You know that moment when you look in the mirror and realize your reflection is giving you a side-eye, like it knows exactly what you’ve been up to? The extra slice of cake? The skipped yoga class? Yeah, that moment. But here's the thing: aging with vitality isn’t about being perfect—it’s about walking the talk... even if your walk sometimes resembles a shuffle and your talk includes a lot of "where are my glasses?"

As I’ve gotten older (I’m not saying I’m ancient, but I do know what a floppy disk is), I’ve come to realize that wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all. And trust me, it’s taken a lot of trial and error. I once thought “wellness” meant green smoothies, a strict bedtime, and avoiding anything fun. But as I embraced aging with vitality, I learned that it’s not about following every trend—it’s about balance, flexibility, and accepting that sometimes the best wellness hack is a sitting on the couch sipping a herbal tea.

Walking the Talk... Or Maybe Just the Stairs

Let’s talk about walking, shall we? They say walking is one of the best ways to age gracefully. And while I’m definitely walking a lot, it’s not really for fitness—it’s more about staying in motion. I walk to the fridge, to the mailbox, and up a few flights of stairs when I forget something in the laundry room (which happens more often than I’d like to admit). At this point, walking isn’t about hitting a fitness goal—it’s about navigating life’s little challenges, like dodging my dog’s squeaky toys scattered all over the house. It's all about movement, not miles!

This isn't just a "lifestyle tip" I throw out for fun—I live this every day. As a Registered Nutritionist, Certified Personal Trainer, and Certified Breathwork Facilitator, I’ve built a solid dietary pattern, stay active by moving daily, and practice mindfulness. But here’s the thing: it looks different every day. Some days, it's a brisk walk around the neighborhood; other days, it’s a quick stretch session between work calls. I’m not locked into one type of exercise or one specific routine because life is fluid. And the same goes for my meals—some days it’s a vibrant salad, other days it’s a hearty soup or whatever happens to be in the fridge. The key is consistency, not perfection. I believe in walking the talk because how can I tell others to do something if I’m not doing it myself?

But here’s the kicker: walking, even if it's just to grab a snack or take the dog out, still counts! The key to walking the talk in wellness is not pretending you’re going to suddenly be a marathon runner. It’s about recognizing that moving your body, no matter how small the effort, is a win. Every step counts—even the ones toward your couch (as long as the couch sitting is not your idea of a marathon).

Green Smoothies, But Make It Fun

Alright, I’ve jumped on the “green smoothie” train before. And while it made me feel super healthy for about 5 minutes, let’s be real: I couldn’t always get behind drinking something that looked like pond water. So, I’ve upgraded my “wellness talk” to include fun smoothies. You know, the ones that have enough fruit to make you feel like you’re actually drinking a dessert.

And hey, if you throw in some spinach or kale, it definitely counts as healthy, right? As a registered nutritionist, I do know what I’m talking about here. I’m not saying I’m a smoothie connoisseur, but I certainly know a good one when I taste it. Honestly, I couldn’t care less about making it Instagram-worthy—because let’s face it, I’m too busy actually living my healthy life to worry about filters. I’m all about embracing aging with vitality and getting those antioxidants in—without trying to be a wellness influencer for five seconds. Trust me, the real vibe is feeling good, not posing for a perfect shot – perfection is not in my vocabulary.

Mindfulness, But With a Side of Humor

Here’s the thing: wellness isn’t just about eating your greens and exercising (though, yes, those are important). It’s about taking a moment for yourself. But let’s be real, sometimes finding that “peaceful” moment in life feels like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Between work, family, and trying to remember where you left your phone, finding a few minutes of mindfulness is hard.

So, instead of meditating in silence with a perfect posture (who has the time for that?), I’ve embraced a more “real” version of mindfulness: laughing at my own chaos. I mean, if you can’t laugh at the fact that you’re trying to balance your “wellness” routine with a full schedule, are you even living? Instead of stressing about getting the perfect Zen moment, I’ve realized that taking a breath, being present, and maybe cracking a joke can do wonders for my mind and body.

Aging Gracefully (And Sometimes Clumsily)

Let’s be real: aging isn’t always graceful. I’ve had my fair share of ungraceful moments, like tripping over nothing, misplacing my keys for the 12th time today, or forgetting why I walked into the kitchen. But that’s part of embracing vitality, right? It’s not about being flawless; it’s about laughing at the little messes we make along the way. And let me tell you, I’ve made plenty of those.

Aging with vitality isn’t about avoiding the inevitable aches and forgetful moments; it’s about finding joy in the journey. And while I might not always remember exactly what I was doing, I still walk as fast as I did before because I keep myself in awesome shape. Staying active and embracing wellness with a sense of humor is what truly keeps me going, no matter what age I’m at!

So, what have I learned from all this “wellness talk”? I’ve learned that aging with vitality isn’t about doing it all perfectly—it’s about finding the balance that works for you. It’s about walking when you can, laughing when you trip, and choosing smoothies that make you feel good and taste delicious (while ignoring the judgment of your kale).

Wellness isn’t about perfection; it’s about embracing the whole journey—and sometimes that journey involves a few extra healthy snacks and a whole lot of laughs. So, let’s keep walking the talk... even if it’s just to the fridge.

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.

Ready to dive deeper into the world of whole person health and aging with vitality? Sign up for my weekly newsletter HERE for expert tips, fun insights, and simple nutrition hacks delivered right to your inbox!