IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO BUY A SCOOTER

What have you been wanting to do that feels frivolous and fun? Stopping thinking about it and just do it - right now!

JOY IN THE LITTLE THINGS

I read an interesting article recently about allowing yourself the pleasure of small joys. To let yourself feel excited about something - even if it seems a little bit ridiculous . When it comes to joy, Leslie Ralph says:

To begin, start by saying yes to yourself a little more. Yes to that little spark of curiosity, yes to that little smile that you shrug off, and definitely yes to that burning feeling inside your chest that screams, “Listen to this. This is joy.”

It doesn’t matter if it feels ridiculous, it doesn’t matter if it’s “wasting time,” and it sure doesn’t matter if you’re any good at it. What matters is the feeling you get when you do it.

 Those words sparked something in me - the new "Me" who is willing to cultivate experiences and ideas that enrich my life - and there was one "ridiculous" thing that had been sitting in the back of my mind for years - something I'd thought about and discarded many times. But with 60 looming on the horizon towards the end of this year, I had to ask myself "if not now, then when?"

SO I BOUGHT A SCOOTER

Yep! That thing sitting in the back of my mind for all those years was a little Vesper type scooter. I'd always told myself that it was a pipe dream - something that sounded fun but would probably be hard to find, and hard to learn to ride. I'm a Type A personality who was too scared to try new things because I might look "stupid" and get it wrong or make a mistake. I needed to do it perfectly or not at all....so usually it turned out to be - not at all.

Oriah Mountain Dreamer - the adventure of being alive

But I've been having a bit of an epiphany over the last few years - blogging does that to you! I started thinking that I could try new things and master them, that I could start off as a beginner and gradually get better - so why couldn't I do that on a scooter too? With 60 looking me in the eye, what I needed was something to make me smile and say Yes to that little spark of curiosity.....so the search began.

WHY WAIT?

I don't turn 60 until November, but my husband (who knows me well) told me I should jump in and do it now - or I'd talk myself out of it over the next few months. Super practical "Me" would find all the reasons why it was frivolous, or too hard, or too indulgent, and I'd change my mind and choose something sensible (how boring would that be?!) Leslie Ralph seems to know about that too and she says:
Above all else, do not cancel on yourself. Stay alert for that voice that says you can live without this. Maybe you can, but maybe you don’t have to anymore.

So, the researching began....I wanted something "cool" and "Vesper-ish" but also something that wasn't going to break the bank (super practical "Me" was still in the room!) and in the end I settled on a really cute little 50cc scooter by Scootarelli - the Estate 2T and when I saw it came in this gorgeous blue I was sold on the spot. I had to find someone who had them in stock - then it was just a matter of waiting for it to arrive from overseas, getting up to the city to pick it up on a trailer, bringing it home, and getting myself ready to ride.

Scooterelli Estate 2T 50cc scooter in blue

LEARNING A NEW SKILL

I had great plans about riding to my local cafes for coffees with friends, doing a little bit of shopping, or visiting people who lived nearby. It has a top speed of about 65km per hour, so I wasn't about to head out on the highway - but I assumed I'd be out and about as soon as brought it home (such an optimist!)

Me on my scooter - it's never too late to find a new passion

Riding a scooter is like riding a bicycle - only faster and it hurts more if you fall off! In Western Australia you can ride a little scooter like this one with your car licence - no need for an extra motorbike licence - all you need is a helmet and off you go. So, I hopped on and headed off down the road. I was quite pleased with my balance and I loved the feeling of speed - until I looked down and realized I was doing 35kph -  not 55kph that it felt like. I could ride easily, and corner, and stop and start.....but I was a beginner - not an expert. The thought of throwing myself out into traffic and having to make rapid decisions made me stop and consider that I might need to practice a bit more before those coffee dates. But that's okay because everyone has to begin somewhere - and I'd made a start.

QUEEN OF THE WORLD

As I "zoomed" along, I had my Titanic moment where I was laughing out loud and telling myself I was "the Queen of the World" - it was such a joy and I was having so  much fun. After a lifetime of being the Ant (remember the Aesop fable of the Ant and the Grasshopper?) I'd finally allowed myself something that had no merit other than making my heart beat a bit faster, and joy to bubble over. How perfect is that?

What do you think would happen if you said one day, “I don’t have to live without this?

It's been a month since I bought my lovely little scooter, and I'm so much more confident now. I zip around to my exercise class and to Tai Chi, and I even filled up the other day - for the grand total of $4.75! On top of that I found a great little jacket at the Op Shop and some cute sneakers online to give me a little bit more protection and now I feel like I've been scooting forever. 

So, it's never too late to discover little moments of joy. It's never too late to learn something new, it's never too late to be a beginner again, and it's never too late to buy a scooter!

scooter gear - a great little jacket and some snazzy sneakers - perfect!

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Have you discovered any moments of joy recently? Have you allowed yourself the pleasure of doing something (or having something) that's just for fun? It's never too late to grasp joy with both hands and zoom into the future with a huge smile. On that note - here's me heading off on my first ever scooter ride - it was a blast!



What have you been wanting to do that feels frivolous and fun? Stopping thinking about it and just do it - right now!

What have you been wanting to do that feels frivolous and fun? Stopping thinking about it and just do it - right now!
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Cresting the Hill - a blog for Midlife (Middle Aged / 50+) women who want to thrive

50 comments

  1. You had me smiling when I read the title, Leanne. I was hoping to hear more about your scooter. I love everything about “This is joy.” Wise words “if not now, then when?” And, “for the adventure of being alive.” Really smart to jump on it and do it now. I just read a British Columbia article where it is difficult to get vehicles, appliances and more right now.

    You remind me Leanne, about that pervasive little voice in our head. The one that won’t go away. This was not an impulsive, overnight decision. I am happy you listened to this little voice. Your happiness leaps from the pages. And, yes, “everyone has to begin somewhere.” Yeah, what fun! I feel as if I am riding that scooter with you! At least beside you. Not a pretty site if we both fall over sharing the same scooter. I would not want to scratch that pretty blue. xx

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    1. Hi Erica - as usual you just "get" what I'm saying and the joy it's giving me atm. I'm hoping not to fall off any time soon and scratch that lovely blue (or myself!) I also realized that time is just flying by and if we don't listen to the little voice that's telling us to try something, then we're going to miss out on stuff - and I think I've missed out on enough from not being brave - roll on 60 I think it's going to be a blast!

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  2. Hi, Leanne - This post is filled with JOY. You offer excellent advice here.
    I am so glad that you bought yourself that scooter and that you have been taking is slow and steady.
    I smiled when you mentioned the Ant and Grasshopper fable. I mentioned that in my North American Zoom session this past week. I am definitely an ant wanting to break free!

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    1. Hi Donna - my husband and I used to always say he was the grasshopper and I was the ant - hopefully we're both a little less typecast these days (I'm certainly working on being more carefree!) and yes it was definitely a case of getting a "feel" for the bike before I went into traffic - but I get braver each week and I'm to scoot to a friend's house this morning for coffee - fun times!

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  3. How fun! I used to be a member of the Moped Army, so I know the joy of riding! Enjoy!

    Bethany
    http://happilyloco.wordpress.com

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    1. I'm a late bloomer Bethany and so delighted that I didn't miss my opportunity to be part of the Moped Army - I'm hoping I look more Audrey Hepburn than military - but I'm also just happy to be having fun :)

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  4. This makes me smile for so many reasons, Leanne. Love your new scooter and I can picture you in your new jacket and cute kicks.

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    1. Hi Jo - it's a very smile-worthy event in my life. After all those years of playing safe, it's so much fun to do something a bit out of left field - crazy but cool - and I love the jacket and sneakers too.

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  5. Hi Leanne, I can just imagine the joy of riding your adorable scooter for the first time! Good on you! I seriously considered one when the Gold Coast held the Commonwealth Games because we expected traffic mayhem. When I researched it I realised I would need a more powerful scooter to handle the traffic conditions which would mean getting a license. I chickened out when I thought of the possibility of crashing (being a nurse I see the result of motorbike accidents too often). The one time I did venture out on a scooter was in the Cook Islands - we hired one and I was the pillion passenger with my husband driving. It was such fun we rode along singing "Born to be Wild" at the top of our voices! I hope you have lots of fun, regards Christina

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    1. Hi Christina - I won't be launching myself into any big traffic areas - I'm very aware of the fact that the bike doesn't go fast enough to be on major roads without annoying other drivers! I just love the idea of tootling around my neighbourhood and maybe I'll let rip with a "Born to be Wild" in your honour :)

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  6. That is so very cool. Very nice.

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    1. Thanks Patrick - I'm just loving it and it's been such a lift for my spirits.

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  7. I think if I lived 'in' Hervey Bay I'd look at a scooter or something but to get to my place I have to go on 80km and 100km roads between here and town.

    I love your scooter. It's very cute and I think it really suits you.

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    1. Hi Deb - I'm the same in a way - we're out of "town" and the speed limit to get there is 80km for some of the way and I don't want to be "that" person who's holding up a row of cars behind me. The good thing for me is that we have a couple of sets of local shops nearby and my exercise class venue etc so I can zoom locally without needing to go over 50-60kmh - winning!

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  8. How exciting! It's so cute - I love the look of it. Good for you! I love your jacket and sneakers too! You'd have to be the coolest grandmother around I'd say! Enjoy the joy it brings you and have a great week! xo

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    1. Hi Min - I feel like the coolest grandmother around - my friend told me only 16yr old boys ride scooters - I'm out to prove her wrong!

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  9. This is just the best Leanne, you are out there, full of joy, trying new things and enjoying the 'feeling', I'm so happy for you for doing it now and not waiting for your other voice to talk you out of it! Go for it I say and live boldly! I love the video and smiled all the way through reading your post :). Have pinned and shared for #lifethisweek

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    1. Hi Deb - it's just been the best fun - I may have settled on an electric bike if I had your rail trails nearby, but for me this is the next best thing - and it makes me smile every time I zoom off (except this morning when I nearly fell off when I overshot my turning circle! - Live and learn....)

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  10. Good morning!

    You’ve got me thinking a scooter would be perfect for our island home! I would just need a sidecar for the dog! Glad you followed your heart to joy. I find joy hidden in the most unexpected places. Helen

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    1. Hi Helen - yes I imagine a little scooter would be perfect on your island. They're really not designed for the Western world's busy highways, but for the slower roads they're just perfect - and all hidden joys need to be found and explored :)

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  11. Wow, Leanne! So cool that you bought a scooter. What a fun mode of transportation. And energy efficient too! Good for your hubby to encourage you. I hope you give him a ride on the scooter as a reward! :)

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    1. Hi Laurie - my husband rides a 1,000cc motorbike (mine's 50cc!) he took it for a ride around the block and hated it - he couldn't lean it around corners or "ride it like a motorbike" it's more upright and I think you ride it more like a bicycle - his loss and my gain!

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  12. Hi Leanne, I'm glad you bought yourself that scooter and have been having fun riding it. Happy adventures!

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    1. Hi Natalie - yes! I finally did something completely silly and it's inspired me to test my boundaries a bit more - who knows what's next???

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  13. Congratulations Leanne. It must feel so liberating to ride your little baby blue. Have fun!

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    1. It's so different to being in a car or even on a bicycle Suzanne - kind of a bit risky and a bit fun and a bit speedy (well it feels speedy - even if it's not really!) I figure it's given my heart something to smile about so it's been worth it just for that.

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  14. You made me smile with thoughts of you flying along on your blue scooter. It takes a bold spirit to decide to reach out and catch that gold ring of joy.

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    1. What a lovely thing to say Judith - and thank you! I'm trying to be bolder and more carefree (if not now then when?!) and this scooter is definitely helping me find some of my inner child!

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  15. Hi Leanne I can just see you zipping around. The challenge will be to practice so that if you ever visit Italy you can try zipping around on a Vespa there - and let me tell you that will be a challenge! Love the sneakers and jacket as well. We all need to do what brings us joy don't we? x

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    1. Hi Sue - I think I'd probably be a nervous wreck anywhere that had more than a few cars in my near vicinity! I love that it's fairly quiet around our place and I have time to think about what I'm doing and not panic (too much!) With time I'm sure I'll be more casual about it all, but that's a way down the track - in the meantime I'll just keep scooting and smiling!

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  16. That's so cool Leanne! I love that you bought a scooter. It always seems like so much fun. Me - I would probably try and buy a motorcycle! :P

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    1. I'd need to get a motorbike licence if I went for a motorbike - my other option was an electric bicycle but I figured a scooter would be more fun and less sweat!

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  17. I get it and I am so glad you "got it". I am now too fearful for something like this and it is my rish-averse self saying that as well as now having a few body issues that would not make this safe. However, back in my 50s I rode a Quad Bike up and down trails - I was with someone - and I know I felt good doing something like that. Glad you are better attired for the scooter!!
    Thank you for sharing your post in Life This Week, the Monday link up on my blog. Each Monday, there is an optional prompt but you can link up a post (just one) old or new, on or off prompt. Next week's is 4/51 Cannot. 25 Jan.Hope to see you back here then. Denyse.

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    1. Hi Denyse - age definitely comes into it - another 10 years and I think I'll be trading it in for a gopher - mobility but on four wheels! My Mum says she'd love to be able to ride my new toy but she realized that she's more fragile these days - we just don't bounce back like we used to!

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  18. Everything about this post made me smile Leanne. I love that you jumped right in and bought that scooter before your birthday. After all, why wait when you can have this joy in your life now. I loved seeing you zoom down the road.

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    1. Hi Jen - I just knew I'd talk myself out of it if I left it another several months! Being so practical and frugal I just needed to go with the moment or live to rue my cold feet! I'm so glad I jumped in and did it - I'm having a ball.

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  19. Hi Leanne, I love your scooter clothes! How cool are you?! I have to say I'm incredibly jealous that it's you on the little blue scooter and not me! Mind you, they drive on the 'wrong' side of the road here in Bulgaria so I don't think it would be very safe for me on one of those (or on/in any kind of vehicle as the driver!). So great that you're out there enjoying life, go for it!! xx

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    1. Hi Cheryl - it's been such a fun thing to do - small financial outlay and a great challenge to my skillset and my "risk aversion" personality. I've come close to pranging it once so far (hopefully not again any time soon) and I'll be sticking to the back roads and not pushing my luck with too much traffic.

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  20. I just love that you love your scooter, looks like the blue matches your car. That is what we need to do, cut the chains that have held us back for years. It is like a mid-life (whatever that is) crisis in a good way. Let's feature you and your scooter on the next Blogger's Pit Stop.
    Kathleen

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    1. Hi Kathleen - thanks so much for the feature - it always makes my heart happy when I see one of my posts on your Featured list. And yes, I think at this age and stage it's time to embrace a little bit of fun and to challenge ourselves to step out and look a bit silly if it makes our hearts happy.

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  21. I'm so excited you bought a scooter!! I can imagine myself doing that one day. But I'd need to do it when I'm in a much smaller town, with less traffic and divine weather all year round. I can't imagine doing it in the city. I'd feel far too vulnerable. Go you!

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    1. Hi Leanne - yes, definitely the benefit of small town living - less traffic and less risk to life and limb! I feel a bit like Audrey Hepburn on her Roman Holiday (maybe more like her mum, but who's counting!) and it's an absolute blast.

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  22. Love, love this, Leanne. You look so stylish and happy on that bike. Enjoy!!

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    1. Hi Corinne - thanks for the lovely compliment - I'm not quite Audrey Hepburn, but I am having a great time - and that's what really counts :)

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  23. Kudos on buying the scooter, saying yes to life, and finding more ways to bring joy into your life. Thanks for the fun reminders Leanne.

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    1. Hi Brad - thanks for the comment - and yes I want to find lots more things to make me smile as I head towards 60. I used to think 60 was old - now I've decided it's the beginning of the next phase of life.

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  24. I really enjoyed this post Leanne and I too owned one many moons ago when in my 20's so I am in awe of you trying something new. It is the small things in life that need to be treasured more.

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    1. Hi Suzanne - I always wanted one, but never found the right time or place - then kids got in the way - so now seemed like the time to grab the moment and see how it went - so far I'm just loving it.

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  25. I LOVE it that you bought a scooter. I used to have one and they are so much fun! happy for you.

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    1. Thanks Marguerite - I can't believe how much joy it's brought me - and I stilll smile every time I ride it :)

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