Ah, menopause and aging—two things no one warned me would team up to throw a party in my body. It’s like one day, everything is cruising along, and the next, I’m trying to remember where I left my keys, how I somehow gained 10 pounds overnight just around my belly—all while trying to keep my cool. But here’s the thing: it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, with a few healthy habits in place, we can actually thrive through this stage of life, not just survive it. And trust me, if I can do it, you can too.

Let’s talk about why healthy habits are the unsung heroes of menopause and aging. First off, menopause can bring on all kinds of changes—think weight gain, hot flashes, mood swings, and a sudden fondness for oversized sweaters (because layers are a necessity, right?). But if you build healthy habits, you can combat some of the more frustrating symptoms. Exercise, for instance, can help you maintain muscle mass (because, let’s face it, menopause has a funny way of letting muscles just disappear), improve your sleep (bye, sleepless nights!), and boost your mood (goodbye, grumpy mornings).

You know what else works wonders? Nutrition. Eating the right foods can help keep those pesky hot flashes at bay, support your metabolism, and make you feel like you’re actually doing something good for your body instead of just keeping it alive with coffee and chocolate. And let’s not forget the importance of staying hydrated! It's a miracle worker, especially when you feel like you're perpetually in a sauna—without even trying.

Sleep, too, is a biggie. And while we can’t control how many times we wake up in the middle of the night (thanks, hormones), creating a sleep-friendly routine can help. No more 3 a.m. staring at the ceiling wondering if you’ve somehow turned into a vampire. A consistent bedtime, calming activities, and a cool, dark room might just be the ticket to feeling more rested (and not grumpy) the next day.

The key here is not perfection—it’s progress. No one is going to be perfect at all of this. Some days, your hormones will laugh in your face, your jeans will feel a little tighter, and you’ll wonder why you ever got out of bed. But with healthy habits in place, you’ll have the tools to bounce back, laugh through the madness, and thrive through menopause and aging.

So, let’s stop pretending that aging and menopause are just something to "get through" and instead start embracing the idea of thriving. You’ve got this! Just remember, one small habit at a time and soon you’ll find yourself saying, “Who’s afraid of hot flashes and forgetfulness? Not me!"

So, I’ve recently become a bedtime routine enthusiast—yes, really. I now stick to a consistent bedtime (who knew I had it in me?) with a mix of stretching, reading, and a no-tech rule for an hour before bed. It’s my “new thing,” and honestly, it’s a little like I’m pretending to be a wellness guru. I’ve swapped binging Netflix for good old-fashioned books, and it’s actually pretty nice. But here’s the twist—I’m not a robot! Occasionally, I stay up late to watch a movie, because, well, life’s short and who wants to miss out on popcorn and plot twists? The key is balance—I don’t live a strict routine, but hey, I’m trying. And if you catch me sneaking in a late-night Netflix binge every once in a while, don’t judge! I’ve earned it.

I’ve developed a pretty solid dietary pattern—no animal foods (although I don’t make anyone else follow suit in my practice), no oils, and very little processed food. Sounds like I’m living the dream, right? But let’s be real—I'm also a human. So, when the holidays roll around (and especially on my birthday, which I consider a national holiday for me), I throw my "rules" out the window and treat myself. Because, if there’s ever a time to indulge, it’s when you’re celebrating another year of life and you’ve earned the right to eat whatever you want without judgment. But don’t worry, the next day or even two, ok, maybe three days, it’s back to my healthy habits, pretending I didn’t just devour an entire slice of cake (ok, 2 or 3 slices) like it was a personal victory. It’s all about balance, right?

Let’s not forget the habit of exercise. I’ve been a certified trainer for over 30 years, so you’d think I’d be the picture of perfection when it comes to working out, right? Well, let’s just say I love to work out, but I’m not immune to the occasional workout break. Sometimes, my body just says, "Hey, how about a nap instead?" And who am I to argue? But don't be fooled—I don’t make a habit of this! I’m all about that fitness life, whether it’s lifting weights, trail running (my first love), or pretending to be a yoga guru (emphasis on pretending). I may take the occasional break, but it’s always a quick one—just long enough to catch my breath and, you know, maybe play with my dogs (the loves of my life – sorry Art!) for two minutes. Then it’s back at it, because I love feeling strong, even if my workouts sometimes look like a dance party gone wrong.

So, as you can see, healthy habits and aging just go hand in hand—like a well-seasoned routine and a body that occasionally creaks. As we age, some of us might not be able to bend like we used to (I’m actually more flexible now that I was in my 20’s), but we can definitely keep moving and make sure those good habits stay in the mix. It’s like maintaining a relationship with your body—sometimes it’s a little temperamental, requires extra attention, and might occasionally throw a tantrum (looking at you, stiff neck), but with the right care, it’s still worth it. So, let’s embrace those healthy habits like we’re aging like fine wine—because, really, who wants to be a raisin when they could be a grape?

Join me this year and beyond as I share my personal journey of embracing the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that come with aging. Together, we’ll explore the complexities of growing older and discover the beauty in every step of the process.