Two women turn 70 years old, yet each takes a different meaning from the event. One “knows” that her life is coming to an end. To her, seven decades of living means that her body must be breaking down and she had better start winding up her affairs. The other woman decides that what a person is capable of at any age depends upon her belief, and sets a higher standard for herself. She decides that mountain climbing might be a good sport to begin at the age of 70. For the next 25 years, she devotes herself to this new adventure in mastery, scaling some of the highest peaks in the world until, in her 90s, Hulda Crooks became the oldest woman to ascend Mount Fuji.
Crooks understood that it is never the environment or the events of our lives, but the meaning we attach to these events that shapes who we are today and who we will become in the future. Beliefs are what make the difference between a lifetime of joyous contribution and one of misery and devastation. Beliefs are what cause some individuals to become heroes, while others lead lives of quiet desperation. If we want to direct our lives, then we must take conscious control over our beliefs. Remember, once accepted, our beliefs become unquestioned commands to our nervous systems, and they have power to expand or destroy the possibilities of our present and future.
Consider the power of your own beliefs. Do you see yourself as the 70-year-old lady who is coming to the end of her life and, as a result, needs to get her life in order? Perhaps, instead, you are like the woman who, at 70, decided taking up mountain climbing would be a good idea. Too often, people develop limiting beliefs about who they are and what they are capable of accomplishing. They concentrate on “being realistic.” The problem with being realistic is that you are really just living in fear, afraid of being disappointed or hurt. Out of that fear develop beliefs that cause you to hesitate, to not give your all, consequently getting limited results. I will leave you with this quote from The Buddha: “We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world!” What kind of thoughts do you have? What kind of world are you making?
By Barbara Green LaHabra CA0075 November 29, 2017
So inspirational. This will be our Chapter Program tomorrow. It doesn’t matter what age you are, I think we can all learn from this message. Looking forward to many more Healthy years in TOPS and your output.
By M. Davis November 15, 2017
I just reached my goal at age 78. Almost 100 lb. Loss, took many years but I never gave up.
By Barb Cady November 17, 2017
You are indeed inspiring!
By Arlene November 15, 2017
Isn’t this so true though when persons who have an internal catalyst can do life’s adventures that could not be accomplished when younger due to family, work, and social commitments. Suddenly there is a new dimension to life that is so unexpected when captured and enjoyed each day; even if the activity is enjoying a cup of tea or coffee early in the morning when the snow is new and the moon light makes the sparkle of millions of snow flakes a land of pure delight and enjoyment. Or a person can open each day with complaining about this and that and just being bitter about being past the age of 30!
By Mary Wilborn November 15, 2017
For my birthday this year my daughter gave me a charm that I wear daily. It reads ” I can see no good reason to act my age”. It reminds me that we are only limited by our attitude and lack of belief of what we are still capable of.
By Carla StGermain November 14, 2017
I can’t wait to share this with my chapter. It’s very inspiring, indeed!
By Carolyn Campbell November 13, 2017
Loved this week’s blog! Thanks so much!
By Debra Demmons November 13, 2017
Love the story. I know people who are like the person who says their too old to try something new. I like what the other woman thinks, that you just have to keep going and try new experiences. Live for today as we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
By Thelma M Johnson November 18, 2017
I retired at the age of 68 in November of 2012. In Feb. 2013, I joined TOPS #0095. I lost 111 pounds. I walk 10,000 steps each day. I started doing walk/run races. In the year 2016, at the age of 72, I did 16 races and came in 1st, 2nd or 3rd in my age group in most of them. This year at 73, I have done 15 so far. I do some 5K, 10K and one 10 mile. I do not take a lot of the meds that I used to take and I feel great. I am now a 3 year KOPS in Black.