(realized that I posted this in another community in October but never in mine, so here we go :) ). Confession: I have a hard time seeing myself in the future (getting older) while at the same time, even though I think about mortality on the daily, I have a hard time actually picturing myself dying. I look at people that are older and wonder "I wonder if I'll make it to that age"--the sense of time is just something that seems elusive...real, but not. BUT, here I am, living and getting older (I'm grateful!)...and this got me thinking about living in a way that truly embodies wellbeing... which got me thinking further about Blue Zones and how the individuals in these areas seem to REALLY be living--they're not just physically healthy, but they seem to really be living in a wholesome way. So..I wanted to know more and learn how I can embrace the aging process in a more wholesome way. And I want to hear from you...how are you approaching this whole living thing? Here are some things that I learned about these Blue Zones: 💫Blue Zones are regions where people consistently live to be 100+ while maintaining good health, strong minds, and deep connections. What Blue Zones have in common: 🥗 Eat mostly plants (like 90%): Meals are rich in beans, veggies, nuts, and whole grains. Meat is more of a side dish than the star of the show. They get their protein, but they get it through mostly plants! 🚶 Move naturally : Daily life includes walking, gardening, and doing things by hand. Functional movements. 💞 Stay connected: Strong social bonds, family ties, and a sense of belonging are central to their health--this has become increasingly important to me as I've aged.. 🧘 Find purpose and peace: Each person has a reason to get up in the morning. They practice slowing down, whether through prayer, community, or mindfulness. 🍷 Enjoy life in moderation: Many share meals, laughter, and even a small glass of wine with friends. Balance is key! (side note: although people have said that a glass of wine improves heart health--it's a depressant so it 'relaxes' the body in some ways--it is still a toxin for the brain, even in small doses--so I wonder if there are other factors at play here)

I spent some time thinking about water this morning. The symbolic nature of it--that seems to exist in many cultures and religions-- and also the very practical necessity for it. I spent time in gratitude for having access here--globally, there's a scarcity. Conflicts/tensions are increasing due to want of this access... Access that I take for granted...In fact, I laugh at myself that in spite of the abundance here, I forget to drink it and sometimes even when I remember, I don't take the time to get up to get some until I'm parched (By this point, dehydration and it's effects, certainly has set it). I deprive my body of a basic need--a need that has dire consequences when it goes unmet. In this post, I'm encouraging others to partake of this life source...make it more accessible (in line of sight) if you're like me and are forgetful or too zoned in on something else. Make it an intentional practice to nourish your body. ✨ Key Benefits of Drinking Enough Water: - 🧬 Cell Health: Every cell in your body relies on water to function properly. Hydration helps with nutrient absorption, oxygen delivery, and the removal of toxins, keeping your cells strong and energized. - 🧠 Neural Health: Your brain is about 75 percent water. Proper hydration improves concentration, focus, memory (maybe this is why I forget to drink it--maybe it's already impacting this), and even mood. Dehydration, on the other hand, can lead to brain fog, fatigue, and irritability. - 💪 Energy and Performance: Water regulates body temperature and supports muscle performance. Even mild dehydration can cause decreased strength and endurance. - 🌿 Digestion and Detox: Water aids in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and flushing out waste. It keeps your digestive system moving smoothly. - ✨ Skin and Appearance: Hydrated skin looks healthier, clearer, and more radiant. Lack of water can lead to dryness and dullness. - ❤️ Circulation and Heart Health: Water supports healthy blood flow, which carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body while maintaining blood pressure balance.

The live session yesterday opened a lot of eyes — people finally understood their patterns, their burnout, their emotional load. Awareness is the beginning of change. Always. What’s one internal shift you’ve been wanting to make before the year ends?

I hope this helps some of your crew @Georgiana D I know this has been such a confusing topic for so many of my people, on skool And in person! https://open.substack.com/pub/joshhaag/p/bulking-vs-cutting-the-no-bs-guide?r=4bjill&utm_medium=ios

This is a post that is NOT written by me. It's written by @Kate Galli and she runs: plant-positive .A group where vegan and plant curious individuals can connect and prioritize their health. I asked that I share this in the group because I think that it's something worth keeping in mind as we approach a season that is known for overindulging. The sleep part really stood out to me... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you subscribing to the BEAT Body or BEST Body mindset this holiday season? In the world of beat body, a focus on restriction and enduring dominates. But, there’s another option: Best Body! Meet Ms/Mr Best Body- not perfect, not saintly, yet smart. Best Body treats their body like a best friend- with appreciation, respect, and a little forethought. Let’s break it down -three holiday situations, two very different approaches: 🎉 1. At the Christmas Party ❌ Beat Body: Arrives starving.Hasn’t eaten properly all day. Attacks the canapés like they’re life rafts. Washes them down with free bubbles (because, duh, they’re free). Then the next-day “recovery binge.” We’ve all been there. However, here’s the truth: “Free” for your wallet isn’t free for your body. The time and energy you’ll spend trying to “work off” those choices? That’s the real cost. 💚 Best Body: Eats normally throughout the day. Grabs a quick, nourishing snack before heading out. Enjoys a couple of vegan snacks, skips the rest without FOMO, and if drinking, keeps it simple (vodka soda, red wine — no sugar bombs). When the night’s done, Best Body has a plan, even if it’s just a “defrost and microwave” option like lentil curry made last weekend. Hydrate. Refuel. Sleep. Done. 😴 2. When Sleep Is Lacking ❌ Beat Body: Wears exhaustion like a badge of honour.“ Party hard, I’ll catch up in January.” Running on caffeine, sugar hits, and willpower fumes.