Soul Food … Go On, Have Seconds – We all know it’s happening … and as we get further into our “mature” years we oftentimes become abundantly, and not necessarily happily, all too aware of it. What am I talking about? Well, aging of course!
Yes … lines and wrinkles begin to make their presence known in a rather abrupt and, dare I say, rude manner. Energy levels begin to dip, occasional and even frequent insomnia accompanies our once peaceful slumber and getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night … oh heck … SERIOUSLY!
Now here is where I want to challenge you to pause and take a slight shift in your perception of, and even acceptance of, what aging can be for you if you are willing to step outside of your “not-so-comfort-zone.” You see, aging doesn’t have to be a remaining life sentence of becoming old and having several anti-inflammatories and digestive aids in your supplement protocol. This is not a time to throw in the towel and relax into the mindset of ‘This is what happens when you get old!” I actually want you to remove that sentence from your verbiage. You heard me!
Here are 2 promises I’m willing to make to you right now …
I promise you that you will age … as long as you continue to live, you are going to age. I also promise you that, should you choose to embrace it, you can live a very fulfilling, vibrant, and healthy life as you age. This phase of your life is filled with the potential for incredible growth, and self-discovery, where you thrive; you just need to focus more on nourishing yourself with the right soul food.
I apologize if you were waiting for some anti-aging secret or a Google map to the heavily guarded location of the Fountain of Youth. Sorry … not sorry. Today I’m dishing up soul food and I strongly encourage you to fill your plate and go back for seconds. But first, let’s redefine what it means to age. True health and wellness are not built on a foundation entirely of salads and yoga … though both will certainly go a long way in keeping your body and its systems healthy and strong. Optimal wellness is about listening to your body, honoring its wisdom, and adopting a lifestyle that supports you in living your best life physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is not just about what you eat or how much you exercise. This my friend, is about what lights you up, what fills your cup, and what makes your spirit dance in the rain. What I’m talking about here is the true definition of “soul food.”
Your body is constantly having a conversation with you; at least it is trying to. How often are you an active listener though? The little ache that you have in your elbow that wasn’t there before, the mid-afternoon slump that has you napping at your desk, the sudden and random, insatiable craving for an orange … or was that a mimosa?! By simply and quite effortlessly tuning in to these cues, you can start doing the things that your body wants and needs. This is how making healthy life choices becomes your lifestyle. Now this will change and look different through the various phases of your life as your body changes and ages. This is what honoring your body looks like and feels like. And while many of you may already be very good at doing this, what about the other stuff?
Soul food … so what is it? How do we get more of it? Why does it even matter? Oh, I love talking about this! I’m talking about your passions, your experiences, your hobbies, all the things that ignite the fire that is the very essence of who you are. When was the last time you felt completely joyful? Maybe it was dancing to your favorite song in the kitchen, hiking through a forest trail, or losing yourself in a great book while soaking in a bubble bath surrounded by candles. Those moments aren’t just nice; they’re essential to your well-being when you engage in activities that bring you joy, real authentic joy, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve overall health.
I can literally hear you filling the tub right now!
I want you to really think about this and I want you to start, right now, writing down all the things that literally FILL YOUR CUP. Is it gardening, painting, volunteering, or spending time with loved ones? Whatever it is, make it a priority. Life is too short to put your soul food on simmer indefinitely. And NO, you won’t get to it later … you’ve been tending to everyone else’s soul food for so long that you’ve neglected yours and that is not okay.
Where and how are you getting human connection in your life? Human beings are wired for relationships, and there are studies that show us that strong social ties can increase life expectancy, reduce the risk of chronic illness, and improve mental health. (1) There are many ways to boost the human connection element in your life. You can Join a book club, attend a yoga class, or host a family game night. Be fearless when it comes to cultivating deeper, more meaningful connections in your life because these moments of genuine connection are just as nourishing as any superfood smoothie.
So … what is your soul food? Optimal health and wellness are about so much more than looking good in a mirror or hitting a number on the scale. They’re about creating a life that feels vibrant, joyful, and aligned with your true self; it’s about healthful aging and living with purpose and passion.
So yeah! Get yourself a HUGE heaping plate of soul food … then go back for seconds because you are fabulous and there is so much more awesomeness to live!
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