The Power of Movement: From Vanity to Self-Care

In my 20s, fitness was all about vanity—chasing the *"perfect"* body, obsessing over a 26-inch waist, and hitting the gym twice daily. I thought reaching those physical goals would bring happiness.

Spoiler alert: it didn't.

Now, in my 50s, I see fitness through a completely different lens. It's no longer about aesthetics; it's about self-care, emotional balance, and honoring the body that has carried me through life's highs and lows.

From Vanity to Gratitude

Back then, I believed confidence came from how I looked. But today, at 52, fitness is now about gratitude and self-care—appreciating my body's strength, resilience, and spirit. Now, it's about feeling good in my own skin, even if every workout isn't my favorite (hello, 10K steps!).

Goals change- as they should, and mine has shifted from looking a certain way to moving in ways that support my overall well-being. I've learned that confidence isn't external—it's built from the inside out, shaped by exploring lingering layers of childhood trauma and addressing the 'missing tiles' in my life, and building from there. More on that work later!

Working Smarter, Not Harder

One of the biggest shifts in my approach to fitness has been learning to work smarter, not harder. I no longer push myself to extremes or chase punishing workouts. Instead, I prioritize shorter, intentional sessions—strength training, yoga, hiking, CrossFit, or a brisk walk.

After every sweaty workout, I swipe with these amazing Vita-C Clear Skin amazing pads to keep sweat bacteria at bay—a perfect alternative to toner! 🙌✨

Over-exercising once wreaked havoc on my cortisol levels (the stress hormone that can lead to fat storage and disrupt metabolism). No wonder I couldn't lose weight. Balanced movement with a focus on strength has helped me shed 25 pounds, and, more importantly, I feel grounded and energized, which is the point!

Movement for the Mind and Soul

Movement isn't just physical—it's a workout for the mind and soul too. A purposeful workout clears my head, relieves stress, and brings me back to center, especially on overwhelming days like navigating a tough divorce or a challenging real estate negotiation.

Ironically, the days I *least* want to work out are often when I need it the most. And more often than not, those workouts end up being my best. The body always knows what it needs—we just have to listen and push through the grind.

Finding Your Own Flow

Life is busy, but carving out time to move your body is essential. It doesn't have to be elaborate or time-consuming. Whatever your body asks for, honor it and move with intention—it all counts.

I love mixing it up: strength training, hot yoga, sprints, and even a full stretch session (which, by the way, is tough but so freeing!). And some days, you'll find me dancing in the kitchen—there's nothing like dance therapy to boost your energy and mood. 💃

Through trial and error, find what works for you, create your own movement "recipe," and switch it up when needed.

Your body will thank you!

Gratitude for the Journey

A special shout-out to Mark from @datbevents, who pushes many of us through some of the toughest (but most rewarding) workouts—running on the sand and those killer CrossFit combos! Having a community to lean on makes all the difference. Thank you, Mark, and everyone who shows up and celebrates the hard work. We're better together!

Post-Workout Nourishment

For me, morning workouts are key, followed by a clean, plant-based protein shake within an hour. I love Purium's shakes—since my body doesn't tolerate dairy, a plant-based formula is a perfect fit. Here is how I mix my shakes!

Everyone's body is different, so take the time to find what nourishes *your* muscles and supports your goals—without the unnecessary toxins.

Embrace the Journey

Fitness isn't about perfection or how much you can squeeze into a day. It's about how you *feel.* It's a lifestyle that supports your body, mind, and spirit.

Take the time to discover what workouts, foods, and supplements work best for *you.* Every step you take is progress toward feeling YOUR best.

Three decades ago, my body taught me it didn't tolerate lactose, sparking my journey into wellness and skincare. It's all connected.

I encourage you to become curious about YOU! You're worth the effort.

You've got this. Keep moving, keep growing, and remember—you're worth the effort. 💪✨

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Key Takeaways:

- Fitness is about self-care, and appearance is a perk.

- Work smarter, not harder—focus on quality over quantity.

- Movement supports mental clarity and emotional balance, + it slows down aging.

- Find routines that fit your lifestyle so you can stay consistent.

- Lean on community for motivation and encouragement.

Enjoy your journey