What’s down the road for YOU?

56 and fearless (mostly!)

I turn 56 today.

Wow.

I don’t feel old. I feel pretty good, actually.

Things aren’t perfect—I still juggle bills and battle my debt.

But I count my blessings. I know that people have greater challenges than I.

And I keep doing what I’ve always done.

I eat well. Lots of vegetables! Lots of salads! Lean protein. Organic eggs, organic tea and coffee. Extra virgin olive oil. Omega-3 fats from krill oil capsules and wild salmon.

I don’t eat many processed foods. Most of my diet is pretty much food in its natural state. Pretty much.

I take my vitamins and supplements (including special ones for brain health and bone health).

I also visit a doctor specializing in women’s health and hormones. That’s helped. And having researched the subject, I feel pretty comfortable that treatment will help keep everything inside me glued together properly.

I hope I’ll still be able to sing my ABCs in another 20 or 30 years.

And, of course, I exercise regularly.

I’ve gotten better about a few more things.

I have become more mindful about getting enough sleep and keeping stress levels down.

I pray, in my own way. Fairly regularly, too. I ask for strength to handle my challenges and express my gratitude for my blessings and my life so far.

From what I’ve read, doing all these things helps you stay healthy.

They help you cope better with life’s challenges, whatever they may be.

They certainly have helped me get through some difficult times over the last two decades. And they will help me get through the years ahead.

That’s important. Because I think—can’t say for sure—that once you get past 50 and certainly 55, you get a little “tender.” I can’t think of a better word, really. No, not depressed.

But there’s a mixture of fatigue…flagging motivation…concern for the future and your options…contemplation…questioning your new “purpose” in life…and, yes, touches of regret or remorse.

Some of this caused, no doubt, by the death and/or steady decline of so many hormones. Which, in turn, causes so many other chemical reactions in your body, including dips in your neurotransmitters (brain chemicals).

Certainly, all of this can effect your mood, your drive, your goals for the future. 

I remind myself all the time: Always go forward, never go back.

And if you’re looking ahead and moving forward, you need to take care of yourself.

You’re the engine pulling the train of YOU.

Loaded with all your hopes, dreams, desires, plans—which will be formulated and nurtured and valued and acted upon based on the state of YOU.

Your future will be sized up or down based on your optimism and energy.

So, what choice do any of us have but to take really good care of ourselves?

Now more than ever!

It’s not too late. In fact, it’s just in time!

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Do YOU think about the years ahead and wonder what they’ll hold for you?

What do YOU do to cope with you challenges?

Do you pray? Does it help?