This just in: I think its time for me to express a bit of appreciation for a few things that I don’t want to take for granted.

Let’s start with this – I’m 63 years old with the mind of a teenager. I know that when I look in a mirror, that old guy looking back is me. But then, I turn away and he no longer exists. He tries to make himself known and its a constant struggle to not give in to him; to say, “I’m getting too old to do things that I used to do.”

Part of my battle is to exercise daily. Knowing myself, there are a couple of things I do to help with this. First, the exercise has to be relatively easy to access. I don’t want to have to drive 20 minutes to a gym. Secondly, I need to track what I do. I have a list of 20 things I try to do daily, half of those are exercises. This list has been maintained for years. And finally, I have to not overdo it. I tend to lock onto something I like and then do that to excess. So…Accessible, Trackable and Moderation.

Now for the gratitude; Gratitude for the conditions that make the above possible.

I have a hiking trail about 200 yards from my house. I can ride a stationary bike on my back porch while overlooking a tidal river. A 5 minute drive takes me to a recreational area that has: (1) A skateboard park (2) Hiking trails, (3) Tennis courts (4) Batting cages, (5) Miniature golf, (6) A driving range, (7) Outdoor soccer fields, (8) a golf course, (9) indoor soccer fields and (10) A rock wall climbing gym.

How lucky is that!

The rock wall gym and indoor soccer field is the latest addition. Whomever is responsible for this place needs to be given a lot of credit. The building is huge and yet blends into the surrounding countryside. The roof is covered with solar panels. There is a giant parking lot and at least 25 hookups for electric vehicles. The new road approaching it is well design and attractive.

I have never been rock wall climbing before and at 63, why start now?

Well, I started. I climb every day. Sometimes I stop by for just 15 minutes and climb a couple of walls. Other times I’m there for a couple of hours. The staff feels like a bunch of 25 year old “surfer dudes.” Everything is “cool” and they are super helpful. There have to be about 50 different walls to climb with something for every level of skill. Everything is safe; in fact, I had to take a 2-hour class just to learn how many ways I need to be safe. The place has been open for a month and I’ve been going for a week. I meet someone new every day. It’s much different from a gym where you go and do your own thing. Here, everyone helps and encourages everyone else.

This place is a gift and for that, I am grateful.

Time to save the world.

Up, up and away…

Jim