When My Courage Took a Holiday: How I Got Back on the Horse After a Fall (Even After 60)

Ah, courage. That elusive little rascal that sometimes disappears just when you need it the most. There I was, striding forward with all the confidence of a seasoned adventurer, ready to conquer my latest challenge. But then, life threw me a curveball—things didn’t quite go as planned, and now the mere thought of trying again sends shivers down my spine. It’s as if my courage packed its bags and went on an extended vacation without leaving a forwarding address.

But here’s the thing: I’m over 60, and this isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve faced down more than a few challenges, and yet here I am, feeling like I’ve suddenly lost my nerve. Let’s be honest—getting older can sometimes make us a bit more cautious, a little more hesitant. We’ve been around long enough to know that not everything works out perfectly the first (or second, or third) time. But we’ve also been around long enough to know that giving up isn’t really an option, either.

So, what do I do when the courage I once had seems to have taken a leave of absence? How do I muster up the nerve to try again, especially when the last attempt didn’t go as planned? And most importantly, how do I approach it all with more purpose and intention this time around? Let’s dig in—after all, I’ve got a life to live, and it’s not going to wait for me to get my act together.

Step 1: Acknowledge the Fear (and Then Give It a Good Talking-To)

First things first: it’s okay to be scared. In fact, it’s completely natural. Fear is my brain’s way of saying, “Hey, remember the last time? That didn’t go so well, did it?” But here’s the thing about fear—it’s not always the most rational of emotions. It tends to exaggerate, blow things out of proportion, and focus on the negative. So, when that little voice in my head starts whispering doubts, it’s time to have a heart-to-heart with it.

I acknowledge the fear, but I don’t let it take the wheel. Instead, I imagine sitting it down with a cup of tea and calmly explaining that while I appreciate its concern, I’ve got this. I’ve learned from the past, and I’m ready to approach things differently this time. After all, courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the decision to act in spite of it.

Step 2: Reflect on What Went Wrong (and What Went Right)

When things don’t go as planned, it’s easy to focus solely on what went wrong. But even in failure, there are valuable lessons to be learned—and let’s not forget the things that actually went right. So, I take some time to reflect on my previous attempt. What worked? What didn’t? What could I do differently this time?

This isn’t about beating myself up for past mistakes. It’s about gathering the information I need to move forward more purposefully. It’s like being a detective, piecing together clues that will help me crack the case. And hey, who doesn’t love a good mystery?

Step 3: Reframe the Narrative (I’m Not Starting Over, I’m Building on Experience)

One of the biggest traps I’ve fallen into is the belief that if I try again, I’m starting from scratch. But that’s not true at all. I’m not starting over—I’m building on experience. I’m bringing with me all the knowledge, skills, and wisdom I’ve accumulated over the years. That last attempt? It wasn’t a failure—it was practice.

Think of it like this: when a potter makes a vase that doesn’t quite turn out, they don’t see it as a waste of time. They see it as a stepping stone to the next, better creation. And the same goes for me. Each time I try, I’m refining my approach, getting closer to the result I want.

Step 4: Set My Intentions (With a Dash of Humor and a Pinch of Patience)

Now that I’ve faced my fear, reflected on my past experience, and reframed my narrative, it’s time to set my intentions. What do I want to achieve this time around? How will I approach it differently? I set clear, achievable goals and give myself permission to be flexible along the way.

And most importantly, I don’t forget to keep my sense of humor intact. Life has a funny way of throwing us curveballs just when we think we’ve got it all figured out. So, when things go sideways (as they sometimes do), I laugh it off, adjust my sails, and keep moving forward. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection.

Step 5: Take the Leap (It’s Never Too Late to Try Again)

At the end of the day, there’s only one thing left to do: take the leap. It might feel like I’m standing at the edge of a cliff, looking down into the unknown, but I remind myself—I’ve done this before. I’ve faced challenges, overcome obstacles, and come out stronger on the other side. And I can do it again.

Sure, I might stumble along the way, but that’s all part of the process. What’s important is that I keep moving forward, with purpose, intention, and a renewed sense of courage. Because life doesn’t stop at 60—or 70, or 80. There’s still so much to explore, learn, and experience. So, I dust myself off, take a deep breath, and dive back in.

After all, courage might take a holiday now and then, but it always comes back. And when it does, it’s like welcoming an old friend home—one who’s ready to help me tackle whatever life throws my way, with a smile on my face and a spring in my step.

So, what am I waiting for? The world is waiting for me to try again—this time, with a little more wisdom, a lot more humor, and the kind of courage that only comes from a life well-lived.