HeroLife®

Today, I turn 75.

Some might see that number and think of slowing down, but I see it as something else entirely—a badge of resilience, curiosity, and a life still in motion. I don’t feel old. In fact, in many ways, I feel more me than I ever have.

Living your hero life doesn’t mean chasing youth—it means chasing joy, passion, and purpose at every stage. And one of the ways I’ve kept that spirit alive is through my hobbies. They’re not just pastimes. They’re lifelines.

I read because books take me everywhere.
They remind me that no matter how many years pass, there’s always something new to learn, someone new to meet—even if it’s a character on a page. Reading stretches my mind, strengthens my empathy, and gives me the kind of peace that only comes from a good story and a quiet chair.

I bake sourdough bread because it connects me to something real.
Feeding a starter, waiting for a rise, kneading dough with my hands—it’s all slow and deliberate. It’s a rhythm that reminds me to slow down, too. The smell of fresh bread in the oven? That’s the smell of life being lived with intention.

I make lemon meringue pies because they remind me of joy.
Tangy, sweet, and topped with something light and airy—kind of like life, isn’t it? Lemon meringue pie is a celebration on a plate, and sometimes, making something beautiful just for the joy of it is reason enough.

These simple joys have taught me something: staying young isn’t about resisting age. It’s about engaging with life. It’s about waking up with purpose, creating something with your hands, feeding your mind, and doing the things that make your heart feel light.

Your hero life doesn’t end when you hit a milestone.
It deepens. It ripens. It softens into something even more beautiful.

So here I am, 75 years in, still learning, still laughing, still baking, and still turning the pages of life—one chapter at a time.

Know a Hero? We’d Love to Hear Their Story!

Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond to help others? We want to celebrate them! Share their story with us and nominate them as a hero. Your nomination could inspire others and remind us all of the incredible impact one person can have on a community.