I had a wonderful morning!
I got to speak at Fifty North.

For first time, I used a microphone that fit over one ear,
Battery in my pocket, requiring no hands.
No hampering to movement or gestures,
Fun!

Because microphone drooped, I wore Bandaid
On side of face to keep microphone by my mouth.
And I did notice in a photo
Mic location looks like Pinocchio’s nose.
Still ... delighted with that technology.

I talked about my trip around Lake Michigan.
Actually, it was what I learned about myself on that trip.
How I realized that I need to adapt, modify to continue biking.

I told of feeling like I needed to quit,
Not being "enough,”
Not fitting in.

I was nervous about sharing
Vulnerable view of myself.
Bit scary to expose
Fragile, trembling, questioning thoughts of
How to live with satisfying sense of purpose,
As change in abilities, stamina show up.

Used this phrase in talk—
Intend to use it in my life:

"Stretch for ways to keep life in my days."

Thirty-two people there,
Attentive, receptive, appreciate of my words.

Personal stories shared with me after.
Humbling to listen to stories of others
Reaching, sometimes floundering, for
Satisfying sense of purpose as we age.

Privileged time for me this morning.

Hugs to each of you,
Lin