BLOG 314: THIS SECRET HELPS ME STAY IN SHAPE AT 43

 I get asked almost daily how I ‘stay in shape’ and I don’t tend to answer but now I am.

There one huge and significant answer. It’s all about my mindset. I have never ever gone to the gym or a workout class with the goal to look good. That may sound crazy, but it’s true.

I workout for my physical health, my mental health, my strength, my flexibility, my stability, my energy, my relaxation time, and my self-care.

As I am in my forties now, I also do exercise and eat a balanced diet for my longevity. I want to have as many days with my daughters as I can and if being healthy gives me even just one more day with them, then it’s worth it.

But there’s something else that has become even more important as time goes on: the way I feel inside. I’ve realised that health isn't just about what we do for our bodies, but how we nurture and honor our minds and spirits, too. Every time I move my body, whether it’s through a yoga session, a walk in nature, or any form of exercise, I’m not just working on my physical appearance or fitness. I’m giving myself a chance to clear my mind, release stress, and feel grounded in the present moment.

I live a healthy lifestyle because I love my body, and I feel it deserves to be taken care of like it’s the most valuable thing in my life (and it is). When I take care of my body, I feel stronger, more confident, and ready to take on whatever life throws my way.

I also know what it is like to have chronic illness, to be housebound and bedridden, and I know how freeing it feels to heal myself from this. I believe this is the main reason I live a healthy life. Through my own experience with illness in my early twenties, I’ve learned that our bodies are incredibly resilient, but they need the right care, attention, and nourishment to thrive. This is why I’m so passionate about promoting a holistic approach to health, one that encompasses not just the body, but also the mind and the spirit.

If we exercise and eat from a place of hating our body, then we get more hate. If we exercise and eat to look a certain way, we lose motivation. If we are looking for a quick fix to ‘tone up’ or ‘lose weight,’ this habit stops when we achieve a certain look or a certain weight. It’s an endless cycle, and I am sure this would be exhausting. I’ve learned that true fulfillment comes from within, not from an external image or a number on a scale.

I weigh myself about once a year (or less) because, to be honest, I don’t care about numbers. I don’t count calories either; I have no clue what calories are in food. Yet I make healthy choices for food the majority of the time, because I listen to my body. I trust my body to guide me toward what it needs. Our bodies are incredibly intuitive if we take the time to listen.

I know that the key is learning to honour my body, mind, and soul, and to trust that with each healthy choice I make, I am cultivating a deeper, more meaningful connection with myself. I check in daily with my health and my body using my intuition. I take a moment to appreciate everything my body does for me — from the simple act of breathing to the way my muscles move with grace and strength. I look at my body as the most amazing machine, and I have so much gratitude for it. So I will always treat it with the utmost respect and give it the healthy life it deserves.

If you’re looking to make a positive change in your life, I encourage you to start by shifting your mindset. Focus on how you feel, rather than how you look. Exercise to feel strong, energised, and balanced. Nourish your body to fuel your days with vitality and joy. Have a mindset of gratitude for all that your body does for you.

When you approach health with this mindset, it becomes more than just a routine or a set of goals. It becomes a lifestyle rooted in love, self-respect, and long-term wellness. And in the end, that’s what truly keeps you in shape, inside and out.