You have no idea how close to home this hits. But how could you? I’ve been hiding my new reality of chronic pain in fear of sounding like a complainer or fishing for sympathy.
You clearly are dealing with ailments of your own, but in no way did you sharing about it feel like either of my own fears.
I’ve been living out of a backpack for the better part of 20 years, however, recently turning 50, it’s like my body said, "Yeah, you’ve had enough."
I refuse to stop living my life, but I still totally resonate with your line about heartbreak. It’s not only in the loss of loved ones... it can also come in the loss of our own physical capabilities.
Adrian, it's pretty sobering isn't it? I've had to change a lot of things about my life. You really think you're invincible when you're young and I know that my kids are tired of me reminding them to eat their veggies and exercise by now. When we're younger, we still can build up our health karma if we take care of ourselves earlier in life.
I wish you much luck in your own journey and health. 💕
Fellow Gen Xer 👋🏼 Definitely understand about that transition where you now discuss ailments 😩 Your photos are so beautiful, feels like we are there with you!
Also, thank you for sharing the video of 1970’s commercials, I had a good laugh and it brought back some memories 😊
"Despite it all, there is still beauty in this world. Yes, we will have to fight harder to protect it, but there is so much more to experience, to be dazzled by, to chase a light more brilliant. I have to believe this because the alternative is too dark. It reminds me that we have yet to live through some of the best days of our lives. We don’t know what or when, but I promise you those days are still ahead."
It's great you got out there! Summer in pnw is its own wilderness love story. All those wildflowers, wild berries, long-lit nights, saltwater, sun (finally!) . . it just kind of rolls doesn't it?
The best time of year to be there! I have to remind myself of the other 9 months of gray and how I missed the sun because the humidity on the east coast this year is oof. There are tradeoffs everywhere.
I read your breathing paragraphs over and over and forgive me my “jumping in to solve your problem” when you probably just wanted me to read and listen.
Harmonica. Learn to play the harmonica. You are forced to breath in controlled patterns AND you put out more beauty into the world. (Well, not right away, you will play terribly at first but eventually, it becomes a soundtrack to nature… or city sounds… or a soft “good morning” to your neighborhood)
There are studies for people with asthma and COPD, but medical researchers are waking up to wind instruments improving and preserving lung function as we age. The Mayo Clinic has a trial… https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials/cls-20358841 … ChatGPT has a lot of opinions… and I will teach you how to play for free … well, gotta join the band 😉 https://100Harmonicas.substack.com
I feel like we've talked about harmonicas somewhere before! And it totally makes sense about wind instruments. I mean, it's all about controlling breath and breathing. My mom recently-ish got a harmonica. Maybe I will borrow it.
It’s entirely possible! I just can’t seem to shut up about dragging others into my obsession with the harmonica 😀😀😀 But entirely serious about free lessons…
I have a harmonica sitting at my writing desk, which I only sometimes exhale into just for the feel of it. Have been itching for next level… this is it!! 🙏🏻
I am such a fan! I truly enjoy your observations and insights. Thank you for sharing them.
My grandmother in-law (long deceased) always said that it was a surprise to realize how long you had lived, because in your head you felt like you were a teenager, but when you moved you were jarred by the reality of a decaying body.
That’s why it’s important to keep moving, to remain engaged with the world. Keep moving, and be merciful to yourself for your shortcomings.
Thank you, John! And isn't that the truth! I still feel so much younger (maybe not a teenager!) It's hard to reconcile the image of ourselves in our minds with what our bodies tell us. What a process this whole aging this is!
"Now, I feel a sudden urgency to get busy traveling while I still comfortably can."
When my wife and I started our nomadic adventure five years ago, my 81-year-old mother urged us to go and live the dream before we could no longer do it. She talked about the pains and problems that keep most older people from doing what we do, and how one day, we'd also prefer to stick closer to home and the doctors. She told us to do it while we can.
Several weeks ago, as we spent time in Estes Park, Colorado, we took off on a hike, one with a promising and rewarding view at the end. But I had to stop halfway and concede to the excruciating pain in my hips and legs, brought on by a still-uncertain chronic disease. With tears in my eyes, I knew there was no way to reach the end, and I wasn't even sure I could get back to our camp without medical help. What used to be so easy for me has now become increasingly difficult, and what used to be me patiently waiting on my wife has become her stopping for me as I struggle. It's a humbling experience, but I refuse to quit for now.
That being said, I resonate deeply with what you've written here. We all must get busy traveling or doing the things we love, while we can, because one day it will all be over.
James, I hear you! And yes, so humbling. Both our mothers have decided they are done traveling for the most part. And it's not even so much about age, is it, if you suffer from a chronic disease. I am so afraid to be somewhere internationally and have another episodic flair with no idea where to go for help. It's frightening, and yet, like you, I don't want to give up. I really hope there are more hikes in both of our futures!
I loved this..I'm sorry you're going through this life change but I wonder what gems you will uncover because of it. I'm not trying to be toxically positive, but rather I bet you will notice and see things in these "granny walks" that you might not have noticed in your younger hikes. I think keeping active is the key. I read a book called "Tough Broads", which really inspired me to try to stay active in my later years (im almost 52). Its a book that interviews women over 50 and how they stay active and do things, including the author Caroline Paul. She has worked through some injuries and is modifying her life also. I'm inspired by your stories always!
Keeping active is absolutely key. As is open-mindedness being gentle and forgiving with yourself. It's heartbreaking to witness how often mental decline follows physical decline, but we are still young! And I like your assessment of the gems to uncover at the slower pace, thank you!
I’ve loved following you along in your summer adventures, Jenna. I can typically feel jealousy in such things (one of the myriad reasons Substack is my sole SM indulgence), but because of your words, the journey within the journey, it’s all the delight and none of the envy. And, maybe weirdly, I’m just plain happy for you.
Oh, I understand that envy feeling. Part of why I quit IG 18 months ago. It can really get to you when you see people living adventures and these interesting lives (although I know it’s al curated). Who needs that??
I can totally relate to what you’re saying….after straining my shoulder doing cable wakeboarding, I realised I wasn’t invisible. So when we went to the snow, I decided not to do snowboarding (which I’ve only done once) like the rest of the family and stick to skiing (which I had not done since we got married, but I’ve done on and off since I was a kid).
I’ve started thinking about wanting to explore while my body can - I mean, I’m only 48! I never used to think that way.
I wonder if our very real view of mortality will make the experiences even more beautiful and that we will be more grateful as well? 😊
I love granny hikes! Next time you’re in PDX with a sunny day to spare I’ll take you to Little Crater Lake on Mt. Hood. Short, flat, with optional out-and-back thru the forest.
You have no idea how close to home this hits. But how could you? I’ve been hiding my new reality of chronic pain in fear of sounding like a complainer or fishing for sympathy.
You clearly are dealing with ailments of your own, but in no way did you sharing about it feel like either of my own fears.
I’ve been living out of a backpack for the better part of 20 years, however, recently turning 50, it’s like my body said, "Yeah, you’ve had enough."
I refuse to stop living my life, but I still totally resonate with your line about heartbreak. It’s not only in the loss of loved ones... it can also come in the loss of our own physical capabilities.
Thank you for sharing, Jenna. ❤️🩹
Adrian, it's pretty sobering isn't it? I've had to change a lot of things about my life. You really think you're invincible when you're young and I know that my kids are tired of me reminding them to eat their veggies and exercise by now. When we're younger, we still can build up our health karma if we take care of ourselves earlier in life.
I wish you much luck in your own journey and health. 💕
Fellow Gen Xer 👋🏼 Definitely understand about that transition where you now discuss ailments 😩 Your photos are so beautiful, feels like we are there with you!
Also, thank you for sharing the video of 1970’s commercials, I had a good laugh and it brought back some memories 😊
I feel like that's the first thing me and my friends talk about! 😀 There were some gems in that compilation I had forgotten about!
"Desire and reality don’t always play well together." You nailed it. Great writing.
Thank you so much for reading, Robert.
"Despite it all, there is still beauty in this world. Yes, we will have to fight harder to protect it, but there is so much more to experience, to be dazzled by, to chase a light more brilliant. I have to believe this because the alternative is too dark. It reminds me that we have yet to live through some of the best days of our lives. We don’t know what or when, but I promise you those days are still ahead."
Such a beautiful post :)
Thank you for reading and sharing ☺️🫶
I love your words.
It's great you got out there! Summer in pnw is its own wilderness love story. All those wildflowers, wild berries, long-lit nights, saltwater, sun (finally!) . . it just kind of rolls doesn't it?
Idyll.
The best time of year to be there! I have to remind myself of the other 9 months of gray and how I missed the sun because the humidity on the east coast this year is oof. There are tradeoffs everywhere.
Oh yeah the humidity 😮💨
Beautiful writing and photos! From someone living a parallel park slope, pnw in-laws summer visit this year, this really resonated!
Hi neighbor! And how funny! Hope you enjoy your travels out west.
I read your breathing paragraphs over and over and forgive me my “jumping in to solve your problem” when you probably just wanted me to read and listen.
Harmonica. Learn to play the harmonica. You are forced to breath in controlled patterns AND you put out more beauty into the world. (Well, not right away, you will play terribly at first but eventually, it becomes a soundtrack to nature… or city sounds… or a soft “good morning” to your neighborhood)
There are studies for people with asthma and COPD, but medical researchers are waking up to wind instruments improving and preserving lung function as we age. The Mayo Clinic has a trial… https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials/cls-20358841 … ChatGPT has a lot of opinions… and I will teach you how to play for free … well, gotta join the band 😉 https://100Harmonicas.substack.com
I feel like we've talked about harmonicas somewhere before! And it totally makes sense about wind instruments. I mean, it's all about controlling breath and breathing. My mom recently-ish got a harmonica. Maybe I will borrow it.
It’s entirely possible! I just can’t seem to shut up about dragging others into my obsession with the harmonica 😀😀😀 But entirely serious about free lessons…
I have a harmonica sitting at my writing desk, which I only sometimes exhale into just for the feel of it. Have been itching for next level… this is it!! 🙏🏻
Holler if you want a lesson! It’s a C-major scale, maybe Piano Man intro 😀
I might just, Gérard! 🙌🏻
I am such a fan! I truly enjoy your observations and insights. Thank you for sharing them.
My grandmother in-law (long deceased) always said that it was a surprise to realize how long you had lived, because in your head you felt like you were a teenager, but when you moved you were jarred by the reality of a decaying body.
That’s why it’s important to keep moving, to remain engaged with the world. Keep moving, and be merciful to yourself for your shortcomings.
Thank you, John! And isn't that the truth! I still feel so much younger (maybe not a teenager!) It's hard to reconcile the image of ourselves in our minds with what our bodies tell us. What a process this whole aging this is!
"Now, I feel a sudden urgency to get busy traveling while I still comfortably can."
When my wife and I started our nomadic adventure five years ago, my 81-year-old mother urged us to go and live the dream before we could no longer do it. She talked about the pains and problems that keep most older people from doing what we do, and how one day, we'd also prefer to stick closer to home and the doctors. She told us to do it while we can.
Several weeks ago, as we spent time in Estes Park, Colorado, we took off on a hike, one with a promising and rewarding view at the end. But I had to stop halfway and concede to the excruciating pain in my hips and legs, brought on by a still-uncertain chronic disease. With tears in my eyes, I knew there was no way to reach the end, and I wasn't even sure I could get back to our camp without medical help. What used to be so easy for me has now become increasingly difficult, and what used to be me patiently waiting on my wife has become her stopping for me as I struggle. It's a humbling experience, but I refuse to quit for now.
That being said, I resonate deeply with what you've written here. We all must get busy traveling or doing the things we love, while we can, because one day it will all be over.
Thank you for this. ♥️
James, I hear you! And yes, so humbling. Both our mothers have decided they are done traveling for the most part. And it's not even so much about age, is it, if you suffer from a chronic disease. I am so afraid to be somewhere internationally and have another episodic flair with no idea where to go for help. It's frightening, and yet, like you, I don't want to give up. I really hope there are more hikes in both of our futures!
I loved this, Jenna — and seeing your travels is great. You have the right mindset!
Thank you Andy. And I owe you a DM now that I am back!
I loved this..I'm sorry you're going through this life change but I wonder what gems you will uncover because of it. I'm not trying to be toxically positive, but rather I bet you will notice and see things in these "granny walks" that you might not have noticed in your younger hikes. I think keeping active is the key. I read a book called "Tough Broads", which really inspired me to try to stay active in my later years (im almost 52). Its a book that interviews women over 50 and how they stay active and do things, including the author Caroline Paul. She has worked through some injuries and is modifying her life also. I'm inspired by your stories always!
Keeping active is absolutely key. As is open-mindedness being gentle and forgiving with yourself. It's heartbreaking to witness how often mental decline follows physical decline, but we are still young! And I like your assessment of the gems to uncover at the slower pace, thank you!
I’ve loved following you along in your summer adventures, Jenna. I can typically feel jealousy in such things (one of the myriad reasons Substack is my sole SM indulgence), but because of your words, the journey within the journey, it’s all the delight and none of the envy. And, maybe weirdly, I’m just plain happy for you.
💞🫶🏻
Oh, I understand that envy feeling. Part of why I quit IG 18 months ago. It can really get to you when you see people living adventures and these interesting lives (although I know it’s al curated). Who needs that??
I can totally relate to what you’re saying….after straining my shoulder doing cable wakeboarding, I realised I wasn’t invisible. So when we went to the snow, I decided not to do snowboarding (which I’ve only done once) like the rest of the family and stick to skiing (which I had not done since we got married, but I’ve done on and off since I was a kid).
I’ve started thinking about wanting to explore while my body can - I mean, I’m only 48! I never used to think that way.
I wonder if our very real view of mortality will make the experiences even more beautiful and that we will be more grateful as well? 😊
Yes, maybe! But I feel like we don’t travel as much as some of our peers/friends so it always feels special ☺️
I love granny hikes! Next time you’re in PDX with a sunny day to spare I’ll take you to Little Crater Lake on Mt. Hood. Short, flat, with optional out-and-back thru the forest.
Nice! I haven't been to Mt. Hood in like 30 years!
Loved this, Jenna, and the photos in it are just spectacular 👏
Thanks Terell. Really enjoyed your most recent photos too. Looks like you’re getting some big nature in as well this summer. 🙌