For 26 years, I poured my life into my family – raising four beautiful children, building a home, staying married through thick and thin, and even paying off our mortgage. I’ve had many successes that I’m proud of. I’ve retired, and on paper, I should be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of my labor.
But here’s the truth: I forgot me.
In all those years of planning, parenting, and providing, I neglected my health. I forgot to take care of the body that carried me through it all. I forgot to protect the skin that faced the world every day. I forgot that my health mattered too.
Today, I face the reality of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, borderline diabetes, and a fatty liver. And although I smile and love deeply, I also emotionally eat, whether I’m happy, sad, or simply craving comfort. I love food. I love flavor. I love eating. But I also want to live long, feel strong, and look like the woman I know I am inside.
So this is my turning point. This is the line in the sand. I am making a plan, and I’m inviting you to walk this road with me.
Whether you’re just starting out or realizing it’s time to prioritize yourself, let’s plan together. We can compare notes, encourage each other, and build a healthier, happier version of ourselves.
My Health Reclaim Plan
1. Skincare Plan: Nourishing What the World Sees
I want to feel good looking in the mirror. I want to glow again. Here’s how I’m starting:
Morning Routine
Gentle cleanser (non-stripping)
Moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher
Lip balm with SPF
Evening Routine
Double cleanse (oil-based cleanser + gentle cleanser)
Retinol cream (helps with wrinkles and skin renewal)
Hydrating serum (like hyaluronic acid)
Rich night cream
Eye cream (for puffiness and dark circles)
Weekly
Exfoliate 2x with a gentle scrub or enzyme peel
Hydrating mask 1x a week
Body lotion daily after shower
2. Meal Plan: Eating with Intention and Simplicity
I’m following a 16:8 intermittent fasting plan, eating between 10am and 6pm. This gives my body time to rest and reset. Within that window, I focus on vegetables, fruits, and lots of water – while still enjoying flavorful meals.
Weekly Routine
Thursdays – Meal Planning:
Plan meals for one week
- Take inventory of pantry, refrigerator and freezer
Make a grocery list
Fridays – Grocery Shopping:
Buy fresh, whole ingredients
Stick to the list
Fridays – Food Prep:
Wash and chop produce
Prep proteins and grains
Make snacks easy to grab
3. Exercise Plan: Moving with Purpose
I want energy. I want strength. I want to be able to carry grandbabies and garden without pain.
Weekly Plan
- 3x per week: Strength training (light weights or resistance bands)
- 5x per week: 30-minute walk or movement (dancing, swimming, yoga)
- Daily: Stretching morning and night
Tips:
Start small. Even 10 minutes is progress.
Habit stack: Walk while talking on the phone, squat while brushing your teeth.
Keep a calendar or tracker to stay motivated.
4. Medication + Monitoring Plan
I won’t ignore the numbers anymore. I’ll work with my doctor, not against the reality of where I am.
Steps I’m Taking:
Schedule full check-up with labs
Follow the medication for hypothyroid as prescribed
Log blood pressure and sugar weekly
Log weight and daily mood or how I feel
- Complete a weekly review of each week for progress and tweak as needed
Want to Plan With Me? Here’s How You Can Start
Step 1: Take Inventory
What health issues or habits do you want to change?
Be honest about what you’re avoiding or ignoring.
Step 2: Create Your 4-Part Plan
Use my layout: Skincare, Meals, Exercise, and Meds. Keep it simple.
Step 3: Make Small Daily Commitments
Add one healthy meal a day.
Walk 10 minutes.
Wash your face every night.
Step 4: Track and Celebrate
Use a notebook, a planner, or an app.
Write what you did, not just what you planned.
Celebrate every win.
Step 5: Build a Support Circle
Tell a friend.
Find an accountability partner.
Join online or local support groups.
I know what it’s like to give your all to everyone else and forget yourself in the process. But I also know this: it’s not too late to change.
If I can do this now, after retirement, after raising children, after years of neglect, so can you. Let’s not wait for perfect timing. Let’s not be held back by shame or discouragement.
We can heal. We can glow. We can live full, vibrant lives. Not just for others, but for ourselves.
Join me. Let’s rise together – stronger, healthier, and full of life.
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