Wellness is a choice, and I respect it. A lot.
By definition, wellness is the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
It has evolved for me in many ways, in theory and in practice. It’s not always perfect, nor should it be. But when I choose it—daily, intentionally—I feel the shift: in my energy, in my mental clarity, in my mood, and how I show up for myself, family, friends and my life. Wellness isn’t simply “not getting ill”, but the presence of intentional living.
Prioritizing wellness is a responsibility to myself. And the more I lean into it, the more powerful and grounded I become.
Rest
This isn’t just physical; it’s mental and emotional too. Sometimes, you just need to stop - everything. Unplug, disconnect, turn your brain off for a bit. Stop moving at a lightning pace. Feel whatever it is you’re feeling, and sit with that. It’s okay—it’s part of the process. It’s not weakness. In fact, it’s more powerful than we give it credit for.
Nutrition
Eat to live, and fuel your body for what it needs to do. This is an area I’ve spent considerable time exploring. Understanding what nutrients my body needs—and fueling appropriately—helps with energy, strength, and maintenance. Overindulging in processed foods just doesn’t work for me anymore. Eating 100% clean isn’t realistic either – let’s be real. Sometimes you just gotta have the fries, or the gummy bears, or vat of cheesey goodness 😊 I just try to be mindful of how much and how often. That feeling of sluggishness, bloating, and inflammation? Not cute.
Now, I prioritize whole foods—think from a tree or from the ground: fruits, veggies, nuts, lean proteins. My supplements are simple: a multivitamin, vitamin D, fish oil, and creatine.
Movement
I’m competitive and I used to love pushing myself hard in workouts. But this new decade—hello, 50—is telling me to pivot. And I’m listening. Inflammation in my joints and muscles I’d never experienced before started showing up more often, taking a toll on recovery time. My once 5–6 day spin schedule is now a solid 2 days per week. I dedicate 3 days to strength training, and pepper in a few active rest days with walking and stretching/mobility.
The result: more energy, less recovery time, strong bones, strong muscles, strong heart.
What’s Important Now
Staying in rhythm with what my body needs. I’ve done a lot of ignoring the warning signs, pushing myself to the max, and under-utilizing this powerful temple. I’m not interested in chasing my health—I plan to stay mobile and strong, and that preparation starts now.
It’s a blessing to live a life that feels fulfilling every day. I’m grateful for all I can do now—and all I will continue to do in the future.
Age is just a number—yes, an intentional cliché callout. How I respect and nurture my wellness is what truly matters in living a long, healthy, and prosperous life.
What’s working for you? What needs adjusting? Take a wellness inventory. One mindful step today sets the tone for the future you’re building.
Until next time – be a good HUMAN ✨