Icy winters on Wellesley Island require traction. Last year I never set foot on ice. If I needed to go anywhere, I headed through the connected garage straight to the all-wheel drive Subaru. Needs change. Our new family member, a three-year-old golden Aussie mix, requires daily walks. Her enthusiasm for sprints jeopardizes the biggest safety objective in my life: DON’T FALL.
With the first dusting of snow, I pulled on vinyl-soled boots. When the muddy trails froze, I skidded trying to keep pace with Goldie. I ordered heavy duty snow boots that arrived just in time for the December blizzard. The new calf high boots cinch tight with Velcro and have soles like winter tires. Because Goldie’s furry feet gather ice balls like glass marbles, I purchased a set of boots for her as well. We were all set.
Then a slight warm-up compacted the snow. Freezing rain sealed everything in a glossy coat of varnish. Recurring layers of ice and snow transformed into the slickest substance on the earth. I didn’t dare step out the front door.
I now have Ice Trax, flexible straps that stretch over boots with nine metal spikes to puncture the ice. I’m as sure-footed as a mountain goat.
Winter days indoors are just as slippery in their own way. I wake up early, get Goldie out, complete the morning tasks, and sit down with a cup of coffee. That’s when I lose traction. I spend the next hour on the crossword, scroll through Pinterest boards, or watch the birds devour seeds. I need to get a grip on the day.
I added a day planner, sort of like boots with heavy treads. It’s not just another calendar, but a place to make to-do lists. All my desired accomplishments can be recorded and checked off as completed. It works on days when items are Empty the dishwasher or Call to schedule an eye exam. If I’m expected to show up someplace, I can navigate that. But as soon as the list includes something like Organize the closet or Paint the ceiling, I skid.
Honestly, how important is a clean closet or fresh paint? After all, my decades are numbered…with very low digits. The to-do list works more like dis-traction. Forget tiresome chores. The decade of 70 demands fulfillment.
I’ve been wrong about life’s traction. Now is the time to get off the navigable trails and get out on the ice. Forget safety, danger lurks within every day. This is not about fall prevention, it’s about standing up for final chances. I have a manuscript to polish, a website to launch, and an author’s platform to build. That’s the worst ice storm I can imagine.
I’m reviving PowerAgers as my Ice Trax for life. I hope you join me.
PowerAgers 
Love this! Entering the 7th decade, prioritizing “living” is essential. If you fall, get back up and carry on. There are no do overs!
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You said it. Now or never. Love you!!
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I thought my life would change drastically in my fifth decade; then I thought it would change in my sixth decade. Entering my seventh decade things are about to change. It’s a wonderful time to be so unafraid, accepting and eager for life’s possibilities! Slips and slides here I come!!
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Sounds like a great adventure is still ahead for you. I can’t wait to see it unfold.
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I love your writing!
I have ice trax too. I’m an islander too.
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I always appreciate your encouragement…on writing and all things island related!
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🙋🏻♀️🌻☕️Oh Wow! Luv the matching Mommy-Doggy 🥾 🥾 ! The 🥾 🥾 give to meaning to the Mother-Daughter outfits many of my school friends suffered through on any and all holidays 🤭. One of my favorite Frost poems came to mind, as I read about defining Ice Trax, and yes, we arrive at the crossroad and must decide which path to choice, the one less traveled or not. I say choose the one which will make all the difference. Thank you Cinda, dear friend, for inspiring us to look beyond our complacency. 🎈
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Such a great read! We are on the same slippery surfaces, outside and in! Cheers for final chances!
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I suspect we have lots in common. So glad we’ve connected through P & W.
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I am all about fulfilling my 70 decade and I can easily push the tiresome chores to the back of my list of “things to do”. Looking forward to my busy year ahead with dear friends and family. I will be careful but won’t think twice of treading on some ice ❣️
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You give lessons on ice-trekking:)
Thanks for the feedback.
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Really enjoyed this perspective. And the metaphors. You rocked another one, Cinda!
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Thanks for reading! Looking forward to your return north.
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Greetings Cinda, from a former college roommate. Glad to see you are doing well and I enjoyed reading your work. I tend to lean toward the warmer, sunny side. Regardless, most will agree the key to active aging is being active. Jan
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What a treat to hear from you!! Have you migrated south or still near Pittsburgh? And thank you for reading the blog.
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