Comments on: The spice of life

By: byjane

byjane — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 02:20:57 +0000

I want a tattoo also. I will have a tattoo. Just as soon as I figure out what I want it to be. I’m not into cute or flowery or girly or boy-y, for that matter. The tattoos I like the best are words. Just don’t know which ones yet…

By: Laura at Rebellious Thoughts of a Woman

Laura at Rebellious Thoughts of a Woman — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:10:08 +0000

For some people the box they have is comfortable, for others it’s confining and they keep trying new ones. And then there are those for whom no box is comfortable, and even if they don’t get the tatoo or skydive–they have imagined themselves doing those things. And that is in and of itself part of breaking down the box, which surely must be an indicator of being alive.

By: Elaine

Elaine — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:31:02 +0000

I’m like Tara … I bounce back and forth between adventuresome periods and times I want to retreat to the comfort/safety of the tried and true. I’m trying to embrace both of those parts of me, specifically, having it be OK if I coast for a bit and don’t seek out excitement and stimulation. But it’s hard to just “be” sometimes …

By: karenb

karenb — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 02:57:39 +0000

Celeste–

Your article made me think about how I’m taking more risks in midlife. As a recovering people-pleaser, I think it’s that I often did what other people wanted to do as opposed to figuring out what I really wanted. So my comfort zone has expanded way out there–maybe not as far as sky-diving but I am flying out to Wyoming this fall in a small plane instead of a commercial jet. And I’ll be hiking and going on a raft while I’m there. For a confirmed city girl–this is a new way of being alive! Let us know if you get that tattoo!

By: Liz@InventingMyLife

Liz@InventingMyLife — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:05:46 +0000

I went skydiving to celebrate my 30th birthday, I highly recommend it!

By: Tara

Tara — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:30:14 +0000

I love your attitude, Jane!

I have been thinking about this quite a bit lately. I was recently laid off and it’s hit me very hard this time. At this age, it’s not as easy as when I was 20, or even 30. I thought I was coasting toward retirement – and now I’m having to start all over again. It’s daunting.

I have been watching myself – my fears about applying for certain jobs, my doubts about my abilities – and I wonder if I have changed at all over the years. I think these are really the same doubts I have always had, and age doesn’t have that much to do with it. Sometimes, though, I do feel something akin to what you’re talking about – a sort of “go for it” attitude I’ve never had before, as if the age has actually allowed me to think “now or never.” (And then, of course, sometimes I just want to curl up in a little ball.)

Good luck with your journey!

By: Ann at One Bag Nation

Ann at One Bag Nation — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:58:58 +0000

I’ve learned that there are things I’ve done and do that seem overwhelmingly scary to others, and the reverse is true, of course!

I’m afraid of physical challenges (rock climbing, that sort of thing) but I’m not afraid to talk to a stranger at a party. My husband is completely opposite.

Yesterday I thought I was brave by attending a “Boot Camp” workout for the first time – sounds scary (or at least unpleasant, no?). I’m a bit sore but otherwise unharmed.