Screw my 70 year old self
I don’t know why but this birthday feels a little different. Beyond the normal exclamation I feel everyone says around their birthday “Holy ____ I can’t believe I’m ___ already!”
Where does the time go? I’ve been in and around CrossFit for over 8 years now, and played sports competitively for 26 years (i fist pumped when I won my first golf tournament at 9 years old. It was 5 holes and there was only one other competitor. Just win baby!) And i suppose a birthday is good for a bit of reflection.
I feel old enough to appreciate where I am. I feel young enough to still be reckless.
I feel old enough to act wisely. I feel young enough to make stupid mistakes.
I feel old enough to appreciate those mistakes. I feel young enough to know I’ll make so many more.
I feel old enough to love who I am. I feel young enough to remember how fragile that can be.
So how to do both? How can I be wise but still young at heart. How can the experiences make me prepared for what may come but still open to possibility?
Then I reflect on the recent sudden deaths of icons like Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. And i want to add one more bit of reflection that occurs to me. I never want to forget that if for whatever reason this is it, am I living every moment to the fullest?
Fact of the matter is, modern medicine can keep us “alive” until 70 without a lot of help. But are those last 35 years going to be worth it and leave you craving 35 more?
This is my passion in this industry. Balancing those two pulls. Now and 70 years from now.
I’m making all decisions to satisfy my 35 year old self and my 100 year old self. My 70 year old self is just another checkpoint.
Are you committed to living for those last 35 years to kick ass? Would you be cool if it all ended suddenly? I feel like if you aren’t equally weighing both, something is missing.
Thank you for being the thing that keeps me pushing towards lofty things.
It’s a privilege to be a part of your day, here’s to many more.
