My Selfcare Shift

Turning 40 was a turning point in my life—not just a milestone, but a moment of awakening.

For years, I lived in a constant state of anxiety and exhaustion. I poured myself into my roles as a mother and wife, always putting others first. I tried to be everything to everyone, and in doing so, I lost sight of myself. I faded into the background, comparing myself to others and feeling like I was never enough.

But something shifted when I entered my 40s. I realized I didn’t have to keep living that way. I could choose differently. I could choose myself.

That choice led me to develop a self-care strategy that helped me reclaim my energy, worth, and joy. Now, I’d like to share it with you.

Your body is always speaking to you—through fatigue, tension, cravings, and discomfort. Learning to listen is the first step toward healing.

When I started paying attention, I noticed how certain foods drained me. In kinesiology, we refer to these biocidal substances as foods that require more energy to digest than they provide. They can throw your body out of balance, especially if they’re pulling energy from systems like your reproductive or immune system.

Through muscle testing, I help clients identify which foods support their energy (biogenic) and which deplete it. Everyone’s body is different, and tuning in enables you to respond with care.

But energy drains aren’t just physical. They’re emotional too. If you’re constantly saying yes to others and no to yourself, you’re on the fast track to burnout. Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re essential. They protect your energy and allow you to show up as your best self.

Gratitude became my anchor.

On April 23, 2023, I started a daily gratitude journal. That simple practice shifted my perspective from one of scarcity to one of abundance. I stopped focusing on what was missing and started seeing what was already good.

Gratitude helped me feel less overwhelmed. It gave me hope. It created a quiet moment each day for reflection, reset, and breathing. That moment of calm became my foundation for handling stress with more grace.

Intentional living means making choices that align with your values and goals.

It’s choosing movement over inertia. A short yoga session in the morning instead of hitting snooze can energize your body, improve flexibility, and set a positive tone for the day.

Self-care means choosing nourishment over convenience. A balanced breakfast fuels your body, while a sugary one sets you up for energy crashes.

It’s choosing hydration over habit. Reaching for water instead of another coffee or soda supports your body’s natural rhythms.

Intentional choices shape your life. They help you move toward the abundant, vibrant future you deserve.

Letting go is liberating.

I said goodbye to sugar, dairy, guilt, shame, and the need to fit in. I stopped chasing approval and started embracing my worth. I stopped shrinking myself to make others comfortable.

Letting go created space for healing, growth, and self-acceptance. It allowed me to step into my power and live from a place of authenticity.

What do you need to release to move forward?
Take a moment to reflect—and if you feel inclined, share your thoughts in the comments. You’re not alone.

In kinesiology, we talk about the triangle of health—physical, emotional, and biochemical aspects working together to create balance. When one side is off, the whole system suffers.

Self-care helps keep that triangle strong. It’s not about perfection—it’s about alignment. It’s about listening, responding, and choosing what supports your well-being.

Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s sacred.

It’s the daily decision to honor your body, your mind, and your spirit. It’s the commitment to small, sustainable steps that lead to big transformation.

You don’t have to wait for a crisis to start caring for yourself. You can begin today—with one glass of water, one moment of gratitude, one boundary, one breath.

You are worthy of care. You are worthy of joy.
And your best years are not behind you—they’re just beginning.

A Retreat can offer you the opportunity to step out of the rush and take a step back to reflect, rebalance, and rejuvenate. There are numerous retreats available worldwide, offering a variety of themes, including yoga retreats, spiritual retreats, and others. The retreat I offer is held at a beautiful bushveld farm in the heart of the bushveld. My retreat’s primary focus is on self-care for women in their 40s who are battling hormonal changes and are struggling to find their balance. Read more about my BecomingYOU@40 Retreat here.