by Sue Hodgson –
What does living well mean to you? Balancing macros, juicing greens or putting time in at the gym? Or is it being without anxiety about one’s imperfections, learning to improve through failure and pain, and trusting the force of renewal that naturally springs from a softer inner core?
Looking and feeling younger is an approximately 60 billion dollar-a-year industry: that’s millions of hormone treatments, plastic surgeries, skin creams, supplements and fitness regimes. As I gracefully age in my 50s, being healthy means the same to me as it did in my 20s, but the accumulation of years has had an inevitable affect on my body. The older body doesn’t bounce back from an injury or tough workout as it once did. And when you are constantly bombarded with messages and news about the latest anti-aging treatments and fitness methods, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
I often think we have to choose what our “grace” is; it could be about feeling great and staying healthy as much as it is about maintaining our looks. But let’s face it: it can be tough getting older. I feel very fortunate to have so many well-established professionals in our community who I can rely on for aid; whether it’s my massage therapist, local vitamin shop, or our community centre.
In this issue of Seaside Magazine we have so many stories to amp up your quality of life and power your ability to feel amazing. Stephanie Staples (pg 10) goes on an indoor fitness quest in Sidney, while writer Jo Barnes (pg 12) and Dr. Kristen Bovee (pg 27) talk smart heart health. Enrich your life and the life of others by volunteering at Panorama (pg 15) and if you’re feeling the push of putting new energy into your life, put on some of your favorite athleisure clothing (pg 28) while trying your hand at Nordic Pole Walking (pg 21)!
Frowning furrows your brow, imprints your face with unpleasant expressions and can add years to your appearance, so head on over to Cowland’s Chronicles (pg 55), as it will make you chuckle and put a smile on your face – remember: while smiling may add crinkle lines, it also brightens your eyes, plumps your cheeks, makes your whole face shine and may even make you feel better.
So, when you see me next I’ll be all smiles, hoping you won’t notice any of my age lines as you’ll be too focused on my inner glow and my pearly whites!
