Celebrating What We CAN Do: A Journey to Positive Aging
Aging brings with it many changes—some we welcome, and others, not so much. It’s easy to focus on what we can’t do anymore, but what if we shifted our perspective? Instead of mourning the loss of certain abilities, let’s celebrate the incredible things our bodies can do. Aging doesn’t mean losing strength, flexibility, or joy in movement. In fact, for many of us, it’s a time to rediscover our bodies in new and empowering ways.
In this post, I want to share some real-life examples of women who have embraced what they can do, found joy in movement, and taken control of their health in ways they never thought possible. It’s a journey toward positive aging—and we’re in it together.
My Journey—Finding Strength After Breast Cancer
After my mastectomy, I faced a long road to recovery. I remember feeling frustrated by all the things I couldn’t do. Lifting my arms above my head hurt, and even simple movements felt exhausting. But rather than giving up, I focused on what I could do—and slowly built my strength back up, one step at a time.
It wasn’t easy, but over time, I regained my mobility and muscle strength. Today, I’m stronger than ever because I allowed myself to move at my own pace. Exercising during recovery wasn’t just good for my body—it helped improve my mood, boosted my confidence, and gave me a sense of control in a time when so much felt out of my hands.
April’s Story—Staying Active After Injury
April’s journey is another powerful example of celebrating what we can do, even when life throws us a curveball. After a fall, April broke her foot, leaving her unable to do her usual exercise routine. But instead of giving up, she reached out for help.
Together, we came up with a plan. I designed a series of chair workouts—cardio, core, and strength—that she could do while healing. Not only did these workouts keep her active and engaged during her recovery, but they also helped her maintain her upper body strength. When she was finally cleared by her doctor, April was able to bounce back quicker because she had kept moving the entire time. She celebrated what she could do, and it made all the difference.
The Power of Focusing on What We CAN Do
Both of these stories, mine and April’s, show the power of focusing on what we can do, even when faced with setbacks. Whether it’s recovering from surgery or healing from an injury, staying active in ways that are gentle on our bodies can help us maintain strength, flexibility, and balance.
Here are a few reasons why celebrating what you can do is so powerful:
- Boosts Your Mood: Exercise is a proven mood-booster, releasing endorphins that help us feel happier and more energized.
- Increases Confidence: As we age, it’s easy to feel less confident in our bodies. But every movement—no matter how small—is a step toward rebuilding that confidence.
- Prevents Injuries: Staying active helps maintain balance and flexibility, which can reduce the risk of falls or other injuries as we age.
- Supports Long-Term Health: Movement isn’t just about today—it’s about keeping our bodies healthy for the long run.
Celebrating Movement in the Be Healthy Enough Community
In the Be Healthy Enough community, I’ve seen so many examples of women embracing what they can do and finding joy in movement. Whether it’s recovering from an injury, working around aches and pains, or adjusting workouts for mobility issues, our focus is always on progress, not perfection.
Every time someone chooses to modify an exercise instead of giving up, or celebrates a small win, they are showing just how powerful this mindset can be.
Celebrate Your Strength, No Matter Where You Are
Aging may change our bodies, but it doesn’t take away our strength, resilience, or the joy we can find in movement. By focusing on what we can do and celebrating every bit of progress, we empower ourselves to keep moving forward—at any age.
So, let’s celebrate what our bodies can do today. Whether it’s lifting a grandchild, stretching out sore muscles, or simply going for a walk, every movement counts. Together, we can embrace positive aging and keep getting stronger, one step at a time.
Want to join a community of women who are embracing what they can do? Check out my online fitness programs, designed for women over 50, where we focus on strength, flexibility, and balance at every level. Let’s keep moving forward together!