These extreme examples drive home the point: the capacity for adventure doesn’t expire. As long as you’re alive, you can surprise yourself. You can be both wise and weird, seasoned and spontaneous. The only real prerequisite for doing something ridiculous is the willingness to say “Yes, let’s do it!”—no matter what number Birthday Cake you just blew out.
EMBRACING YOUR OWN RIDICULOUS (A HOW-TO)
By now, you might be thinking: “This sounds fun… but could I really do that?” The answer is yes. You don’t have to be an extreme athlete or a natural-born rebel. Trying something ridiculous is highly personal—it’s about what feels bold to you. Maybe for one woman it’s auditioning for a local theater at 72, for another it’s finally getting that tattoo, and for someone else it’s wearing a neon-pink coat just because it makes her happy. Here are a few pointers from experts and the women who’ve done it: Start with Joy: Pick something that genuinely excites or intrigues you, not something you think you “should” do. It might be a childhood passion you set aside or a wild idea you’ve secretly fantasized about. The goal is to spark that inner joy and curiosity —that’s your fuel. If it sounds fun or fulfilling, that’s a green light. Quiet the Inner Critic: That voice saying “This is silly” or “People will judge me”— thank it for its concern, and then ignore it. Remember that novelty requires stepping out of routine. Feeling a bit foolish at first is normal! Psychologist Barbara Waxman calls people in midlife and beyond “middlescents,” noting that, like adolescents, we go through a period of growth and exploration—so give yourself permission to experiment. You are not “too old” for anything. As Dorothy the skydiver said, age is just a number. Find Your Tribe (or Go Solo): Some ridiculous endeavors are more fun with others— join a class, a club, or find a friend to try it with. (Maybe there’s a group of other 60+ ladies secretly dying to play paintball or start a garage band!) On the flip side, don’t be afraid to fly solo if no one else shares your particular crazy idea. Joanna rode across continents largely alone, but found support from kind strangers and global communities of women riders. Whatever you do, seek encouragement, not discouragement. Surround yourself (in person or online) with people who say “Go for it!” and cheer you on. They’re out there.
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