Your Magenta Monday Magic.
How are your holidays going? Have you made some choices about how you want your life to feel? Did you write your mantra? Have you been using it? If so, get in front of the mirror and give yourself a high-five! 🙋🏽♀️
This month is all about the Live BRIGHTer pillar of Health, and we’re looking at it through the lens of empowering ourselves through choice. There is certainly no shortage of opportunities during the holidays to choose mindfully in favor of your health – limiting yourself to 2 glasses of wine at the party, pausing before you grab another handful of candy, sticking with your workout schedule, making sure you get enough sleep – the list goes on.
For the record, I’m not telling you to deprive yourself during your holidays. You can empower yourself to indulge – it’s just about choosing it, versus just letting it happen. That difference is key.
Every time you mindfully choose an action, you are living with intention.
So if you really want another piece of candy, empower yourself by saying ‘I am choosing to have another piece of candy’ rather than mindlessly shoving another 5 pieces in your mouth. (or maybe that’s just me? 🤭)
Health and longevity have been top of mind for me lately, especially because my husband Charlie is 10 years older than I am, and I have a real sense of urgency about navigating the years ahead. I want to feel good – physically, mentally, and spiritually – and I want us both to do as much living as we can while we are able. I don’t want us to waste one minute of this precious life.
We both want to travel as much as possible, so we’ve prioritized our bucket list to schedule the most physically (and financially) demanding trips sooner rather than later because we want to travel while we have the resources to do so!
This intention has gotten me both proactive and curious about how I can increase my longevity. I have always had a rigorous workout regimen, and I eat pretty healthy, but I have started really thinking about all the things I’ve taken for granted up until now.
I feel like I no longer have that luxury, especially as I’ve noticed some changes in my physical self. My menopausal muffin top – a first for me – is stubbornly sticking around despite my best efforts to lose it. My old standbys of tightening up my eating habits and stepping up my exercise no longer seem to be working.
Looking for answers has sent me on a deep dive of learning about my body. I want to do whatever is necessary to ensure it will be able to dance me through the rest of this life… and I wouldn’t mind whittling down this belly at the same time!
I accept that illnesses and accidents are a part of life that I may not have control over, but I would rather be intentional about my health so no matter what comes my way, I will know I’ve done what I can to hedge my bets.
What has that looked like for me?
After hearing a podcast about the numerous health benefits of intermittent fasting – and how female hormones mean women require a specific approach – I bought a couple of books on the subject and am trying it out for myself.
I have gotten really curious about how menopause is affecting my body. I’ve learned that the symptoms go far beyond hot flashes and night sweats. There are also vision issues – floaters, burning/dry eyes; skin crawl – which sometimes feels like restless leg syndrome; dizziness; and tinnitus, among others. And here I thought these symptoms were just a part of aging!
Having seen two doctors who sit on opposite sides of the hormone issue, I’ve finally received confirmation that I cannot take hormones due to having DCIS 10 years ago in my right breast. I was disappointed because there are so many benefits to HRT, but I found solace in finally getting an answer so I no longer have to wonder.
What I’ve also learned is that we’ve been sold a bill of goods ladies! We’ve been told it’s just how it is, we’re aging, get used to it… and that’s just malarkey!
The truth is, that medical school dedicates a very tiny portion of their curriculum to menopause symptoms and treatments, studies have been few and far between due to lack of funding, and up until now, there hasn’t been much interest in understanding this phase of life.
Well, I am here to tell you the tide is turning – there is now a huge wave of Menopause momentum!
From health-tech startups focused on middle-aged women’s health to increased funding for studies on the topic, things are a changin’! If you’re interested, you’ll find a list of resources below.
Monday Mindshift
It’s the 1° shift that makes the biggest difference over time.
"A slight change in your daily habits can guide your life to a different destination." James Clear, Atomic Habits
Regardless of how old you are, there are always things you can do to take your health care up another notch. You could:
Make those maintenance appointments – you know the ones – mammogram, physical, dentist, and my personal favorite, the dreaded colonoscopy. 😬
Schedule some movement into your day – whether it’s at the gym, a dance class, or a (brisk) walk with a friend – add it to your calendar so you won’t wriggle out of it.
Start being mindful of what you’re eating.
Get curious! If you want to know more about your menopause symptoms, look for books that are vetted and well-researched, and check out the ones I mention below.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day! It’s the 1(degree) shifts that can make the biggest difference!
Focus on one thing at a time – this is a process! Celebrate your wins – yes, making that doctor’s appointment counts – and get an accountability buddy if you need one.
Resources:
Dr. Mary Claire Haver - Galveston Diet - Midlife nutrition (I don’t love the ‘diet’ label, but the book covers healthy eating habits for midlife women and does NOT focus on counting calories)
Enjoy!
Living BRIGHTer is...
B - Be Brave
R - Cultivate Relationships
I - Live with Intention
G - Practice Gratitude
H - Prioritize Health
T - Live your Truth
What is Magenta?
The color magenta is one of universal harmony and emotional balance. It is spiritual yet practical, encouraging common sense and a balanced outlook on life. Magenta helps to create harmony and balance in every aspect of life; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
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