What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger?

To me, there is no doubt that this statement itself is a strong and healing antidepressant.

But is it right? Like everything black-and-white, the answer is usually a shade of gray. There are many things that are not readily apparent but eventually kill. Physical and mental illness are not immediate like a car wreck, but in time can result the same.

In hindsight, what made me stronger was simple, heartfelt affection, a sweet word, a tender touch, a kindness... some people made it better. What keeps it better is that other people walked out and did no further harm. Continued and sustained drama and depression almost got me. So, one of my goals is to outlive the itches and astards. I figured it out: What it took to make me stronger was people's kindness but what keeps me strong is giving up people... and embracing solitude.

That was the decision of my life... it seems so simple now... to live a rich life but veer away from those that can kill you. I decided for life..

- © 2012 by Willy

Aging is Healthier

First, I've stated earlier that us old farts have an advantage: We live simpler lives... with no kids, spouse, mother-in-law, school, mortgage, drama or worries. This gives us more time, flexibility and focus. Thus we are happier, enjoy ourselves and train more... a clear advantage over youth.

Two: Harvard researchers have stated that optimistic people... people with a better mood, a better sense of well-being... tend to have healthier blood pressure, cholesterol and weight than pessimists, and less heart disease. When you're happier, you take better care of yourself.

Three: Author and celebrity Doctor Mehmet Oz says that there are no limits on what the human body can do except what we put on them. We don't think as quickly but are more clever. It's not just wisdom but how much we want to win. The secret is wanting it more. We become happiest at our fifth and sixth decades because it all comes together, it begins to make sense, of what life's about. Oz's prescription: Do daily rigorous activity, eat real food, and give your heart a reason to keep beating… a desire.

It IS really all in the attitude... happiness, acceptance and satisfaction leading to a desire to live.

- © 2012 by Willy

She Came To Hell 'Cause Of The Shade

My daughter Jennifer was waiting for me at the main street roundabout Hells Kitchen Pizza, at a shaded sidewalk table with two slices of Veggie Pizza. It was hotter than hell everywhere else.

We had just finished a few miles on the trail up Pikes Peak. From parking, six miles and 1,900 climb-feet in three hours, starting at 6,400 ft altitude.

The Pikes Peak Barr Trail trailhead is in west Manitou Springs main street (parked here), out Ruxton Avenue off the roundabout, then past the Cog Railroad Depot and right on Hydro Street. There are two trails: Barr and The Incline (on Ruxton). The first part of the trail is a walk in the park... worn and well-marked, packed dirt, rocks and gravel, all switchbacks, and tons of people... not a wilderness experience. Most people climb up The Incline and run down Barr.

Prior to that, we hiked to Dominguez Canyon mine... and saw nobody past the first mile or so. We picked it for its low elevation, having to abort our first choice due to a forest fire. This hike was 14 miles, 2,000 climb-feet in 8 hours (in two days).

In the middle was a dayhike up Freemont Peak to gawk at the Royal Gorge but avoid the tourists. On-trail, we only met a nice local couple... with Freemont County Search and Rescue... who came from San Diego 12 years earlier. This peak was populated with three antenna sites, of dozens of varieties and frequencies. This short but pretty dayhike was 2.2 miles, 600 climb-feet in an hour and a half, and was a great view.


This year's early father-daughter bonding hike was part hike, part road trip and all fun. Jennifer is doing very well ("a stellar pregnancy", she says), starting her 6th month. She is handling her dissertation and other stresses well. She's a tough cookie and I am proud of her.

The plan was to stay below 10,000 ft elevation. The hikes were similar to my current but low-altitude training hikes. Every year it's different, and I look forward to the next.


- © 2012 by Willy

They Were Talking About Me

"Are you a Storm Chaser?" The two old ladies beamed big grins at me at Baggage Claim today. They were referring to my backpack, with tennis ball covering the tip of my protruding hiking pole and foam pad attached. I'm sure I impressed them, but not sure if it was the pole or the fact that I crammed the whole thing in the overhead compartment.

"Naaa... just out hiking for a few days." I said, and smiled back.

It's early in the year for my father-daughter bonding hike. This one in the Rockies but at moderate altitudes... around nine or ten thousand feet. Cold temperatures and snow expected as well as many interesting conversations.

One of several topics of conversation tonight was keeping small things from stressing her. "Small fish versus big fish like my dissertation."

I look forward to these every year. Yes, the talk as well as the hikes.

- © 2012 by Willy