Today I want to say a bit more about how accepting challenges can help you.

Life sends all of us challenges that we may not feel up to meeting. But when we create our own challenges, there are special benefits.

An archeology professor I know, who had not been in the field for many years, was offered an opportunity to join an expedition to search for lost cities in the Northern Andes. Since it meant 30 days on horseback in high mountain jungles, and scaling 3,000 foot high cliffs to search for ancient tombs, it was something he thought twice about at age 50.

Yet, accepting this special challenge not only brought him a renewed sense of competency and excitement in life, it also significantly changed his assumptions - and those of his family - concerning the whole concept of aging and maturity. He found that it wasn't age, but rather his spirit and courage that counted, and he returned with a new zest for life.

Why not test some of your assumptions and call upon resources that your ordinary life doesn't use very often? A trip to a totally different culture will do it, or try learning a sport or other activity with which you have absolutely no experience.

How long has it been since you really challenged yourself? Do you remember how good it felt? Think about it!