Ageless

Hi, my name is Ruth and I am 48 years old. Nice to meet you!

Our West Highland Way adventure began in the picturesque town square of Milgavie. As we set out with 50-pound backpacks tightened carefully on our hips and nothing but many kilometres of hiking ahead, I reflected on age, aging and the concept of being ageless.

Grow up!

Act your age!

You’re too old for that!

We began our trek surrounded by kids, more than half our age – the ages of our own children! These kids were setting out on the same expedition as us.

The same route. The same excitement. The same gear. The same trepidation.

Just for us, we had a little more mileage on the body and maybe some extra data stored in the grey matter.

Hmm, was I in the right place at the wrong time?

Was this adventure passed due?

Hell, no!

I continued to put one foot in front of the other and marched on.

I walked the same trail, saw the same sights and breathed in the same clean air.

Did my knee bother me a little more than it would have if I had been 18? Most likely.

But the extra years did not diminish my capacity to embark on the adventure or awe in the majestic surroundings.

It certainly did not prevent me from relishing in the immense sense of accomplishment upon reaching Fort William.

Age is a state of mind. And the mind has an amazing capacity to adapt.

Age shouldn’t define us. We should define our age by living life out loud, on our own terms and not being restricted by age standards.

Hi, my name is Ruth and I just hiked 155 kilometres, over the span of 6 days through the Scottish Highlands with a 50-pound backpack. Nice to meet you!

Ignore the expiration date and just go for it – whatever it is that ignites a spark! And do it, regardless of the number of trips you’ve taken around the sun, as always, with Grit&Grace!