….after 40
Creating a Lifestyle of Wellness to Age and Live Well after 40
I once thought that I would die before I reached age 40. Certainly the idea of a lifestyle of wellness seemed not only improbable but impossible. Years of abuse planted the seed. Then cancer seemed to be the harvest. By age 28 death appeared certain. But there was hope for life and through a series of events across a five year span, I finally realized that life was my choice. I could decide to live and I could decide to thrive. I could also decide to surrender and die. And so, my attitude shifted to one of overcoming and as I turned 40, I was living in abundant health. I had achieved a lifestyle of wellness.
There is more to my story. At age 42, while in an incredibly stressful period, going through a divorce, having lost a business that was very close to my heart, and at the same time accepting a truth about myself that for 40 years I had denied and one that resulted in a major life shift, I suddenly fell ill. Within a month, I was hospitalized and diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, caused by the chemo all those years ago and exposed by the inordinate stress.
I was again faced with a choice. Life or death. The doctors demanded that my plans to move to South Africa be cancelled indefinitely if not altogether. They also demanded that I cease all fitness pursuits and be thankful to just be alive. They declared a lifetime of medications, tests, follow up appointments and more elements that I simply did not desire nor consider as part of a lifestyle of wellness.
Making a long story short, I had to choose. I chose LIFE. I left for South Africa just 4 days after my diagnosis. Scared? You bet. They had said it could kill me. Determined to overcome, no doubt! In the 2 years since, I have continued my fitness journey without any hesitation and am stronger than ever as I type this article today! And best news of all, I was just diagnosed as CHF free. Yep, no signs remain and all meds have been stopped as of today. I chose life and I applied God given provision once again to secure it. I’m about to be 45 and I am living like I’m 25.
So many people refer to 40 and over as old; at least as “getting old”. I refuse to accept it as truth for myself or anyone else. My mother in law whom I admire and adore is 60 and declares herself “old”. Seldom a day passes that I don’t hear a declaration of old age and every time I hear it cross her lips, I remind her to stop proclaiming it and live young! I honestly believe that, though our bodies do age, how we age is largely determined in our mind and attitude. It is, as I stated, a choice that we are free to make. Live or Die. Survive or Overcome. Exist or Thrive. What will it be? You get to choose!
And that brings me to the point today. If you wish to choose life, to overcome and to thrive, then a few more choices need to be made for the successful achievement of that lifestyle of wellness. Fitness and Nutrition are the key elements that you will need to embrace in the journey. And when it comes to aging well, these two combine to become a virtual fountain of youth.
Getting started is often the hard part of a lifestyle of wellness.
40 years of bad habits, poor choices, challenging circumstances, overwork, stress and sour attitudes toward life, often result in lethargy, obesity, weakness and illness at this early age. These become excuses. Here are a few you may recognize and some I have heard recently in working with clients over 40. “My knees hurt so badly I can’t walk or jog.” “If I try that my fat will go one way and me another.” “Are you kidding me? I’ve been fat all my life. This is my destiny. It will never change.” “I’m so weak and tired, I just can’t lift any weights.” “I have no support and I have no clue where to begin.” “I can’t give up sugar”. “I don’t have the time.” EXCUSE EXCUSE EXCUSE! Ditch the excuse and get busy. Get your mind right, muster up the determination and Do IT!! Unless of course, you want to die young from all of those excuses. I didn’t think so! A lifestyle of wellness sounds so much better, doesn’t it?
Will you be 40 going on 60, or will you be like me, 45 going on 25?
That is how I feel at least. Maybe not exactly how I look. My grey beard is the main give away. However, I am in the best physical condition of my life. Just yesterday at the gym, I was approached by a 20 something guy who was impressed with my physical stature and achievements. The fact is, I feel and live better than when I was 25. I know you want the same. So grab hold of it today!! Embrace a lifestyle of wellness that will empower your latter years. Begin a fitness and nutritional plan that will lead you to healing, strength, wellness and power for your best life.
We have several opportunities here at Elements of Wellness that will help you in your journey and we certainly have more on the way. Here are a few to help you begin:
It’s Vegan Friday: A free weekly event that delivers a menu and recipes for a one day a week Vegan experience. If you want to cleanse and heal, Vegan is truly the best way! So, don’t miss out!
30 Days of Simply Good Whole Foods: As the title suggest, 30 days of whole foods menus and over 120 incredible recipes to empower your lifestyle of wellness through al natural weight loss and natural healing.
One on One Fitness Coaching: We can coach you to reach your fitness goals through online communications and programs designed for every individual need or goal. Simply contact me today to begin.
So, are you ready to live life after 40 like you are 20?
