Why 'Aging Holistically'?
Where Wrinkles & Laugh Lines Wave with Enthusiasm
‘Aging Holistically’ reminds me to approach my second act with a curiosity that doesn’t simply zoom in, but zooms out and grasps the bigger picture of this inevitable journey from birth to death - from learning to building to contribution to completion.
I see the world as one big laboratory, life as one big experiment, and myself a master explorer/experimenter.
Just like I’ve been on a quest, since I was at least 8 years old, to figure out how to expand happiness beyond the current circumstance. Now, I’m on a quest to figure out how to ride this aging wave (take a deep breath) consciously, curiously, honestly, joyfully, playfully, purposefully, guided by wisdom, ready to contribute and be utilized for good, gratitude overflowing, with lots of laughter and dancing, and with no BS.
I’ve cultivated a unique and meaningful lifestyle initiative that encourages personal exploration and provides support for go-getters in their second act on their journey to wholeness and completion (more about these in future posts), which is at the heart of Aging Holistically.
I’ll focus on self-healing; intuitive eating and gentle nutrition; mindful and intentional movement; social connections; mental and spiritual well being; a work-life that’s meaningful and satisfying; and much more that supports a belief that I share with many in the integrative/holistic/mind and body medicine space, that our bodies are living records of our life experiences, we are our primary care doctors, and it’s ultimately up to us to choose and create lives that reflect our inner vitality and joy.
It’s been a culmination of several pivotal points over the years that have converged and gently nudged me, FINALLY, to share and invite you and others like us, who are at a similar crossroads, to explore aging in this online community.
Let’s hit pause, and take a peek behind the scenes for a moment . . .
As a child, I was fortunate to experience a deep connection with nature and healthy living. Summers spent on my grandparents’ farm in Alabama were filled with gathering eggs, feeding animals, and picking fresh vegetables. These experiences, and my dad’s insistence that we understand where our food came from, instilled in me a deep respect for nature and healthy eating. Our family garden and my dad’s job as a produce truck driver provided ongoing access to fresh fruits and veggies. These early experiences laid the foundation for my lifelong appreciation of nutritious food and respect for the natural world.
My journey into holistic health actually started when I faced my first major health challenge in my mid-20s. Diagnosed with S-curve scoliosis, I was told that I would NOT be able to walk by the time I turned 60. This punch in the gut led me to explore chiropractic care, which was considered quackery at the time. Despite skepticism from family and friends, I persisted and found chiropractic care the ‘just right’ solution that has helped me successfully manage my condition. I adjusted my food intake, and have since learned just how much our body reflects our experiences; it’s been eye-opening. I happy to report that I cleared that hurdle, and today I am strong, mobile, maintain good posture, my chiropractor is still part of my wellness team, and I’ve not looked back.
In my 30s, I faced another bump in the road: uterine fibroids. This diagnosis threw my life into a tailspin, but it also sparked a determination to find natural solutions to avoid surgery. I delved into research, adjusted my food intake (again) and incorporated supplements. When I eventually had to face the fact that I had to have a partial hysterectomy, my doctor credited my quick recovery, without blood transfusion or medication, to these proactive approaches.
These experiences, along with alternative approaches like acupuncture, reflexology, guided imagery and more, reinforced my belief in the power of holistic health practices. However, it’s only recently that I came to fully appreciate how deeply our mind, body, and spirit are connected.
Despite my history of navigating health issues through changes in diet and alternative approaches, a persistent sinus infection that resulted in some serious head sensitivity and pain became a turning point. Doctors left me frustrated, scared, and feeling unheard as they focused on alleviating symptoms with antibiotics and steroids, which led to heart palpitations, anxiety attacks and another round of medical input, but no answers.
This experience forced a necessary awakening. I realized I had been neglecting my mind/body/spirit connection. My meditation practice had dwindled, replaced by worry and anxiety. And, I was relying solely on doctors, ignoring my own body’s wisdom.
It was time to reconnect. I stopped relying on external solutions and took responsibility for my own well-being. I ordered all kinds of books related to holistic health, I started working with a health coach, recommitted myself to meditation, delved back into emotional regulation techniques, and moved my sleep time from midnight to 10pm. She appeared at just the right time; and provided the insight, listening ear, and support I needed.
She also tapped into my passion for health and wellness, and suggested I pursue health coaching. The idea caught me off guard, but resonated deeply. Here was the perfect blend of my life and career coaching experience now with a newfound holistic awareness and knowledge, allowing me to support others on their wellness journeys in a more comprehensive way. Excited about the possibilities, I immediately began creating my own curriculum and started researching holistic health coach certification programs.
The one thing that did catch my attention while working with an integrated medicine provider, was that my chi / qi / ki / prana was low, which totally made sense after months of uncertainty, anxiety, and poor sleep. A quick search suggested Tai Chi as a way to increase it, and I found a Body and Brain Yoga and Tai Chi center just minutes from my home. I signed up, dived in, and ten months later I feel SO good. I have a totally different relationship with my body. I definitely have a new mindset and purpose. And, I’m beyond words grateful that I found this community.
My quest has reminded me that true health is a harmonious balance of mind, body and spirit. It’s not just about eating right and exercising; it’s about nurturing all aspects of our being. Our bodies really are mirrors of our life experiences, reflecting the sum of our choices, thoughts, emotions, and connections.
As I embark on my second act, my approach is rooted in the wisdom gained from my childhood experiences, my personal health challenges, and my ongoing journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
My believe in the power of self-healing; natural, wholesome nutrition; mindful and intentional moment; strong social connections in community; and the crucial role of mental and spiritual well-being is unshakable, and my curiosity to continue learning in this space is insatiable.
It’s SO easy in our fast-paced world to lose touch with our true selves. We have to make our way back to wholeness. Together, we can explore the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and experiment with what’s the ‘right path’ for each of us (bio-individuality) to true health and well-being.
We can't keep looking at aging through the same old, tired, Western lens. With kindness and courage, we’ve got to push back against anyone who still expects us to live by those outdated, disrespectful standards about growing older.
Let’s embrace the wisdom of nature, the power of an optimistic mindset, the joy of movement, the benefits of the right kind of connections, and a purpose where we contribute and show up as our true selves so we can experience a well-lived and vibrant life.
Oh, and for emphasis, this Substack is NOT just about my adventures in aging holistically - I’m happy to share. I’ve already established that I’m curious, actually crazy curious, so I want to hear from you. What are you exploring, experimenting with, learning and adopting as part of your approach to longevity and vitality, to aging holistically?