Fishermen on the Tsukechi River, Gifu.
Hello,
It feels like I'm treading water between worlds at the moment trying to find my feet. Is this normal when heading towards the tail end of your fourth decade? I need something new, a new approach (to life?), something with substance. Life is ticking along smoothly (my father's health aside) and I am, of course, grateful for that but after finishing The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter I can feel a deep sense of anxiety within that's gradually nudging me away from daily comforts. It's not a midlife crisis (is it?), it's more an overwhelming sense of missing out on something before it's too late. I just can't put my finger on what that something is.
More challenge, more pain? Nothing dangerous of course, just enough to open a new door with the potential for growth. Alone in the mountains (in bad weather?) for a week? An extended bike-packing trip? A photography project that I can dive deep into? Whatever it is, I think's imperative to do it solo and away from social media and background noise. The real challenge of course is finding the time when you have a young daughter to care for.
It dawned on me the other day if all goes well I can realistically expect another 20 or so summers where I'm physically able to hike (with gear) in the higher mountains. Time is flying by.
I'd be genuinely interested to know if there is anyone reading this, perhaps in their late forties or older, that has/had similar feelings and how you are dealing/dealt with it? Please get in touch.
Anyway, it's been a while since I've sent a newsletter and in that time I've started 'rucking', bought a kettlebell and a few of those leg bands to work on strength (to successfully compete at the Centenarian Olympics :-) ), have a long overdue Australia homestay trip organised for mid-August (this is the most rewarding work-related thing I do), and have written a few short posts on my website.
Recent posts:
Minimalist Gear – SeanBreslin.jp
Everyone loves a good gear post and as I find myself waiting patiently for the Rapid Express to Takenami station (武並) I thought I’d break down what I’m carrying with me on my Nakasendō walk from Ta…
Nakasendō – Walking Takenami to Mitake – SeanBreslin.jp
The original plan was to walk to Mitake with my daughter, but with the route covering more than 20 kilometres, as well as moderate spring summer heat meant I chose instead to walk solo and meet up …
Hiking: Mt. Ibuki – The Easy Option – SeanBreslin.jp
Driving Ibukiyama Skyline was not how I’d liked to have reached the summit of Mt. Ibuki on the border of Gifu and Shiga prefectures but hiking up with 14kgs of daughter, a 2kg kid’s carrier backpac…
Alarm Clocks, Nature Sound Gallery, Morning Routine, and a 4-Day Work Week – SeanBreslin.jp
Since April this year I have switched to a 4-day work week and it’s possibly the best work-related change I’ve made to my life in years. I now work from Monday to Thursday and am ‘free’ from Friday…
Hiking: Fujimidai – SeanBreslin.jp
Fujimidai is the perfect place to hike with the family. The trails are safe, the views are wonderful, and it only takes 2 hours to get there from the Nagoya region.
Hiking in the Minami Alps: Coffee at the Top – SeanBreslin.jp
There’s a joke between a good friend and his brother regarding a hike they did in Colorado a few years ago. Early morning on a remote mountain, as they approached the summit they saw a trail runner…
Walking – Rucking – SeanBreslin.jp
What? Walking around with a backpack weighing roughly 20% of your body weight for as long as you feel like. Some consider it the perfect exercise for those that don’t like the gym (me) and ar…
Books Read:
I've moved Books Read to here.