All action begins with a thought.
I have passed through many dark hours when I could feel that my actions did not align with my heart. I was made for something greater than I allowed myself to be.
I am passionate about anyone’s ability to change the trajectory of their life because I have been there and lived it myself.
And now, in my fifties, I feel more confident and empowered than ever. I am here to share some important lessons life has taught me.
Stop Being a Victim of Circumstances
As I said before, every action begins with a thought.
If all your time is spent ruminating about problems instead of focusing on solutions, you will struggle to escape the cloud of misery looming overhead. Inevitably, yes, there will be problems and circumstances beyond your control. But your state of mind and how you respond to those challenges, the aspects in your control, will determine the outcome.
Will you sit idly by with a “woe is me” attitude as you remain stagnant? Or will you brush yourself off, stand up, and stop being a victim of circumstances?
Say No
Life is too short to be a chronic people-pleaser, constantly putting others’ wants above your own. As many girls and young women know, setting boundaries can be hard in a world that expects politeness and submissiveness.
But by the time you reach your fifties, you will see that breaking the mold as a “difficult woman” can be a wonderful, empowering feeling. Stop bending over backwards and making unnecessary sacrifices to make other people’s lives easier.
Find your voice.
Learn to say no. You don’t owe anything to anyone.
Take up space (and don’t be ashamed of it).
Draw your lines in the sand, and don’t back down from your convictions.
You’ll feel so much better when you take control back. Trust me… I know.
Move Out of the Fast Lane
In my early thirties, I realized that life in the fast lane was an empty, exhausting existence. Failure to attend to your mental, physical, and spiritual health can quickly run you into the ground. I spent the next twenty years working my way through therapy, yoga, self-help books, and books written by strong women who seized control of their lives. I realized that labels — mom, friend, wife, athlete, educator — didn’t define who I was. I deserved more than those stereotypes.
And then I took action to make that happen.
Find Magic in the Little Steps
There will always be demands trying to pry focus away from your hopes and dreams. Bills to pay. Chores to complete. Laundry to do. It’s perilously easy to let the noise of human existence sweep you away.
But I find I am most peaceful when I use these mundane moments intentionally. What legacy do I want to leave behind? What long-term goals do I want to work toward?
Those significant changes start with a thought, a plan, then a small step forward. Then another. And another, until that daydream becomes real progress toward your goal. The magic is in the little steps that compound into a fantastic journey.
See Your True Self in the Mirror
When you look at your reflection, what do you see? Maybe you run your fingers through your hair and sigh at the number of grays that continue to multiply. Or you push the skin back on your face to temporarily erase the wrinkles and turn back the clock for a moment.
Imagine the liberation of NOT focusing on the flaws. Of seeing the joy behind your smile instead of wishing you had straighter teeth, or your mouth was a different shape, or your eyes didn’t crinkle so much in the corners. Of seeing a robust and healthy body that is uniquely yours. Of loving whom you see in the mirror instead of judging her.
You deserve that.
You do. You deserve to love your body and embrace it as it ages, flaws and all. If you take the time to nourish it with good food, treat it with respect, tone it with exercise, recharge it with sleep, and pay attention to its needs, you’ll learn to be kinder to yourself.
It’s not easy to reach that goal. Change is not linear, and we’re all moving through different stages.
But I promise there is purpose and value in committing to a more fulfilling life. It’s all worth facing the mirror and loving the person staring back at you.
If you’re ready to jumpstart your health and embrace a positive life, let’s talk! Schedule a free consultation to discuss your goals and determine the best health plan for your unique lifestyle.