I just had two incredible, soul-nourishing days at a resort in Maui, Hawaii. One morning, during my usual early swim, something inside me stirred—a pull to do something bold, something that scared me just a little.
As I swam along the shoreline, I spotted a couple leaping fearlessly off the famous Black Rock Cliff. My heart skipped. Could I do that too? When they returned to shore, I asked—half excited, half nervous—if they’d be willing to go again and let me join them.
With warm smiles, they agreed and pointed me toward the route. There was no clear “trail” to the top, only jagged volcanic rock daring me to climb. Each step required focus, balance, and determination as I found my own way upward.
This wasn’t just about getting to the top—it was about testing my courage, proving to myself that I could embrace adventure, even when fear whispered otherwise.
Standing at the edge of Black Rock in Maui, I could feel my heart pounding. The drop was high, the water below looked both inviting and intimidating, and a small voice inside whispered,
“Are you really going to do this?”
“Are you really going to do this?”
At 67, most people would expect me to stay safely on the sidelines, cheering others on. But I didn’t want to play it safe that day—I wanted to remind myself that I can do hard things, even scary things.
The truth is, this jump wasn’t just about the cliff.
It was about everything that led me to that moment. For years, I’ve committed to health and fitness—not as punishment, not as a race against time, but as an act of love for my body.
Every walk, every workout, every choice to nourish myself well has built the strength, balance, and confidence I carry today
It Was About Doing Something Scary
That commitment is what gave me the courage to climb to the top of Black Rock. It’s what allowed me to take a deep breath, silence the doubts, and leap into the unknown. And let me tell you—I was scared!.
This jump was a declaration: I will not let age define what I can or cannot do.
At 67, I am stronger than ever—not just physically, but in spirit. I know I can face challenges head-on.
I know I can step outside my comfort zone. And I know that each bold choice I make inspires others to do the same.
Role Model
And here’s the part that means the most to me: I’m not only doing this for myself. I’m doing it for my children and my grandchildren.
I want them to see that life doesn’t stop at a certain age—that you don’t have to shrink your dreams or play it safe just because society tells you to. I want them to know that strength, courage, and adventure don’t come with an expiration date. When they face their own “cliffs”—whether it’s a tough decision, a career move, or a personal challenge—I want them to remember that their mom and grandma stood on the edge, felt the fear, and jumped anyway.
I want my family to inherit not just my love, but my example. To see that it’s possible to grow older with vibrancy, resilience, and joy.
That yes, it takes daily commitment—caring for your body, fueling it well, moving it often—but the reward is freedom. Freedom to travel, to explore, to take risks, to keep saying yes to life.
So here’s my message to you: don’t let fear or age or anyone else’s expectations hold you back.
Life is too precious to play small. Whether your “cliff” is a big decision, a new adventure, or a health goal you’ve been putting off, you are capable of more than you think.
Sometimes you just have to climb to the edge, take a deep breath, and jump.
Because on the other side of fear?
That’s where freedom lives. And that’s the legacy I want to leave.
The 5 Pillars of Ageless Fitness™
A holistic framework for thriving in your 60s, 70s, and beyond.
Functional Strength “Strength isn’t about age—it’s about freedom.”
- Strong muscles, strong future.
- Focus on resistance training, balance, and mobility to maintain independence.
- Train for life’s activities: lifting grandkids, carrying groceries, traveling with ease.
Nourishing Nutrition “The right foods don’t just add years to your life—they add life to your years.”
- Fuel your body, support your gut, balance your hormones
- Anti-inflammatory, gut-friendly foods for digestion, energy, and weight management.
- Emphasize protein for muscle retention, and blood sugar balance for vitality.
Restorative Recovery “Recovery is not slowing down—it’s how you build resilience.”
- Because growth happens in the recharge.
- Sleep hygiene, stress management, and mindful rest practices.
- Gentle practices like yoga, stretching, or meditation to restore energy. “
Mindset Mastery “Your thoughts shape your body and your future—choose empowerment.”
- Ageless living starts in the mind.
- Overcome cultural myths about aging (“I’m too old to…”).
- Build confidence, courage, and curiosity (like your Black Rock jump story!).
Joyful Connection “Connection fuels motivation, and joy is the best anti-aging medicine.”
- Because health thrives in community.
- Social engagement, family role modeling, group fitness, and shared adventure.
- Legacy—showing children and grandchildren what vibrant aging looks like.
Book A Discovery Call with Dr Karen
Think of it as a conversation designed to give you clarity. In our Discovery Call, we’ll uncover where you are right now, where you want to be, and the best path to get you there.
