I had a blast, climbing, helping my friends climb, using our hard-earned muscles...and it dawned on me -- I am so lucky to have discovered the SECRET to happiness! Come in close, because I'm going to share it.

Ready?

Just do it. With apologies to Nike, the truth is -- just DO it! Take chances, both mentally and physically. Heck, even financially! I had never done rock climbing, and I could have passed on the chance. I would have missed out on the glorious feeling that is jelly arms. I could have stayed at home, in my comfort zone. I would have lost an opportunity to bond with friends.


Bill put it in perspective. He told me about a loved one who, when asked what her favorite vacation was, answered "I haven't had it yet." How tragic! But I pushed back, advising him to tell his friend that every day that slips by without her embracing something new and fulfilling, or at least planning for her vacation, just compounds that tragedy.

I feel blessed to have learned the lesson at 30. But had I learned it at 50, I'd be glad to have learned it then. Same with 60, 70, 80 and beyond. It's truly never too late to pursue our passions.

For me, as a triathlete and fitness freak, it comes down to health, and how we treat our bodies.

Look at Virginia Ferrigno. She lost the love of her life, and after indulging in a well-deserved period of mourning, picked herself up and found a new passion. I think of her every week, on her little exercise bike!

And Hazel McCallion, whom we first discovered on YouTube. She's 88, a former skater and now-Mayor of one of Canada's largest cities. That also brings to mind John Land, who is 89 and still (!) serving his childhood town.

Have you heard of Lois-Ann Gilmore? How about Herb Hauser? They're some of the people on my (biased) favorite GB channel: Fitness.

I hope you'll take a moment to check these links out. Otherwise -- I'm coming after you!