AGING GRACEFULLY IN L.A.

First, the Botox.

Let’s start with the obvious. In L.A., Botox is as common as avocado toast and a matcha latte. It’s like a rite of passage. You hit 40, and suddenly, you become conscious that your forehead starts looking like a topographical map or a sheet of composition paper.

So, you do what any sensible L.A. woman does… you head to the nearest med spa and get injected with a substance that’s supposed to make you look like a porcelain doll… NOT! Not me, no uh… not this woman. NO judgment to those who do, as I am a firm believer in ‘you do you’… but here’s the thing: porcelain dolls don’t sweat, laugh, or frown. Therefore, you end up looking like a frozen version of yourself! Horrors! I do not want to lose my laughing but resting b**%^ face! Seeing a fully muscle-involved face smiling and laughing is a gift, everyone. Joy is a gift—it is contagious, and I am proud to be an army for laughing. It is my secret sauce—my natural Botox, endorphins, and serotonin. That joy juice makes me youthful beyond my actual age on this earth.

Trust me, JOY = infinity injections, BOTOX = 0 saving you lots of $$$$$$$. 😉

Second, the Workout Regimen (ahem).

If you’re not already a gym rat, you’ll soon become one. In L.A., age is just a number, and that number better be accompanied by a six-pack. So, you find yourself sweating it out in a class called “Hot Yoga + Soul Cycle Inferno,” which is basically a mix of yoga, cycling, and a sauna. You emerge drenched in sweat, feeling like you’ve just run a marathon. Ladies…THIS IS A DREAM SEQUENCE. Now that I am FULLY AWAKE, the reality is, I’ve had a Planet Fitness membership for 4 years (yes, they did give a free month during the pandemic) and I confess, I’ve never actually used it (except for when I got my badge)! I know it’s a waste of money, but… it’s just so hard to cancel!

I know I should be more fit, more toned, lift weights to strengthen my muscles and support my aging joints. But at 44, I give myself more grace. Grace to be more forgiving to my body, to shape it with long, gentle walks and a minimum of 10,000 steps a day (with or without dogs)… to the occasional sauna to sweat out the toxins and the tiredness of the week… to a full-body massage that makes me feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven. These are my gifts to myself at this point in my life. Sure, I would like to be a size 0-2 with a nice bum and toned back and biceps…but heeeey, I am not mad about it. I do love my body (another 44-year-old milestone—YAY, I can finally say this!). This body has sustained me through the years and witnessed the best and worst of me, and I am thankful I have it.

Planet Fitness = $$$$$, Pen and her body = PRICELESS ➡️ Grace is the answer.

Third, the Fashion Choices.

You’ve got to keep up with the trends, right? So, you find yourself trying to squeeze into those skinny jeans that you used to wear in your twenties. It’s a struggle, but you manage to get them on—only to realize that you can’t sit down without feeling like your legs and that pant button are going to explode. And don’t even get me started on the high heels. They’re like torture devices. But you know what they say, “beauty is pain.” This may have been me years ago, but especially since I hit my 40s, I’ve gained more confidence to wear what I want and not just what I see on others. Yes, I see trends, fashion blogs, TikToks, etc., but more and more, I listen to my own sense of what I believe is my style. It might seem weird or different to some, but I feel comfortable in it. I feel like myself when I wear what I want, the way I want to wear it. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I have so many clothes… (kidding!)

I’m trying to develop and curate my own signature style because…why not? Everyone should! It is, after all, a reflection of you in many ways. It’s my way of expressing my creativity and love for clothes… and shoes! I love shoes so much, but now I gravitate towards what’s forgiving to my feet. Hello, sneaker collection 😊 and platform heels, I love you.

Skinny jeans = negative points, Sneakers = $$$$$. This is where my savings from 0 botox goes, people.

Fourth, the Diet.

Los Angeles might be obsessed with appearances, but true beauty comes from within. Fueling your body with nutritious food is key to feeling your best at any age. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein provides the energy you need to keep up with your busy life. There’s no need to splurge on expensive smoothies from Erewhon to achieve a healthy body! Save the money (unless, of course, you really, really want to treat yourself because hey, they’re good!!!). The key for me is this: Don’t deprive yourself! If you want to eat a certain food, go ahead, but do so in moderation. My personal approach is to eat healthier (LOL!) during the week and indulge a bit on the weekends, but that’s just me. Find your own balance and comfort level. Listen to your body and focus on feeling strong and healthy.

Also, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about food, it’s that you should enjoy eating. Every single bite should be a party in your mouth. Food for me is not only a means of survival but also something that brings me joy. AND I think this is the best way. 😉

KETO and other diets = JOYful and balanced diet = ❤️ ➡️ A healthy, joyful body.

Fifth, the Mindset.

The most important thing is to embrace your age. Yes, you may not be as young as you used to be, but you’re wiser, stronger, and more confident. Let’s say it again, louder for the people in the back: WE are WISER, we are STRONGER, and we are more CONFIDENT. In short, I have grown into myself, into my body, and into my mind. I am not a finished creation yet by any means, but I am able to have the grace to be comfortable in who I am.

And ladies, we’ve lived through a lot, and we’ve come out the other side. So, the next time someone asks you how old you are, just smile and say, “I’m timeless.” Because in L.A. and in life, that’s the ultimate compliment.

Do you, Be YOU. ❤️