It's My Birthday AGAIN?!

• By Beth Meirav
• My Blog

Here's what I love about birthdays...it's time to look back (perhaps), but I like to think of it as a clean slate. I think we get to clean slate our lives twice a year (counting New Year's of course). In fact, I am Jewish so I like to believe I can clean slate it (yep, using it as a verb) three times a year (we get an extra New Year's in there in case you didn't know). Yay me! Before we wipe the slate let's see how I did this past year.

Another trip around the sun, and naturally, I’m in full reflection mode. Instead of just letting another year pass by, I had set some serious goals for myself—and guess what? I actually followed through! (Okay, most of the time.) Let me share a little about the goals I’ve been working on this past year and let's see how I did.

Strength: I Hired a Personal Trainer (Shout out to Robert at Athletica!)

Let's get real, menopause sucked away my strength. It's no joke! I don't think I could even beat a 5-year-old in an arm-wrestling match. After telling myself for years that I’d "get stronger someday," I finally took the leap and hired a personal trainer. And let me tell you—this has been a game-changer. Who knew lifting weights could be fun? Well, fun might be an overstatement, but I don't hate it. Now I can (possibly) even take down my daughter in that arm-wrestling match (actually don't tell her I said that just yet). I’m not out there breaking any world records, but I can carry more groceries in one trip than I ever could before. Now that’s progress!

Flexibility: I’m Finally Taking the Time to Stretch!

For years, I ignored the gentle whispers of “you should stretch more” until they turned into full-on body screams. So, this year, I made flexibility a priority. I’ve been dedicating time each day to stretch, and guess what? I'm not sore after a workout anymore. I get up from the couch without saying "oy" (you know you do that!) Stretching has improved my posture, reduced my tension, and honestly, it just feels amazing.

Food Detective Mode: I’m Analyzing What Makes Me Feel Great (and What Doesn’t)

This past year, I made it my mission to really pay attention to how different foods affect me. I didn’t want to just eat "healthy"; I wanted to eat in a way that made me feel energized, light, and fabulous. So, I got curious about what foods make me feel fantastic and which ones make me bloat up like a balloon. Let’s just say, there are a few former "favorites" that I’ve had to kindly escort off my plate. But hey, feeling great every day is totally worth it!

Friends: I Took Time for My People

In the midst of work, wellness, and the craziness of life, I made sure to prioritize one of the most important things—my friendships. This year, I was intentional about taking time for my people, whether it was a quick coffee date, a long phone call, or a much-needed girls' night out. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but making time for friends has filled my cup in ways that no self-help book ever could.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

Perhaps I don't need to "clean slate it" after all. Seems like this year turned out just right!

Here’s to another year of progress—whether it’s lifting a little heavier, stretching a little farther, or simply enjoying the journey. Thank you all for being part of it, cheering me on, and inspiring me to keep pushing myself to grow stronger, healthier, and, of course, happier.

Let’s keep going, friends. Stay fabulous and full of joy!

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