Back in my take on the world, the heck with the consequences 20’s,  I was a bit more of a physical daredevil than I am now in my fabulous 50’s. I still work out regularly, and earlier in the week, I had taken the risk of riding my bike in the rain. It didn’t start out that way, but once the drops started falling, it wasn’t like I could put the top up as I would have on my Jeep Wrangler. I had to weather the storm, wishing I had windshield wipers on my glasses. Fortunately, the brakes held and I didn’t skid out, even though they squeaked in protest. Three of my far more adept and experienced cyclist friends cautioned me about the perils of downpours. Grateful for the caring council of my ‘road angels,’ as I referred to them.

Somewhere in the late 70’s/early 80’s I went on a day skiing trip that began with intention and ended quite unceremoniously as a result of inattention. I was excited to hit the slopes and took perhaps a 30-minute break for lunch. Come 4 pm, the slopes began to get icy and I was having so much fun, that I kept telling myself, “One more run. One more run.” That final run landed me in a twisted heap in the snow and required assistance down the hill to the car where my cousin ferried me home. As a result of a twisted knee, my ski poles morphed into crutches that were my companions for six weeks. In my 30’s the injury was exacerbated and required arthroscopic surgery.

I am insatiable for life. I slurp the juice from the bottom of the glass and don’t miss a drop. I call in exciting adventures and people who light me up. I take flights of fancy and fantasy as I live out loud. Sometimes I stretch beyond my edge and have a difficult time rebounding, but I always do. I appreciate all of it and take none of it for granted. My friends and family are my treasures. I tell people how I feel about them, holding nothing back because we never know what tomorrow brings.

When I was telling a friend (one of the aforementioned road angels) about my ski-slope slide, this wise man responded, “Sometimes it’s better to accept and treasure what you have rather than pushing for the next best thing because sometimes the next best thing is right there beside you.” I couldn’t agree more even as I know that the adventurer in me is always on the lookout for the next experience that will delight me.  For me, it is not an either/or, but instead a both/and. I get to cherish what I have and desire to drink in more.

A song about skiing for your listening pleasure.