THE BALLS OF TAKING A STAND

Having balls: The phrase "having balls" is a colloquial expression often used informally to describe someone brave, courageous, or willing to take risks. It's usually used in the context of facing a difficult or challenging situation, even though filled with fear and self-doubt.

Please note that this phrase is considered somewhat crude and can be seen as gender-specific, as it refers to a part of the male anatomy. But to bring contemporary elders into existence, especially in our Western culture, I must acknowledge, it took a lot of balls.

One of my teachers taught me long ago about stand-taking. The lesson he taught - invariably, anytime you take a stand that will alter the status quo, threaten an existing culture, or change a future, the first thing you'll run into are all those who say you're a dumbass fool.

Other comments frequently heard, "What are you doing? You're in your 70s." But there were others – "no investment capital, insufficient resources and personnel, a fragmented market, and the most piercing one, and what you're trying to do is totally anti-culture, given how youth-obsessed we are."

But I had become an elder. I saw what being an elder did for me regarding the quality of life. And I couldn't shake what a contribution, the possibility of elders and its powerful transformational impact on self, relationships, and community.

A stand was taken—a stake solidly driven into the ground. The stand, as expected, was repeatedly challenged. The naysayers initially got louder and louder. But the stand was clear: build a path from older to elder, enabling people to move from older and all that comes with that package to be an elder and the remarkable benefits of following this path.

So here's our proof of concept, our proof of purpose, our vision that has become a legitimate opportunity.

And to those who said it couldn't be done – take a look.