It’s got to be an April Fool’s joke…Me, 50 years old. Really?

When (if) I wake up tomorrow and look in the mirror, I’ll wonder how the heck 50 years has passed.

I’d think that I’d be sort of grown up by now, know things, like how to cook for example.

When will I ever acquire that coveted culinary skill?

I guess if I haven’t mastered that skill, even somewhat, by now, it’s never going to happen.I’m just like my Mom: never trust a skinny cook. (I was looking through photo albums and saw a high school report card of my mom’s, she had stellar marks, and a ‘D’ in home-ec ;)) In my Mom’s defense, she has plenty of other skills to make up for her cooking and I never need to worry about being overweight thanks to her…

In any case, I suppose I’ve managed to acquire other ‘skills’ in my half century on earth. I suppose the human flag is a skill not many have at this age or any other for that matter. Not sure how it will serve me in my old age, but at least I’ll be strong enough to haul a ton of grocery bags to anyone willing to cook for me.

Will do the human flag for food 😉

The day before this milestone, I thought I should reflect on a few lessons I’ve learned over the years, if you’ll indulge me.

In order not to disappoint, don’t expect anything profound…

I’ve learned that over time, I need to be my own best friend.

Like most women, I’ve struggled with self confidence.  I’m trying to offer the same kindness to myself that I would to a friend. I’ve come to realize that I’m not perfect, I have plenty of room to improve in all areas, but it doesn’t serve me, or the people I love well to beat myself up.

I’m ‘good enough’.

I’ll do my best, and if that’s not enough, well, I guess that’s too bad.

I must be more than ‘good enough’ if I look at the amazing people in my circles:

My cool kids

Good times with fit pro friends

Cali BFF (Sylvia) and me, Miami 2013

Awesome boot camp staff

Boot campers Charity event

Challenge Fat Loss Crew

I’m learning to ‘give all I’ve got’ in relationships. The more I give, the more I get back. I’m very fortunate with the people around me and I’m super thankful for everyone.

Gratitude is a daily practice for me. I don’t ever want to ‘wait to be happy’. I have the choice to ‘be happy’ today in whatever circumstance I find myself. Feeling happy and being happy are two different things. If I look at all the things I’m grateful for it goes a long way to helping me be appreciative.

Being grateful ups the happiness factor.

Don’t be an ‘Eyore’

Whenever I feel stressed or depressed, I try to ‘be thankful’ and it helps me cope. There’s always something to be thankful for, that’s for sure.

As you know, I’m big on the health and fitness side of things.

I constantly set personal and specific challenges because it prevents me from getting stuck in a rut, whether it’s in the fitness arena or with business, family, whatever.

I don’t always share the challenges I’m up against, mostly I usually just share the fitness related ones.

Like the muscle up…

I know you probably think I have two heads to want to try this crazy stuff. I don’t want to discourage you because I know that many of you are struggling with your first push up. I really just want to ENCOURAGE you to work and challenge yourself at YOUR OWN LEVEL.

Recently I decided I wanted to learn how to do a muscle up.  While I’m not quite there, I’m getting closer. As with all things, it takes time and practice. The point is, NEVER STOP pushing yourself. Be smart with your challenges, get direction/coaching (from me) when needed, but just don’t go sit down. That’s the biggest lesson, I’ll never stop, I’ll always find something challenging to do to keep me young.

With age, I feel like I can still do it all (well, I can’t run because my knees protest, but I’m not too upset about that since I hate running).  And I know I need more recovery time.

My nutrition and sleep are a lot more important now and go a long way to helping me feel great.

Consistency with workouts and good eating are key for maintaining my strength and how I look in my jeans.

I’d like to remind you that I only workout about 35 minutes a day. Most think that I must train 6 hours a day. It’s actually the fact that I’ve been working out for 35 minutes a day for almost 50 years that counts. Also, the INTENSITY of my workouts is important too. You need to (literally) work your a$$ off, at whatever fitness level you’re at to see results.

These are just a few thoughts, I have many more that I’ll likely get down in my journal. When I die, I will most likely rollover in my grave knowing that someone will be laughing as they page through 40 years of my journals (I’ve been writing since I was 10). I highly recommend keeping a journal, it’s great for mental clarity and a good laugh when you die 😉

Here’s to another 50 years….Happy Birthday to me!

Ps. Stay tuned for an April Fool’s Day surprise…

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Posted in Mindset by Shawna 2 Comments