Happy Healthy Birthday to Me: Here's a Gift That Gives Back Each Year Motherhood

It’s my birthday. I’m 42 and feel no shame in stating my age. I vowed to get stronger every year when I turned 40 and started a daily yoga practice. At 41, I added cardio and strength training. Last month, I added daily cardio and strength training to my regular yoga practice. I meditate. I pray. I journal to get to the heart of what’s important.

I eat well. I was pre-diabetic at 39. People wondered how a thin person could be pre-diabetic. I ate well, I practiced yoga and kept up with an active preschooler. But, I also ate her animal cookies in the evening and summertime ice cream was too tempting to ignore. I didn’t want my daughter to see me physically compromised as she and I aged. I reduced how much grains and fruit I consumed, stopped all the treats and doubled veggies with each meal (no problem, I love them!). I was no longer pre-diabetic at my physical last year. Last week my labs revealed I am totally in normal ranges for blood sugar.

I read books that inspire me. I marvel everyday at the beauty of the trees as they etch the horizon at sunrise and sunset. These practices keep me well, enhance my life and I've never been healthier. 

What can you do to improve each year?

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire and be inspired.