacationing because in my view, it’s a word ‘older’ people use and despite being in my fifties, for some reason, I don’t place myself in that category. 🤣 During our time away, we hiked, canoed, bounced and flew across the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean on a Zodiac. We tracked bears, attempted salmon fishing, and even joined a group of youngsters half our age for some downhill mountain biking. And let me just say, not all of me stayed on the bike for the entire ride. The picture… well, it says it all.
Vacationing, or Something Like It
Why am I telling you this?
Because in my head, I’m still in my 20s. Like, literally. 👧🏻
I believe I can do most of the things I did back then, and I’m always up for trying new things… although, downhill mountain biking is no longer on that list. Let’s just say I learned that lesson quickly when my left boob became an unintentional brake after flying over the handlebars into the gravel. It’s safe to say two boobs are better kept together—I’m sure you’d agree.
Facing Reality… or Maybe Not?
But I digress.
The point is that in my head and heart, I’m still young. I’m hanging on to that for as long as I possibly can. So why, then, did I find myself clicking on a link to a book titled Thriving Beyond Fifty? (111 Natural Strategies to Restore Your Mobility, Avoid Surgery, and Stay Off Pain Pills for Good).👵 Let me tell you, I was horrified because I’m just not there yet. Words like mobility, surgery, and pain pills jumped off the page. Other choice words included in the book bio? Life expectancy, supplements, and yep, mobility again.
The Real Takeaway: It’s All in the Mind
Breathe, Leonora. Just breathe.😮💨
Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s a place for being prepared and informed—taking care of ourselves is important.
But here’s the thing: what happens in your head and heart is the most valuable asset you can have.
Three Lessons for Staying Young at Heart
Our thoughts? They’re not facts. They’re stories we tell ourselves, and we have the power to rewrite them.
And our emotions? They go far beyond the basic happy, sad, and overwhelmed that so many of us experience daily.
So, here are three things I’ve been reflecting on when it comes to navigating this whole aging-but-young-at-heart thing:
1.Reframe your thoughts:
Don’t let the stories your mind creates define you. Remember, thoughts are just that—thoughts. Challenge them, rewrite them, and don’t let them limit what you believe is possible.
2. Embrace all your emotions:
Emotions are complex. We’re not just stuck with happy, sad, or overwhelmed. Recognise the full spectrum—curiosity, gratitude, hope—and give yourself permission to feel them all without judgment.
3. Stay curious:
Age might be just a number, but curiosity keeps you young. Keep learning, trying new things (just maybe not downhill mountain biking 😉), and push the boundaries of what you think is possible.
So there it is—lessons from a mountain bike mishap, and a friendly reminder that no matter how many times we hit the gravel, it’s what’s going on in our hearts and minds that truly keeps us moving forward.
And just so you know, I’m not just here to share my misadventures!
** I’m an accredited Life Coach on a mission to help midlife women navigate the rollercoaster of life—whether it’s managing mental overload, reconnecting with yourself, or finding the clarity and confidence to prioritise your own well-being. If you would like to discover how to embrace the next chapter of your life with courage, humour, and a strong sense of self-worth, let’s continue the conversation. I’d love to connect with you as you take your own next step toward living fully for you.
