Being As Me as I Can Be

Thanks for still being here. My third newsletter of the 2025 reboot.
This came about when I visited Marie and Richard in Denver a few weeks ago. She said, "Every time I get an email from you, I hope it is a newsletter." I said, "REALLY?" I was shocked. Prior to those words, I had a voice whispering to me that said something like - irrelevant now. Don't bother. People just unsubscribe.
And while it is true a few people unsubscribe every time I send one out (that's OK - simplify that inbox!), most people don't. Half the people on my pretty big Clear Rock Fitness email list actually open and read at least some of it.
But here's what I am remembering. Sitting down every Sunday and writing makes me feel more like me. So, you'll have to tolerate a weekly email, at least for a little while. haha
The other thing that feels very authentic are the responses I have gotten.

"Once again your words resonated with me...Lots to think about as I go about getting to know and accept what these changes I am experiencing mean, each and every day, while reminding myself change does not always mean something is lost. It's different for sure, but that difference can take me someplace very good. Thanks for being part of this journey."

This is from a client who just completed her 13th year training with me. By the way, she turned 80 this year. Badass. You should see her muscles.
As for the three pictures at the top: The first one is from our trip to Page, Arizona last week. This tribal, sacred place speaks to me. The second is of my client Kathleen from Ohio and her BFF who met me for some adventuring at Lake Pleasant. It is amazing to see my client, who is 77, doing all the things. I believe that is due, in part, to her and my work together over the past 18 years. The third is Marie hiking with me at Turquoise Lake (elevation 9,865') just outside Leadville, Colorado. Although it might be cold there, the beauty speaks and the mountains roar. And also, Marie always reminds me to be myself.

I went to Zion National Park last week with a group. I had not been to Zion since my surgeries. It is one of my favorite places to hike. Our group split into three levels, and I was in level two, unable to go the pace the lead group wanted to go. On the way down, I sat on a huge rock, gazed at the incredible scenery, and had a big ol' cry while looking a thousand feet up at places I used to hike easily. It wasn't a bad cry; it was a renewal. A little grief, a little Grace. A cry of letting go, so there is room to rebuild.

"The way women are capable of building not just an okay second half, but a stunning second half is the whole entire truth. It doesn't matter what we've lost or what is changing in midlife - marriage, our parenting roles, our bodies, careers, friendships, our faith - we have the capacity to reinvent and flourish." - Jen Hatmaker
Don't get hung up on the math. "Second half" doesn't speak to me either. How about "Current chapter" instead, whether you are 55 or 85: Stunning. Changing. Capacity. Reinvent. Flourish.
I like those words. They describe how I can be more me at 60, and maybe how you can be more you wherever you find yourself today.
Shall we? I'm so ready.