A lot of what you say rings very true to me - "But the way I see it, this part of life? It’s not a passive downhill. It’s an active descent. And it’s a hell of a lot harder but also more meaningful than the climb."
For me, I have more time now to do things than when I was working full-time at a desk job. It isn't that I am more adventurous now but I have more time to enjoy these pursuits.
But I can definitely feel the uncertainty of pursuing new things.....how will this work out? Can I do it? But I keep saying - you won't know until you do it. Failure may be more fascinating than finishing.
Yes! Having more time for the things that truly matter is such a gift. I love your mindset. 'You won’t know until you do it' is such a great approach to this phase of life. And I couldn’t agree more -- sometimes, the most interesting part isn’t the outcome but the experience itself. "Failure may be more fascinating than finishing" <-- LOVE THAT! Cheers, Jenn! 🤗
Love this piece. The mountains are my happy place, and you're right -- going downhill is harder, but also filled with so much joy and euphoria because....YOU DID IT! I just love the way you framed the second half of our life as a descent -- not easy, but with the extra "equipment" of perspective and the stamina to stay active it certainly is a joy. Thank you.
I love that perspective you added, Kaarin. You’re so right. There’s joy in the descent because it means we’ve made it this far, and we get to experience it with everything we’ve gained along the way. Here’s to making the most of the journey, every step of the way! Cheers! 🤗
Beautiful metaphor! Strikes me that living with intention in this chapter is even more critical than the ones before! Especially because we have what it takes. ❤️
A few years back, I started to live this belief that we don't need to "own" all things (and people) we love, and we don't need to experience all the great experiences. Beauty admired from afar is still beauty.
And speaking of downhill, boy did I learn that from my recent trip hiking Huangshan - the Yellow Mountain! 😅
Thank you, Yi! And yes — that idea of not needing to possess beauty or joy to experience it deeply… that’s such a quiet kind of freedom, isn’t it? Huangshan sounds epic — I hope there was tea at the bottom. 🤗
Lou, you are fast becoming one of my favourite people to read and listen to. Thank you so much for this wonderful piece. I too love mountains and find the solidity and longevity of them brings both perspective and peace. I agree, it’s coming down that determines whether your ascent was actually a success after all. All the best, Rob from New Zealand.
Rob, that means so much, thank you! 🙏 I love how you put it: the solidity and longevity of mountains bringing both perspective and peace. That’s such a beautiful way to think about it. Sending my best from across the world!
The metaphor of the mountain descent as a parallel for the second half of life is both striking and thought-provoking. It's so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that aging is all about decline, but you've reframed it as a period of active mastery. It's a reminder that we have the power to shape our own narratives, even as we face the inevitable challenges that come with getting older. I'm inspired to approach my own "descent" with intentionality and purpose, focusing on what truly matters and making the most of every step along the way.
I love how you put that - shaping our own narratives is exactly it! We may not control everything that comes next, but we sure do get a say in how we navigate it. Cheers, Alex! 🤗
This was the first post I read today Lou, and I already know it will be my favorite! You crushed it! 💖 I never climbed a physical mountain, but your comparison to the second half of life is perfect! Yes, we do this with all the wisdom and skills and heart we've acquired! ❤
When I was young in northern NH, I was surrounded by mountains. Going uphill was tough a lot of the time but the view!!! I also discovered the truth you share here: going down was much more challenging.
I love the perspective you've brought to this piece and the commenter who added that coming down is aided by the knowledge and sense of achievement that came before. Together, they've given me a way to think about this part of my life when my knees shake a bit but I want to keep going. I feel every step I take more intensely. Thank you.
What a beautiful way to put it — “I feel every step more intensely.” I’m so glad this resonated, and I love how you brought your own mountains into it. Here’s to keeping going — wobbly knees and all. Cheers, Elizabeth!
Yes! I’m all charged up for the downhill of my life. Thanks for this perspective, Lou. It’s empowering. 🤩
Hooray! So glad this landed for you Marta. Cheers!
A lot of what you say rings very true to me - "But the way I see it, this part of life? It’s not a passive downhill. It’s an active descent. And it’s a hell of a lot harder but also more meaningful than the climb."
For me, I have more time now to do things than when I was working full-time at a desk job. It isn't that I am more adventurous now but I have more time to enjoy these pursuits.
But I can definitely feel the uncertainty of pursuing new things.....how will this work out? Can I do it? But I keep saying - you won't know until you do it. Failure may be more fascinating than finishing.
Yes! Having more time for the things that truly matter is such a gift. I love your mindset. 'You won’t know until you do it' is such a great approach to this phase of life. And I couldn’t agree more -- sometimes, the most interesting part isn’t the outcome but the experience itself. "Failure may be more fascinating than finishing" <-- LOVE THAT! Cheers, Jenn! 🤗
Love this piece. The mountains are my happy place, and you're right -- going downhill is harder, but also filled with so much joy and euphoria because....YOU DID IT! I just love the way you framed the second half of our life as a descent -- not easy, but with the extra "equipment" of perspective and the stamina to stay active it certainly is a joy. Thank you.
I love that perspective you added, Kaarin. You’re so right. There’s joy in the descent because it means we’ve made it this far, and we get to experience it with everything we’ve gained along the way. Here’s to making the most of the journey, every step of the way! Cheers! 🤗
Beautiful metaphor! Strikes me that living with intention in this chapter is even more critical than the ones before! Especially because we have what it takes. ❤️
Yes, even more so! Cheers, Bridget!
Love it, Lou! So well said! ❤️
A few years back, I started to live this belief that we don't need to "own" all things (and people) we love, and we don't need to experience all the great experiences. Beauty admired from afar is still beauty.
And speaking of downhill, boy did I learn that from my recent trip hiking Huangshan - the Yellow Mountain! 😅
Thank you, Yi! And yes — that idea of not needing to possess beauty or joy to experience it deeply… that’s such a quiet kind of freedom, isn’t it? Huangshan sounds epic — I hope there was tea at the bottom. 🤗
Oh there was more than tea at the bottom of the mountain … 😄
Lou, you are fast becoming one of my favourite people to read and listen to. Thank you so much for this wonderful piece. I too love mountains and find the solidity and longevity of them brings both perspective and peace. I agree, it’s coming down that determines whether your ascent was actually a success after all. All the best, Rob from New Zealand.
Rob, that means so much, thank you! 🙏 I love how you put it: the solidity and longevity of mountains bringing both perspective and peace. That’s such a beautiful way to think about it. Sending my best from across the world!
I love this idea of the downhill being the place where we really need energy and skills. Thanks for this!
Cheers, Mary!
The metaphor of the mountain descent as a parallel for the second half of life is both striking and thought-provoking. It's so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that aging is all about decline, but you've reframed it as a period of active mastery. It's a reminder that we have the power to shape our own narratives, even as we face the inevitable challenges that come with getting older. I'm inspired to approach my own "descent" with intentionality and purpose, focusing on what truly matters and making the most of every step along the way.
I love how you put that - shaping our own narratives is exactly it! We may not control everything that comes next, but we sure do get a say in how we navigate it. Cheers, Alex! 🤗
This is a lovely reframe about getting older! Also, love me some Lenny!
Cheers, Jessica!
This was the first post I read today Lou, and I already know it will be my favorite! You crushed it! 💖 I never climbed a physical mountain, but your comparison to the second half of life is perfect! Yes, we do this with all the wisdom and skills and heart we've acquired! ❤
And thanks for the mention. 😉
So glad this landed for you, Nancy. 🤗 I've long wanted to turn that phrase "going downhill" on its head.
When I was young in northern NH, I was surrounded by mountains. Going uphill was tough a lot of the time but the view!!! I also discovered the truth you share here: going down was much more challenging.
I love the perspective you've brought to this piece and the commenter who added that coming down is aided by the knowledge and sense of achievement that came before. Together, they've given me a way to think about this part of my life when my knees shake a bit but I want to keep going. I feel every step I take more intensely. Thank you.
What a beautiful way to put it — “I feel every step more intensely.” I’m so glad this resonated, and I love how you brought your own mountains into it. Here’s to keeping going — wobbly knees and all. Cheers, Elizabeth!