It’s been over a year since this blog was first launched. My wellness routine had it’s fits and starts, just like my writing spirts. Always cyclical, and sometimes for good reason. Cholestrol + blood pressure hit an all-time low around last April and then it crept up a little, but it’s still out of the danger zone, and I’m still breaking the family/community cycle, staying away from those meds. Looking to food and movement as medicine. Definitively had a healthier 2020 + 2021 than the few years that led up to my original (un)healthy story.

In the meantime, the inevitable happened. I turned 50 last month. It’s going to happen to all of us, the lucky ones that get to be on this earth that long. May we all be blessed with 49 or 50 more. I remember when my maternal grandmother turned 50. So damn old (or so it seemed at that time). I remember her telling me 2 things that have stay etched in my brain: (1) that she always felt young in her head and it was sometimes shocking to her when she washed her face and looked up in the mirror at that old wrinkled person, and (2) don’t forget to moisturize that neck!

Last Sunday was a bit of a mental turning point. I joined my buddy and her (super impressive) daughter, and we did the Arizona Rock & Roll half marathon. “Did” was that we finished 13.1 miles before noon and had the day ahead of us to enjoy – but to be fair, we sucked at it and it was hard. We were not properly trained. But like grandma said in a different context – we still felt like the athletes of yesteryear, at least in our minds.

For me, that simultaneous sense of accomplishment and disappointment, started a great week of work-outs, including reincorporating strength training in a more serious way. And that brings me to this morning and the cross-fit class I attended in our downtown Phoenix neighborhood, Garfield. Decidedly intimidating to walk in, until it wasn’t.

I was the oldest person there by about 15 years and most were in their late 20s. Like the running community, the folks there at Fit Phoenix were encouraging. I adjusted the recommended weight down for 2 of the exercises and did ring pull ups instead of actual chin ups. Otherwise, I hung in and fist-bumped my way out of there at the end of the hour, like everyone else. And it felt great.

If you aren’t ready for bar bells and public sweating and jumping rope with the Gen Z-ers, then check out something you can do at home in the living room. I have a bit of a crush on Adrienne the YouTube Yoga lady. All you need is a space on your own floor and some wifi – otherwise it’s free.

Here’s to taking up space – wherever and whatever that looks like. Have a great weekend and be well.