Turning sixty has given me an opportunity to pause and reflect—not with regret, but
with gratitude.
Looking back, I see a life shaped by challenges, change, hard work, friendship,
family, adventure and growth. Like many people, I have moved through seasons
when the needs of others came first and seasons when I have had more space to
consider what matters most to me.
Now, as I enter a new decade, I feel more comfortable with who I am and
increasingly grateful for the freedom to keep growing.
Recently, while running through the bush with a friend, our conversation turned to
independence and how its meaning changes throughout life.
Perhaps it was the trail, the quiet surroundings or simply the rhythm of moving
forward together. Some of the most honest conversations seem to happen outdoors.
We spoke about how independence is not necessarily about doing everything alone.
It can mean having the confidence to make choices, pursue new interests and
remain open to new experiences.
For me, that has included building a business, taking on physical challenges,
exploring unfamiliar places and sharing adventures with people who encourage one
another along the way.
It has also meant recognising the importance of partnership.
I feel incredibly fortunate to share my life and work with Bob. He supports my
independence, my adventures and my ideas while continuing to pursue his own. We
have both changed and grown over the years, but we have done so alongside one
another.
True partnership is not about one person leading while the other follows. It is about
encouraging each other, creating room for individual growth and continuing to build a
shared life together.
Trail Trekkers is an important part of that shared journey.
It grew from our mutual love of the outdoors, adventure and bringing people together.
As Trail Trekkers has developed, Bob and I have also continued to learn, adapt and
take on new challenges.
What began with our own experiences on the trail has grown into a community
where people can explore, connect and discover what they are capable of.
Time outdoors continually reminds us that everyone arrives with a different story,
level of experience and reason for being there. Some people are working towards a
major event. Others want to rebuild their confidence, meet new people or simply
spend more time outside.
There is no single version of what an adventurer should look like.
Age does not remove our capacity to try something new. Nor does experience mean
we have finished learning. Every trail presents different terrain, and every stage of
life can do the same.
One of the unexpected gifts of getting older is becoming clearer about where we
want to place our time and energy. For me, that means experiences, connection,
nature, adventure and time with the people I value. It also means letting go of the idea that we must have everything worked out.
The trail rarely reveals every turn from the starting point. We move forward, adjust to
the conditions and trust that each step is taking us somewhere. Life is much the
same.
Turning sixty has not felt like reaching a destination. It feels more like arriving at
another trailhead—with experience behind me, new possibilities ahead and Bob
beside me as we continue growing together.
My hope is that others, whatever their age or stage of life, feel encouraged to keep
exploring.
Try the trail you have been thinking about. Accept the invitation. Set a new goal.
Spend time with people who support your growth, and offer that same
encouragement in return.
We are never too old, too inexperienced or too late to begin another adventure.
The trail does not ask us to have all the answers. It simply asks us to take the next
step.
Explore. Connect. Breathe.
— Tracy Baker
Trail Trekkers
