Kate and the pups

Hi all:

I’m not sure what the mean age of women reading this note is, but I’m 50 (two months away from 51) and coming up hard against the physical challenges of aging. The other day my therapist asked me what I liked about getting older (there’s the obvious answer: not being dead), but what I know with certainty is that I relish the confidence that experience and age have brought, the willingness to cut through the junk in order to find the beautiful nuggets, the lack of worrying about what others think of me (mostly), and the clarity I have in decision making. But the physical stuff is hard. Sometimes really hard. I had bi-lateral foot surgery in late summer and I thought that I would breeze through recovery; after all, it was minimally invasive surgery. Three months later, I’m struggling. I’m struggling with pain, slow healing, regaining extension and flexion in my big toes (I had arthritis surgery to treat Hallux Rigidus) and overarchingly, I’m struggling with not being 35 and having a body that rights its physical maladies quickly.

So what to do?

My friend Ann and I chatted about expectations and managing them (expectations do seem to be the root of much emotional distress) and my meditation teacher and I talked about acceptance, not fighting the pain and not thinking it will last forever, but as she says,”communiing with what is.” These are two good approaches and helpful not only for this issue, but for much of the tough stuff life tosses our way. So here I am, carbon inserts in my hiking boots, Advil in my pocket, a willingness to commune with my current status, and a letting go of expectations as I embark on a 6.5 mile hike tomorrow. Next week I’ll let you know how it went.

Running this again from last week: Here’s an opportunity to assist Raquel from Momentum Gym (where I strength train) in building her client base. Momentum is currently running a year-end special for a free consultation. The consultation will discuss your current health status as well as your goals. You’ll receive a metric assessment showing body fat, muscle mass, metabolic age, and more. Please email Raquel directly at rmadeja@momentummaine.com, or call the Momentum office at (207) 347-3030

Upcoming Community (not all LAC) Adventures – These are not LAC adventures (except for the ones that say, “LAC”). These are adventures we’re sharing that are put-on by other orgs. If you have ideas for the calendar or want to organize an LAC community adventure, please send me a note.

Maine

🍁 November 27: Two Maine Mermaids, Full Moon Dip
🍁 November 27: Pineland Farms Full Moon Hike
🍁 November 28: Introductory Fly Tying with Maine IF&W
🍁 December 2: Millinocket Marathon & Half
🍁 December 2: Maine Audubon Seed Sowing Workshop
🍁 December 7: Maine Audubon Bird Walk
❄️ December 7: LAC Strength Training Class (sign up here)
❄️ December 14: Maine Outdoor Film Fest, Snow Day Dreams
❄️ January 1: Lobster Dip for Special Olympics Maine
❄️ January 11, LAC Strength Training Class (sign up here)

Happy adventuring,