Better with Age

As I joyfully celebrated my birthday yesterday, I am embracing the journey toward aging gracefully with an unwavering commitment to enhancing my well-being—mentally, physically, and spiritually. I approach my self-care daily with a renewed sense of purpose, carefully curating what I feed my mind, body, and soul. I've bid farewell to the days of indulging in anything and everything, opting instead to be intentional with my choices to reflect my dedication to fostering a healthier lifestyle.  

For my dietary changes, I now take a carefully selected array of different supplements daily, each chosen for its unique benefits—from omega-3 fatty acids to support heart health to probiotics that promote gut wellness. I've transformed my protein sources to emphasize whole foods, incorporating lean meats, legumes, and nuts that nourish my body and foster vitality. I decided to discontinue intermittent fasting after conducting some research and realizing that my body was no longer reaping its maximum benefits. As I reassessed my health goals and lifestyle for long term health, I shifted my focus towards incorporating strength training into my exercise routine. This change has positively impacted me as I've noticed improvement in my skeletal muscle mass and strength.

I'm more considerate of what I put on my skin and have shifted the focus from makeup to skin care. Hydration with snail mucin, wrinkle cream with ginseng, and essence for collagen renewal. All this effort and then some to renew and protect the base layer so that the top layer of my skin can be as invigorating as possible.

I approach the content I consume—in terms of what I watch and listen to—with a discerning mindset. I consciously choose to prioritize my time and energy on a select few voices that resonate with my values and beliefs rather than trying to engage with everyone. Instead of relying on the myriad opinions that flood social media and other platforms, I turn to God's word for guidance and wisdom. This source offers me clarity and insight that far surpasses human perspectives.

As I commemorate yet another milestone in my life, I am increasingly aware of the significance of safeguarding my inner peace. I've come to understand that I am the sole steward of my emotional and spiritual well-being. It is my active responsibility to cultivate the fruits of the spirit in my life and to invest time and effort into nurturing these virtues. In doing so, I not only enhance my own life but also positively impact those around me. I understand that I cannot share what I don't own myself.  

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

~Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the gift of life and for the opportunity to celebrate it. It's amusing to reflect on this sentiment, as it's something I wouldn't have openly expressed in the past. Yet, as I welcome another year into my life, I recognize that I am granted another chance to make a meaningful difference in myself and the world around me. This growing appreciation inspires me to embrace new experiences and to contribute positively, not just for myself but for those I hold dear and the communities I engage with.  

**A heartfelt thank you to all my wonderful family and friends who made my day truly unforgettable. Your presence, love, and thoughtful gestures added so much joy to my celebration. I feel incredibly grateful for each of you and cherish our relationship.