As mentioned in the Thanksgiving blog entry, I have joined many of my menopausal goddess sisters in giving up worry about looking silly or foolish or clumsy. Which is why I’m suddenly willing to try anything and everything that interests me. I’m asking myself "What do I want to do, to be, to experience?" At the age of 52, I am giving myself a signed permission slip to go on any field trip I wish. (It does help to have family and friends who are in favor of my growth and development!)
So on a glorious day this November, I found myself on the beach in Waikiki for my first surfing lesson. My buddy Jack Davis (guru of the Photoshop WOW books) coaxed and coddled me through catching my first waves on a board roughly the size of an aircraft carrier. My couple of actual rides were exhilarating and addicting. The dozens of wipeouts and falls were less so, but definitely part of the whole experiential package. I dragged my weary carcass back to the beach exhausted, fulfilled, and inordinately proud of my "board rash". (Accompanying photo is courtesy of Jack, my surfing coach.)
Am I now going to be a surf bunny? (Is there even such a thing?) Probably not. I will likely surf the baby waves once in a while. I don’t know if I’m ready to invest the time and energy involved in actually mastering the sport.
This I do know: the changes of midlife come in waves – and I’m gonna be ready to ride them with as much grace as I can muster. Sure, I’ll fall. Spectacularly at times. And then I’ll drag myself back up on the board, yell "Woohoo" and paddle out to catch the next swell.
First – you mention your surf instructor/photo pro having taken that photo. Did he use any special tools in photoshop CAUSE YOU LOOK GREAT!!!
Hats off to you in stepping out of that comfort zone. I know the joy I felt when I decided to take a singing class at the college and found myself surrounded by young professional quality performers. I also am thrilled to watch my little sister (age 51) make the decision to train and participate in a Marine Fitness challenge. The girl crawled through mud, climbed over walls, and ran miles. this is someone that has never, in her entire life, embraced physical activity. Now, she is committed to a group of women and continues to sign up for new challenges. You go girls.
This was sent to me by my 1962 classmate John Madden and as usual he was right…I think this is Great and would love to receive more. Just the thought that maybe I'm not actually going crazy is such a relief. Thank you!
Good for you! I 'm riding the waves of college life these days. Everyday I go to bed exhausted and wake up in the morning to do it all over again. A lot like surfing…