Hey friends… today’s episode is going to be a little different. I want to open my heart in a way I haven’t before.

Recently, life dealt me a few heavy blows. I’ve gone through some losses—real, painful ones that shook me at my core. The kind that stop you in your tracks and make you question things you thought you understood.

I thought about keeping this private. About just carrying on with my usual content, smiling through the pain, and pretending everything’s fine. But then I realized something: this, right here, this is life. Messy, uncertain, heartbreakingly beautiful life. And pretending we’re untouched by grief or change robs us of connection. So I chose to share.

Because as much as these losses broke something inside me, they also gifted me something unexpected—a sense of clarity. It came from realizing how precious time really is.

I don’t know how much time I have left. None of us do. But I do know this: I want to live it fully. Fiercely. Honestly.

And today, I want to talk to you about what that means to me.

🎙️ The Wake-Up Call

You know, when you go through something deeply painful—whether it’s the loss of someone you love, the ending of a chapter you didn’t want to close, or even facing the fragility of your own health—your brain doesn’t just process grief. It rewires. Suddenly, you're awake in a way you weren’t before.

That’s what happened to me.

I began asking questions I’d never asked before. Am I really living the way I want to? Do the little things I stress about even matter? When was the last time I felt truly alive?

I realized how much of my time was spent on autopilot—scrolling, worrying about the future, regretting the past, people-pleasing, overthinking. So I made a choice: to stop waiting for the “perfect moment” to start living the life I want.

🎙️ Creating Balance with Intention

Here’s something I’ve come to believe deeply: balance isn’t something you stumble into—it’s something you build, moment by moment. And it’s not about perfection or rigid rules; it’s about listening to yourself, knowing your needs, and honoring both discipline and delight.

I take care of myself—I do. I move my body regularly. I choose food that nourishes me. I make sleep a priority, even when everything else feels more urgent.

But I’ve also realized something equally important: life is not a checklist. You’re allowed to live with intention without being intense. You can enjoy the heck out of a piece of chocolate cake once a week and still be someone who values wellbeing.

Honestly? That cake is part of my wellness plan. Not just because it tastes amazing, but because it represents something bigger—freedom, pleasure, self-kindness.

So now, every choice I make is filtered through a simple question: Is this helping me feel more alive? If the answer is yes—even if it’s a slice of cake—I’m in.

🎙️ Closing Thoughts

So… here we are.

If you’ve listened all the way through, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Truly. You’ve shared this space with me in a way that’s deeply personal, and I don’t take that lightly. Opening up about loss, clarity, joy, balance—it’s vulnerable. But also deeply freeing.

I don’t know what tomorrow holds. None of us do. But what I do know is that today—this moment right here—is mine. It’s ours. And we get to choose how we spend it. Not perfectly, not fearlessly, but intentionally. Boldly. Lovingly.

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Today my guest is Tami Edwards. She is a woman I met online and know that we would have become friends if we had ever met in person.

She is 58 years old and retired from her 34-year career as an educator one year ago and now works her own online business with Nu Skin. She helps women to look and feel their best as they age. Nu Skin's motto is "all the good, not the bad" so the products are made from all plant-based ingredients.

In her younger years, she taught Jazzercise. She worked out to look good and has always struggled with food cravings. She even gained 20+ pounds when going thru menopause; however, she worked with a hormone specialist and was able to drop the extra weight.

Now she works out to stay healthy and strong - not to look good but to function well. She is very active and wants to keep doing this as long as possible. In her own words, she says that she wants to be independent and "not need someone to help me get off the toilet" in her later years. Her and her husband love to be outside - she calls it her therapy. Nature recharges her.

She exercises for only 30 minutes 4-5 times per week. She eats healthy and follows an 80/20 rule - healthy food 80% of the time and 20% treats.

Her purpose in life is two-fold:

1. Family

2. To be a source of joy and positivity in the world - she wants to help others.

Her social media posts are inspirational so I would encourage everyone needing a bit of motivation to follow her.

Her contact details are below:

(7) Facebook

(2) Instagram

www.facebook.com/DeliberateAging

"Meditation—maybe you’ve heard about it in a yoga class or seen it pop up on your favorite wellness blog. It’s trendy, yes. But it's also timeless. And if you’ve ever thought, 'Am I doing this right?'—you’re in the perfect place.

You may already know that I’m a certified yoga therapist, and meditation is one of those practices I’ve taught again and again—yet it's still the topic I get the most questions about.

What Is Meditation, Really?

• Broad definition: Meditation is a focused practice that trains your attention and awareness. It’s about observing your thoughts—not stopping them.
• Metaphor: Imagine your thoughts like leaves floating down a stream. You don’t have to chase them, you just notice them as they pass.

"It’s not about emptying your brain—it’s more like giving your brain a gentle task so the rest of you can rest."

Styles of Meditation

1. Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness means being fully present in the moment, intentionally and without judgment.

2. Body Scan MeditationOverview: This style promotes body awareness and is great for managing tension or chronic pain.

3. Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)Overview: Focuses on cultivating compassion—for yourself and others.

4. Mantra Meditation: Involves repeating a sound, word, or phrase to quiet mental chatter.

5. Walking MeditationOverview: Great for people who find sitting uncomfortable or prefer motion.

6. Guided Meditation Overview: Ideal for beginners or those who like structure. Often delivered via audio, video, or live instruction.

FAQ Section: Common Questions from Students

Q: My mind keeps racing when I meditate. What am I doing wrong?

Absolutely nothing. Your mind isn’t broken—it’s just busy, like a puppy full of energy.

Q: Do I have to close my eyes?

Nope, not at all.

Q: I can’t sit still. Can I still meditate?

Definitely. Meditation doesn’t require stillness—it requires attention.

Q: A formal meditation practice doesnt appeal to me, what else can I do to reap the benefits?

Activities where you are “in the flow” are forms of meditation.

Closing and Integration

"Meditation is not a destination—it’s a companion for your journey. Whether you spend 3 minutes breathing deeply or take a mindful walk around the block, the practice meets you where you are.

And if you're thinking, 'I’m too old to start'—I’ve got news: your brain is always ready for new beginnings.

Personally, I try to meditate daily using 2 apps on my phone – Calm and Insight Timer. I’ll be honest, some days are better than others but I keep trying. I am striving for consistency and not perfection.

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