So after a sumptuous Christmas, I took it upon myself to head out to ride to try to stay in some semblance of shape. Trying to beat an upcoming ice storm, I got out early and put some miles on the winter bike. I try to ride all winter and seeing that I didn’t want to fight the ice storm to go skiing, I thought I might as well get a ride in. Skiing could wait a day because of the weather. So rolling along, I had time to think about what lies ahead for 2026. Now being the planner that I am, I was thinking about riding, skiing, ski trips, and further down the line, some other trips for Janet and me. I also thought about the upcoming wedding for my son and his fiancee. But then I thought about staying in the moment, enjoying the ride, and the fact that I got over on the weather and beat the storm. Maybe the resolution should be to enjoy the moment instead of always trying to plan ahead. Sure, to get anything done, you need to plan. But not all the time, and as I get older, I am starting to see the wisdom of enjoying the day and the moment. Every day is a gift and should not be taken for granted. There are no guarantees, and we should always enjoy the moment and the blessings that we have.

Riding along I also got to thinking about how the year will progress and if I will be able to continue to do the things that I have enjoyed doing for years. You get that little thought that maybe you need to slow it down a bit because you are getting older ……in 2026? But then I go barreling through some rocks on the bike and maybe make some nice GS turns skiing and I think…………….”yeah, I can still do this.” Just keep going. Just keep rolling along.

Some of the things that encourage me are statements like you hear from author Chris Crowley in his book,” Younger Next Year.” Chris always encourages older athletes to always get the best equipment. Not only for optimum performance, but to give yourself some treats in your older years. Why not? And why not give yourself the best advantages that technology will allow to enhance your athletic experiences? Keep rolling along with the best stuff you can buy. Skis, bikes, shoes, etc. When you get those little gnawing thoughts that make you a little uneasy….. just do do it- like Nike says. If you keep doing things, and stay active, you will be able to “roll along” for a lot longer. Dr. Peter Attia in his book, ” Outlive” always promotes that if you have stayed active for most of your life, and have kept doing the things that you like to do, the “marginal decade” of 70-80 can be enjoyed as a reward for your hard work. If you wait until you are 70, it probably will be too late and your hope to roll around the floor with your grandkids will be marginalized. I have always been a skier, a cyclist and a runner, and I hope that all of those years, including the current ones, will pay off for me down the road. Just keep rolling along and don’t think about it.

The final thing I thought about while I was rolling along is not to take things so seriously. I was always pretty good at that and I enjoy humor – especially the self-deprecating type where I make fun of myself and the crazy things that I do and think. You have to smile and know that laughter is the best medicine. And if you can’t laugh at yourself, you will take life way too seriously. Now, again, there are no guarantees at my age. Things happen. And you have to deal with them. But if you can handle adversity with kindness, sympathy, and some self-deprecating humor, you can get through most anything. You always also know that God is always in charge. No matter what. Your faith can get you through most anything as well. Probably the most important component of positively rolling along in life.

So, if you think about a New Years resolution, you don’t have to stretch too far. Just enjoy the things you like to do – and keep doing them. Chances are, if you keep yourself in shape, you can enjoy them for a long, long, time barring any catastrophic setback. And even when the storms in life do show up, you know that you can get through them. You know that positivity and humor also go a long way, to reaching the other side. And as Chris Crowley always espouses, time is short……..enjoy it to the max. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful New Year in 2026. Keep rolling along.

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