Over the past 18 months, the Eye-Opening Experience of Caring for Aging Loved Ones has been a big one. My husband and I have taken on the role of caregivers for three elderly individuals with varying health conditions.
This experience has been a wake-up call, showing us firsthand how we want to age and the impact of healthcare options on our quality of life.
Throughout my 30-year career as a nurse, advocating for the well-being of others has always been my top priority. But when it comes to my family, that sense of dedication and determination takes on a whole new level. I become a gladiator, fearlessly fighting for their health and challenging the norms of the healthcare system.
Being a nurse has taught me the importance of strongly advocating for patients and our loved ones. It’s a role that requires fierce determination, unwavering dedication, and the willingness to question the status quo.
Then I had to stop and say, ‘Angela, what about you?
Discovering the Power of Movement and Mindful Eating
I no longer want to work out/exercise or walk for weight loss. I am over ‘the let’s be skinny’ vibe. I am no longer looking to be a specific pants size. I want them to fit, be comfortable and feel good in them.
I want my shoes to be cute and comfortable.
It took me 57 years to say that – and personally, that is way too long.
During one of my walks, I suffered a minor injury, which led me to discover the importance of movement and intentional exercise with stretches.
I visited my chiropractor, who helped release a tight hip flexor muscle, albeit with some pain. Seriously OUCH!!
I have incorporated an app on my phone with guided stretches and movement into my routine, realizing how off-balance I had become.
Motivated by this realization, I committed to being active every day for the past eight weeks. I aim for at least 5,000 steps daily (my average is 2 miles a day) and a 7-minute exercise session with one full circuit. (my average is 28 mins a day)
The results were astounding—42 workouts, each with two circuits completed, 16 hours of active movement, 4,574 calories burned, and the satisfaction of surpassing three challengers in our accountability group.
I first noticed my hip flexors, my lower back muscles are more relaxed, and I am not taking Motrin daily!
As a 57-year-old, I’ve realized the importance of prioritizing meals that nourish my body without depriving myself of food. I’ve identified certain foods that no longer serve me well and cause inflammation rather than providing nutrients. For instance, red meat feels heavy in my stomach and white potatoes cause swelling in my fingers. I’ve also noticed that indulging in these foods can lead to a 2 lb increase on the scale in the morning.
Continuing with something that didn’t make me feel good was pointless. When the 5-day drop came, I saw it as an opportunity to give it a try. I thought, why not? I had nothing to lose but inflammation and maybe a pound.
By the end of the second day, I noticed a significant improvement in how I felt in my own skin. After five days, I had lost 6.2 pounds, which was eye-opening. I had to ask myself, “Angela, you know how effective this lifestyle is, why aren’t you continuing it?”
Incredible how small changes can make a big difference. If you’re ready to shift on your wellness journey and would like to, you can join me as I explore the transformative prioritizing of health and happiness.
Have you ever considered the wealth of wisdom our grandparents and elderly loved ones possess?
Watching the knowledge and experiences of older individuals can significantly impact our own aging journey. Observing how they age can inspire us to change our lives today instead of later.
You might be surprised to find that dedicating five days to self-care can be precisely what you need. I can offer some recommendations for you that I personally used.
- Download my fitness pal (free version)
- Download the Seven App (Paid Version after the 7-day trial)
- Order your five-day drop (Paid version covers a total of 10 days with meal plans)
Aging Gracefully – Eye Opening Experience
Plus, you never know what valuable insights you may gain or what positive changes you may experience. You may not relate to this currently, but I guarantee it is inevitable.
It’s often said that we can either make time for our health or make time to be sick. At 57 years old, I’ve had a wake-up call, and I’m now approaching basic movements with a new perspective.
Are you tired of chasing after society’s standards of beauty and happiness? I know I am. It’s time to embrace a new perspective that prioritizes your well-being and celebrates the joy of simply being yourself.
I’ll share my personal journey and the lessons I’ve learned about health, happiness, and aging gracefully. Get ready to release the pressure and enter a life filled with vitality, balance, and genuine contentment.