In our twenties and even thirties, many of us had a lax attitude about our health and well-being.  Many of us were lucky to be healthy and thin and had a sense of immortality and felt we would look and feel good forever.  Well things can change very quickly as childbirth, stress, and wear and tear can take a toll on our bodies and minds.  However, as I look around me, I see many of my forty-something friends looking and feeling better than ever.

Many of my friends, whether motivated by health concerns or a mid-life crisis, are taking control of their health and physique.  So many of them are telling me about feeling stronger than ever.  Even people who were never athletic are suddenly training and running races or marathons.  I find this very inspiring!  I have also been attempting to keep ahead of my health issues by exercising and eating better.  I can’t say I look or feel so great but that is due to some physical challenges.  I do know that I would feel a lot worse if I didn’t take measures to be more active and modify my diet.  I think maybe it isn’t until we hit forty that we realize our mortality.  I’m not trying to be morbid, I just mean that we are suddenly plagued with more fatigue, aches, or a couple of wrinkles that we never had before.  I think it is all of this that makes us shift into a different gear to make sure we age as best we can.  We see that some of these changes can be managed and we see that if we want to run around with our kids we have to work at it.

I think it is wonderful that despite slowing metabolism and then onset of some health issues, many of the forty-somethings are revamping their diet and lifestyle in order to look and feel great.  It inspires me to do the same and make sure that I am strong and flexible enough to keep up with my boys for many years.  I’m not looking to run any marathons but if I can maintain more energy and take less meds, then I think less junk food and more gym time is worth it to be in my forties and fit and fabulous!!!