#midlife progress

Yesterday was a great day.

I'm getting my private pilot's license and because of weird winter weather, I haven't been able to fly for the last month. I've had 4 flights cancelled due to weather and 1 due to a mechanical issue with the plane.

Yesterday was looking good. Beautiful sun, a few broken clouds at 10,000 feet, nice cold, heavy air (perfect for flying).

I got to the airfield and my instructor sent me out to the plane to do the pre-flight. Right as I was completing the walk-around, the wind shifted 60 degrees and started gusting over 24kts. That's a lot for student work.

So no flying.

I was initially very disappointed, but my instructor said, "let's get you ready for the pre-solo test". We went through the knowledge portion and guess what? I passed! First time through.

Just a few more hours of flight time and I'll be ready for my first solo flight.

I didn't start this journey until I was 51 years old. Don't ever think it's too late to chase a dream.

Feeling great about that for sure.

Trying not to worry about weight right now as I'm just focusing on building the habits of mindfulness and regular exercise.

Weight loss will happen when it happens. I'm just pleased with this small bit of progress.

You read that motivation only gets you so far, then discipline needs to pick up the slack.

Today was one of those days.

I did NOT want to workout today. I wanted to sit on my ass and do nothing.

But I got up and started.

Halfway through I wanted to stop.

I didn't.

I wasn't motivated.

I was disciplined.

Hey my fellow dudes over 40 (or 50 in my case).

Get those tests.

Get your physical.

It was a rough week for me with multiple procedures and prep for those procedures, and sleepless nights. But it was all worth it to know that other than being a bit overweight, having elevated cholesterol, and needing to get myself in better health .... I'm in pretty decent health.

Don't wait.

Don't put it off.

You owe it to yourself and those who care about you to get checked out regularly.

I'm wearing a tie for the first time in like 8 months.

I have 5 .... yes FIVE .... hour-long interviews for an internal promotion today. Talk about a stressful way to wrap up the week.

Slow progress is still progress.

Slowly getting back into the swing of things. Bought an in-home spin bike and have been riding almost every morning for the last week.

Looking to build up my endurance and miles over the winter so that I can take advantage of all the open spaces that Missouri and Kansas have to offer for cyclists in the Spring and Summer.

I feel like I backslid so hard and far since March (honestly though, who hasn't?), but now I feel like I'm slowing the slide and working toward moving forward again.

So I did a thing.

I have always wanted to learn to fly. And I'm finally in a position to make it happen.

It took me 51 years to get to this point in my life. I spent my 30s and 40s wondering why I hadn't "made it", but I've come to realize that those were years spent making it. 50 isn't too late. 60 isn't too late.