Freedom!

I've found that as I get older, I'm more cautious in a lot of ways. Not cautious in that I wouldn't move to paradise to pursue my dreams, but cautous in other ways. Is it because I'm older? Is it because I've seen more, experienced more, and know the dangers that befall us? 

Before I moved here, I was worried about slipping and falling on ice. I was also concerned about how I'd get my exercise in the wintertime. Yes, there was always skiing, but sometimes you want options, especially quicker ones like hiking on the trails right outside your front door. 

And then I moved here and because of my heart problems I have to be even more careful due to the blood-thinner medication they put me on. Falling could literally kill me. 

Multiply fears.

When I walked to a meeting on Thursday I took baby steps. I looked like I was 100 years old. Not fun. 

But then I discovered freedom, otherwise known as traction aids. They were a bear to put on my boots, but man-oh-man it was worth it. I went out hiking yesterday – over ice and through snow that was about 6 inches deep. Yes, it took a lot longer to trek a familiar trail, like it would if you were walking through sand dunes as opposed to the firmer-packed sand near the water, but I was FREE!