Over the Hill? Think Again...
A Reader's Wisdom on Aging
Hey Friends,
We’ve received our first Readers’ Hike submission! Check out this wonderful excerpt from subscriber Teresa Pesce’s book Advice, in which she beautifully challenges the ‘over the hill’ narrative.
“The phrase “over the hill” originated in England in the 1900’s and referred to turning 40 years old because that age represented the middle of life. Today those black, “over the hill” birthday balloons are available for every decade after twenty! They jokingly remind us we are accelerating down the mountain of life right to our funeral.
The joke isn’t funny, and it plays a trick on us that we miss. If the years of moving up the hill are aspirational, creative, and financially progressive, what is at the top? A pleasant plateau where we arrive, rule, and reign? Apparently not. There’s just a black balloon announcing the beginning of the end.
‘Over the hill’ manages to completely ignore the value, worth, honor, and enjoyment of half of your life! And it is the half where you are knowledgeable, skilled, and mature enough to appreciate life as youth never can. It is the half where experience mellows to wisdom and the wanderings of lust become the home where love lives.”
Interested in more of Teresa’s thoughts? Her book Advice is available on Amazon now.
“What’s your take on aging and hiking? Have you had a powerful midlife moment on the trail? Share your story in the comments or submit your own Readers’ Hike piece! Whether you’re 25 or 95 — your voice belongs here.”
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