That's what you're supposed to do

During Labor Day, a magical thing happened while many families were sneaking in one more trip to the pool or enjoying an extra day off from work. Diana Nyad, a 64-year-old swimmer who has tried five times to swim from Cuba to the Florida Keys without protection from sharks, finally reached her goal. The first time she attempted the swim, she was 28-years-old. She never gave up. Or just like Finding Nemo’s Dory, she just kept swimming.

Her accomplishment is remarkable. And ever since I started working for AARP as the organization’s social media trainer, my eyes have opened to the remarkable opportunities we have as we get older. Life does not end at 40, 50, 60, 70, 80… whenever. There are always more opportunities.

After her swim, the first thing Nyad said to the public was, “We should never, ever give up.” I totally agree. (You can watch when she said it on video here.)

I was so excited about Nyad’s success, I had to tell the kids about it. I explained how she swam for days and did it without protecting herself from the threat of sharks and jellyfish. I explained how she had tried and tried again to reach her goal. And that’s when Jordan said matter of fact:

“That’s what you’re supposed to do.”

Yes. I think we on the right track.

I took the kids to the pool after that. I watched them play and close out the outdoor swimming season. They aren’t rock star swimmers. But neither of my kids have quit. Their Dad and I aren’t going to quit on them either. I watched them play and laugh, knowing that we’re going to keep trying. Just like Diana Nyad, we’re never, ever giving up.