Maybe Being “Over-The-Hill” is a Good Thing?

December 12, 2024

In the 1950s, the term being “over-the-hill” caught on in England. Not long after that, Hallmark Cards picked it up as a funny, derisive way to describe what it means to be 50. I do think it’s time we pursue a class action lawsuit against Hallmark given the ageist nature of their birthday cards. Just sort of kiddin’.

But, when you think about it, not only is your view much better over-the-hill, but the hike is easier. When you’re climbing up that damn hill in your 20s, 30s, and 40s, you’re huffing and puffing without any view but the incline ahead. When we reach the top, we have a sense of accomplishment and we gain momentum as we start our path down enjoying the view along the way.

I asked ChatGPT to write me a poem about the upside of being over-the-hill:

They call it “over the hill,” as if it’s a fall,
But from this height, I can see it all.

The winding paths, the roads I’ve climbed,
Each step a verse in a life well-rhymed.

The air is clearer, the noise fades away,
Wisdom’s glow lights the end of each day.

The pace may be slower, but the view is divine,
A landscape of moments that shimmer and shine.

So here on the summit, I pause, fulfilled—
Being “over the hill” is the dream I’ve built.

-Chip

P.S. Check out MEA’s new home page which has all kinds of new features including our new, more affordable workshop pricing, some of our 2025 luminary faculty, and nine alumni videos talking about why they’ve enjoyed being part of the MEA community.