itrus

I hit the “GREAT FIVE-0” this year (2014).

 

In 2013 I was taking a look back on all that has happened in my life till now (possibly the little profound and spiritual attitude brought on by the “Spiced Jamaican Spirit”) and realized that over the years I had actually stopped pushing myself, both mentally and physically  —I was falling into the trap of being content in the comfort zone, and that had to change. Moreover, with my son needling me that I am getting old (so what if the joints creak a little nowadays and recovery from physical exertions have tripled in duration), I simply had to show him (and his generation) that the Bengal Tiger still roars!

Thus was born the Roarin’ Fifties Manifesto.

 

It is my effort, for myself and all those of us who are members of this elite group, to prove that the “Great Five-0” is nothing but a number, and age is perception — do we measure in calendar years, mental years (I’m kind of in the adolescent stage and loving it) or physical years (any 25 year old willing to take me on)? I decided that I will use this as a springboard to push my boundaries and prove to myself that the ‘roar’ is still there!

Therefore, from the Fall of 2013 I have ventured on a journey to expand my boundaries and look for new challenges that require more effort than what I have been used to exerting for a while now. The list is given below and will be a work in progress as long as I can maintain it.

 

1. Learnt to kayak (and for those who know my background, it’s a lot different than rowing) — did the Humber River in Sept.’13, plan on doing some more river kayaking in ’14 and finally a sea kayaking trip in ’15 (whale watching off the West Coast or far north with the icebergs).

2. Did the CN Tower Edgewalk in Oct.’13 — wanted to test and push my comfort zone when it came to heights.

3. Certified to be a Personal Defense Readiness instructor in Nov.’13. A tough program which requires a lot more than just physical skill.

4. The Polar Bear Dip New Year’s Day ’14. Talk of pushing through the fear of cold water.

5. Learn and participate in ’14 Dragon Boat Racing in Toronto along with AB Jr.

6. Participating in the “Tough Mudder” Aug.’14 (Google it guys – you’ll know what it’s all about). Will be joined by AB Jr as well as close family friend Pras (Munna).

7. Will try and get in a celebratory 50th B’day Skydive in ’14.

8. Any thing else that takes my fancy.