Getting older means learning how to juggle with intention. It’s no longer about avoiding dropping the balls or worrying about how many we’re holding. It’s about becoming comfortable with the idea that, at times, one or two may fall. And that’s okay. In fact, when you allow yourself to drop a ball now and then, you start to realize it’s part of the process—the key is getting back up, recalibrating, and learning to juggle with more wisdom.
By midlife, we start to understand that the balls we’re juggling aren’t just tasks—they are the people we love, the projects we care about, the boundaries we set, and the personal growth we pursue. The true value of juggling as we age is not about perfection. It’s about embracing the dance of it all, with a deep sense of purpose and presence. And when you juggle with intention, each ball feels lighter.
As you’ll see in this video with me learning to juggle from a 92-year-old clown, Brian Dewhurst, who was the funny man on stage for so many of Cirque du Soleil’s Vegas shows. Juggling balls as we get older is a powerful practice for both mental and physical health. It improves hand-eye coordination, enhances focus, and stimulates brain activity, which can help maintain cognitive function. The rhythm of juggling can also reduce stress by promoting mindfulness and releasing endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters.
Physically, it strengthens fine motor skills, improves balance, and increases dexterity, helping maintain agility and muscle control. As we age, staying active mentally and physically is essential, and juggling provides a fun, engaging way to keep our minds sharp while supporting overall well-being.
-Chip