16790 - What is this number?
16 790
This is approximately how many days we have from the time of becoming an adult to reaching retirement.
What?
As I read this statistic, cold shivers run down my spine. Where has the time gone? The countdown is even lower for me as I embrace 40. I feel the sudden urge to act, have a purpose, be bold and embrace the “you only live once” philosophy all at the same time. But where to start? It can be so overwhelming.
Time is fleeting and before you know it, the clock is counting down. Post COVID-19 we see that there is greater importance being placed on staying healthy, preventing illness through active living, and protecting your mental health. But how do we approach living actively?
At this point, I want to add a disclaimer. I am no guru or elite athlete; I am simply a person who loves chasing the next adventure. I have been "ordinarily active" for most of my adult life. Most of the advice you read is given by some expert that has a sought-after Instagram account or has a phenomenal list of achievements. That is not me. I am an average person who loves being active and has been fortunate to enjoy and take part in some crazy adventures. But this is exactly why I think I am well placed to give some insight from just an ordinarily active woman.
- Start where you stand - It is a principle I live by. Don’t hold yourself to unrealistic standards. Concentrate on what you can do rather than trying to aim for unrealistic standards. If you have time for a 10 min run take it, rather than hoping you will carve out 60 mins and never do. Close the door on perfect and just start.
- Be gentle on yourself (and others) - some days getting active and chasing your dream is easy, while on others it is hard slog. That is OK. Unless you are a professional athlete, you most probably have to juggle multiple roles and commitments.
- Find a goal that inspires you. Time and energy are valuable resources. If a goal doesn’t inspire you then don’t do it. It should give you a sense of purpose and excitement.
- Dare to dream. Be bold and chase the next adventure or goal. These pursuits will add to your life, give you direction and help you live more meaningfully but here is the contradiction that you need to accept- the pursuit of any “bucket list” item or active goal won’t ultimately fulfil you.
- Respect and enjoy your journey. Franklin Roosevelt once said, "Comparison is the thief of joy". It causes so much unhappiness. Remember that your journey will look different to anyone else’s.
- Less about you, more about others. The more you focus on others the happier you will be. Inward naval gazing never helped anyone.
16 790, this is how many days we’ve got from becoming an adult to reaching retirement… use them wisely.