Say that forty times…
Do you ever have something you need to do, but you keep putting it off? I have often said that I am a procrastinator… and in many ways, I feel like I am amongst the best at it. As if it were a contest…
By day, I do the hard things. I have the tough conversations, I put in the hours. I make the sale, I get things done. And, when it comes to prioritizing myself, I tend to put myself toward the back of the list.
I knew that tonight I wanted to write this post… and instead, I did laundry, sorted vitamins, packed a suitcase, hung up clothes for consignment… you name it. I was avoiding this conversation and/or putting things ahead of it.
Here’s the situation: I turn 40 in January.
Oh the horror!!! Actually, I’m not too worried about it. I know I’ll wake up, a-ok, feeling just like I did the day before… but it offers me a landmark, a moment in time as a point of reference.
You see, there’s something about seeing that preceding 4 in my age. It makes me consider my longevity even more than ever before. Now, please don’t take that as me being morbid. That’s definitely not the case, as I plan to be a feisty old lady, shopping with and holding hands with my friend Angela very late in age (Do you ever see these old friends that walk around holding hands? For some reason, that’s how Ang and I picture ourselves when we’re older. And her husband is sweet knowing I’m moving in at some point, and not causing a fuss.)
Here’s what I see coming: My 40s will be a time where I need to take care of my body more than ever. Mind, Body, and Spirit… I’m committing to take good care of this vessel that has carried me so fabulously through life thus far.
Mind
This is going to sound crazy: But I need to challenge my mind more! Just as important as exercise, I feel it important to learn new things… and to challenge myself mentally. Whether it’s taking a new class or becoming involved in the community with causes near and dear to me, I’m making a commitment to get out there and to use this brain of mine for more than just work!
Reading great books by great authors, starting to write my own book that I’ve been contemplating for a while… There’s more to life than surfing the web, Real Housewives, and work.
Body
Being at a healthy weight and losing these stubborn pounds that I’ve been hanging onto will be important. Keeping them off will be even more important. This means, more vegetables. This means, less take out. This means, more Jenny Craig. The program works incredibly for me (and it’s delicious), so it’s important that I just focus up and make this happen. I was talking to one of the lovely ladies on the Jenny Craig team about this last week, and I’m thrilled to have their support every step of the way!
And… if we can have a moment of #realtalk here: I’m tired of worrying about my weight. I’m tired of any piece of it holding me back. I’ve done this for like 30 years now… it’s time to put this to rest, and to enjoy my time in my forties.
Exercising and keeping my muscles and joints happy will also prove to be very important, and I plan to start incorporate more activity into my life immediately that will help me through my 40s, into my 50s, and beyond. Working from home, I just don’t get hardly any steps… so, I’ve decided to go after a reasonable step goal every week. It’s not the kind of goal that wins stepbets, but it’s achievable and it’s realistic and it’s something I can up later if I so desire. Or, it’s a goal I can be satisfied I’m reaching on the regular.
Spirit
One of the most amazing gifts I’ve given myself this year is the gift of meditation. And, while I’ve not quite mastered my practice nor figured out a way to make it happen daily, I plan to in 2017. I recently subscribed fully to the Headspace app, and I’m a mega-fan.
Taking this moment for peace, reflection, and silence has worked wonders for me. And, when something works wonders…. I want more of it. Meditation (and its sister yoga) has most certainly made its mark on me, and I’ll be practicing way into my old age.
So… here’s the great part: I’m not waiting until 40 to make this happen. I’m less than 60 days away from it now, and there’s no time like the present. My suitcase is packed for this week’s travels and I’ve packed workout clothes. I’ve packed Jenny Craig cereal, snacks, and a water bottle. My headphones are in my backpack (specifically for meditation and maybe a little Adele.)
And, I’m trying to figure out the RIGHT way to celebrate in January. It’s a landmark. It’s a big day. It’s important. Mostly, I don’t want to introduce this decade in any other way than a fabulous one. So… stay tuned. The bash ahead will be epic, or at least incredibly special to me.
Here’s looking at you, 40!