Today is my Mother’s birthday and I’m dedicating this post to her. She is the most amazing woman that I know. She’s been “retired” for quite awhile now and she moved to Texas to be near my sister and the grandchildren many years ago. In Texas, my Mom found this really cool program for senior citizens called Silver Sneakers which focuses on keeping people moving, active and fit as they get older. My Mother completely embraced this program and found herself soaring up the levels as she went to the gym every week. Soon, there were no levels left to climb. She was at the top. I suggested to her that she train to be an instructor. So she did. I would say the rest is history but it’s more like the future. Now, my Mother teaches all sorts of personal training classes at her local YMCA in addition to the Silver Sneakers ones. She’s 75 this year.
At the age of 68 my Mother got her motorcycle licence. My father, myself and my husband all ride Harleys so my mother joined in. She took a class at the local dealership and received the highest score on the written AND practical exam in her group. She was the oldest and one of only 3 women. The men in her class couldn’t ride as well as her. I always laugh when I tell this story. I can just imagine them with this little old lady thinking to themselves, “What’s she doing here?” and then thinking, “I hope nobody finds out that she whooped my ass.” Haahaa.
Two years ago, my mother challenged me to a 30-day plank challenge. It was a progressive challenge where we continuously increased the time we held a plank. The challenge ended with 3 consecutive days of 3.5, 4 and 4.5 minutes and then the last day you were meant to go as long as you could. I was completely shaking after 3 minutes and managed to hold on – just barely – to complete 4.5 minutes. I fell to the floor in a head and then posted the video on FB. My mother got up in the morning (in the evening my time) and held her plank for 5 minutes and posted it online. Ouch! Beaten in a plank challenge by your Mother. Though my ego was a little bruised, I could not have been happier at the result.
My Mother ROCKS! She’s always been there for me and loves me unconditionally. On this day, I hope that my Mother is having the best day of her life. I know that there are many more years to come so next year, when we are in New Zealand on the Harley trip, we will celebrate together!!
Oh, and what excuses are you making for not achieving your goals? If my 75 year-old Mother can do it, you can to!
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