This post is long overdue, as my birthday was two weeks ago, but better late then never, right?
I turned 57 this year and while the day came and went with very little fanfare, I still feel like I have a lot to celebrate.
The previous year of life brought about a lot of changes. I changed jobs, we downsized and moved to a new community, I became a grandmother, and we added another dog to our family. Along the way, I worked on staying healthy and fit, although some days were better than others. I focused more on strength training and increased my protein intake and tracked my macros.
I'm not sure what this next year of life will bring, but I have goals I want to work towards. While I'm continuing strength training and healthy eating, I'm trying to eat more intuitively, focusing on protein, vegetables, fruits, and healthy grains and fats. I've cut way back on alcohol, and I'm trying to avoid fried foods and sugary sweets because those things aggravate my stomach and it can take days for me to feel back to normal. I'm more aware that I need to make sure I get enough protein, but I stopped tracking my macros and just want to concentrate on eating foods that will provide my body with healthy fuel and nutrients.
I'm learning to embrace and appreciate my body instead of focusing on what I wish was different (I'm not looking at you any longer, belly fat!) My body does amazing things on a daily basis and I'm trying to treat it with more love and respect rather than criticism and negative self-talk. I don't treat other people that way; why do I think it's okay to treat myself that way??
I'm developing a habit of frequent movement throughout the day, with a daily step goal of at least 8,000 steps. Often I find myself sitting at my desk for hours at a time and so now I try to get up and move around more often, and I invested in a standing desk so that I stand more than I sit while I work.
My job just seems to get more and more busier. The research money at the university where I work has increased substantially which means more grants that I have to manage. I'm trying to improve my productivity while managing my stress. It's extremely challenging and it's hard to unplug at the end of the workday, but instead of reaching for a glass of wine, I've been going on evening walks with my husband, which helps my mind to clear and relax.
I think most of all, I feel so grateful for this stage in my life. (Hey, I'm still alive!!) Aging can bring challenges, but with older age, comes wisdom. I know what's important and what deserves my time and attention. I don't surround myself with toxicity or negativity. I've stopped caring what people think. I'm embracing life, even if it's just for a few bright moments during a stressful day or event. Time is so fast and fleeting. In the famous words of Ferris Bueller, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it."
Comments