top of page
Writer's pictureLaura Macdougall

I am too old

Updated: Feb 10, 2020


Is that a line you tell yourself?

Does your age hold you back from doing what you have always wanted to do?

59 year old Wendy Orde took up figure skating to deal with a difficult divorce. She didn’t care that she was skating with kids as young as 4. She wanted a challenge and had always wanted to figure skate so off she went. As she progressed, she then started skating with teens and then found another group of inspiring, mature women to skate with. The 6 of them then decided to go to the World Championship in Germany. WOW what a ride!

The CBC recently aired a documentary on these 6 mature women (between 40 and 80 years of age) and we got some insight into each’s personal ambition and reason for learning this challenging sport at an age when so many have already hung up their skates for good. They share the challenges they face in going against societies expectations of them, the injuries they face, the disappointment, as well as the heart breaks and victories.

What was so poignant about the movie was the way these diverse women bonded over a shared objective and how they supported each other through thick and thin. Seeing them so full of joy and laughter was enough to make me want to take up skating again myself.

It was truly an inspiring story and if you are interested in seeing it you can find it here: https://www.cbc.ca/cbcdocspov/m_episodes/to-the-worlds

Perhaps you have a dream also – something you have been yearning to do but haven’t quite found the nerve to dive into. Maybe you have been telling yourself that you are too old. Perhaps you think you you would look stupid or that others would think ill of you.

What I do know is that there is nothing like having a coach to help you get there. Reach out to me now and let’s talk about what you need to fulfill your dreams. It is so much easier when you have someone in your corner!

Photo of women figure skaters 46 to 76 years of age from Kelowna Capital News

I can’t wait to hear about your aspirations!

PS. in a future blog I will share my mid-life skating adventures and maybe even a picture!

Laura Macdougall is a leading advisor to senior women leaders in the health and non-profit sectors intent on writing the next chapter of their life, work and legacy. Message her for more information on her Feeling On Fire Coaching Program or opportunities to have her speak at your organization.

27 views0 comments
bottom of page