Get ready to Roll

“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” ~ Vincent van Gogh

Having the opportunities to share familiar experiences once again—especially since our lives are “normalized”—this quote resonated with me. I do not know about you all, but I have found that it has been a rather challenging task to get back to doing the things I enjoyed in the past. But the time has come! I am always open to new opportunities, but I prefer to take “safe” risks. You won’t see me become a snake charmer anytime soon. People might consider me to be a jack of all trades, but I frankly believe that I am a master of none. My list of talents ranges from mural painting, singing off-key karaoke with friends and napping, but who would have thought I would enjoy boxing—especially training like a fighter. Not me…

I discovered “Straight Right Boxing and Fitness” of Springdale, Arkansas when I met the owner, Kevin Lightburn, at a Parkinson’s outreach event in NWA. I learned about how the personal trainers teach their clients about quality of life, strength, endurance, and balance, giving them confidence while battling the diagnosis. It was inspiring! Mr. Lightburn invited me to attend Total Body Fitness and try a few intro classes. I was hooked! I never would have thought in a million years that I would thrive from practicing boxing combinations with a sparring partner who looks like they could potentially take me out with one “straight right” to the nose! The point is simply (and to quote another popular expression) “you never know until you try…” You never quite understand the experiences you may enjoy if you do not give it shot (or a jab) in this scenario.

The remarkable opportunity of retirement is there are many benefits of trying something new as an older adult. You will find purpose in new challenges! When you make the effort to try something new, you learn more about yourself and potentially discovering a talent you did not know you had. Keeping your brain healthy and active is important to adults of all ages. Challenging your mind with a new activity—like taking up piano lessons or learning Spanish—helps improve your memory and prevents decline from aging. You can also discover an increased sense of happiness regardless of whether you become the next Ludwig Van Beethoven or learn all the rules to a chess game (which would be quite impressive). Also, trying a new activity gives us all an opportunity for socializing with new friends and making lasting connections. When you try something new, you open yourself up to the potentials of building relationships with those of similar interests. Having a fun, active social life provides amazing benefits to older adults—especially battling the risk of depression and isolation—which many of us have experienced this past year.

The fantastic aspect about Concordia of Bella Vista is that the opportunities are boundless within our community. Our residents will enjoy an active lifestyle through our full calendar of events, which are focused on helping them thrive physically, socially, and spiritually. Our community calendar has an amazing tradition of connecting with our local community—whether it be volunteers, educational speakers, or non-profit groups. Also, a benefit of becoming a resident here is that our community will cover the Member Card fee with the Bella Vista Property Owner’s Association, which provides access to the wonderful amenities of the Village. We encourage you to take advantage of the amazing benefits of this area. Recreational activities like the tennis center, campgrounds, kayaks, indoor pool at Branchwood, fitness classes, and access to world class golf courses offer new opportunities right here at your fingertips. There is more information about these benefits when you contact the Bella Vista POA: www. bellavistapoa.com.

So, what is that one thing in life you have been wanting to try but have been putting off? Perhaps there is a skill or hobby you have always wanted to attempt throughout life but never had the time. I encourage you to shake up your routine and give something new a try! Do not allow a fear of failure or the misconception that you are too “old” to stop you from a new challenge. All it will take is courage, well directed energy, and a desire for self-discovery. If you maintain only one interest in your life, you can risk losing your source of identity and satisfaction when change comes.

I challenge you: don’t “throw in that towel” because I’ll guarantee life will be a true knockout when you try something new.

erin Hagar