226. Humor has no age limit: Comedian at 59, meet Karyl Thomas

Have you ever felt too old to chase a dream or explore a new path? As someone who's walked alongside many seniors through their journeys of transitioning into new phases of life, I've heard countless people second-guess themselves, thinking they’ve missed their chance to pursue something different simply because of their age. Yet, time and time again, I've witnessed the magic that unfolds when they let go of these fears and embrace new opportunities.

In this week's episode of "Aging in Style," I had the pleasure of chatting with Karyl Thomas, a dear friend and colleague who’s embarked on a remarkable and inspiring journey of her own. At the age of 59, Karyl decided to take a leap into the world of comedy, chasing a dream that once lingered in the back of her mind. Our conversation was filled with laughter, insights, and a mutual understanding that age should never be a barrier to pursuing happiness.

The Courage to Laugh

Karyl shared that as she approached 60, a persistent voice encouraged her to finally dive into comedy—a passion she’d always harbored. Despite an already fulfilling career in hospice, she needed room to explore this newfound path. And so she transitioned from hospice to working with me at Lori Williams Senior Services, providing her the flexibility to chase her desire for comedic expression.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:41 Meet Karyl: From Hospice to Comedy
04:00 The Journey into Comedy
09:27 Family Reactions and Support
13:23 Comedy Classes and Inspirations
19:08 Humor in Senior Living and Healthcare
27:17 Future Plans and Encouragement
30:21 Conclusion and Podcast Information

Her journey began with storytelling classes, where she crafted her wit into relatable tales. For Karyl, humor has always been not only an outlet but also a means of connecting with others. As she honed her skills at the Dallas Comedy Club, she encountered people from all walks of life—each bringing unique perspectives to the stage, each feeding off everyone's shared enthusiasm.

Finding Joy and Inspiration

At every step, Karyl found herself supported by friends, family, and even strangers who were charmed by her humor. I'll never forget attending one of her shows with my daughter, watching as Karyl’s children beamed with pride in the audience. It's in these moments where you see the impact of following your dreams; Karyl’s journey has become a living testament for her children—and many others—that it’s never too late to start something new.

She exemplifies that chasing your dreams, no matter how daunting it seems, can bring an unexpected richness to life. Through stand-up comedy, Karyl crafted stories filled with humor drawn from her own experiences, endearing herself to audiences of all ages, proving that authenticity resonates universally.

Next Steps and Advice

The journey doesn’t end with storytelling and stand-up performances. Karyl moves on to improv classes to further expand her comedic repertoire, despite her challenges—like being legally deaf. Her ability to face these obstacles head-on with tenacity and humor only makes her story more inspiring.

To those contemplating whether to try something new, Karyl advises listening to your own voice. Don’t let age, or perceived obstacles, hold you back. Whether it's a latent passion for art, writing, or even a desire to run a marathon, this is your time. Embrace it, have fun, and enrich your life with experiences that bring joy.

Conclusion

In closing, I urge everyone to take a page out of Karyl's book and just try. Age should never limit one’s dreams or passions. Life is full of unpredictable opportunities, just waiting to be seized. Seek out new challenges, embrace the joy that comes from conquering them, and most importantly, allow yourself the freedom to laugh—often and wholeheartedly.