What true vitality looks like
Watching my parents live out what true vitality looks like never stops inspiring me.
This past weekend my mom (current age 76) participated in the Candy Cane 5K. And yes—there were plenty of perfectly reasonable excuses not to. It was bitterly cold. The race started early. Age could have easily entered the conversation. But not once did she hesitate. Instead, she met up with her friends without a single mumble of concern, laced up her shoes, and showed up with both joy and determination. She took home the best time for her age group and crossed the finish line with a smile—just like she always does.✨
What inspires me most isn’t just the medal—it’s the consistency. It’s her commitment to daily movement, cardiovascular health, strength, balance, and resilience. It’s her understanding that the body is meant to move, adapt, and thrive when cared for over a lifetime. She doesn’t train just for races—she lives in a way that supports longevity, independence, and vitality. She meets friends at the gym each morning- rain, snow or shine at 5:30am.
My dad (current age 76) inspires me in a different but equally powerful way. He still works hard, stays mentally sharp, and remains deeply engaged with the world around him. He values meaningful conversation, laughter, curiosity, and connection. If you know him… you know. 😉
He is a reminder that brain health, purpose, and social connection are essential pillars of wellness. Staying intellectually curious, emotionally present, and relationally invested keeps the nervous system nourished and the spirit young.
One thing that has always stood out about both of them is this: their daily vocabulary is completely absent of phrases like “we’re just getting old” or “this is just what happens when you age.” That narrative has never taken root in their home—or in their thinking. Instead, they speak life, possibility, responsibility, and gratitude over their bodies and their years. They understand that while aging is inevitable, decline is not something to passively accept or quietly surrender to
Together, these two are a living example of what total health truly looks like. It’s not just about setting goals—it’s about honoring the body through movement, nurturing the mind through connection, strengthening the heart through positive friendships, and grounding it all in faith and spiritual growth. It’s choosing joy, discipline, and engagement at every stage of life. It’s showing up—especially on the days when it would be easier not to.
I am endlessly grateful for the example they set and the standard they live by. Their accomplishments aren’t found in any single achievement, but in the beautiful integration of many—physical vitality, mental clarity, emotional resilience, faith, perseverance, and community.
Throughout my professional career, I have had the honor of journeying alongside individuals across a wide spectrum of ages and circumstances, witnessing countless stories as I support others through their wellness journeys. Of all those stories, my parents’ lives stand out as two that inspire me beyond measure. They continually remind me that health is not a destination to arrive at, but a lifelong journey—one meant to be lived fully, actively rather than passively, faithfully, and with a whole lot of heart.
May we all be mindful of the words we speak over our bodies, the choices we make each day, and the example we set for those who are watching. True vitality is built in the small, faithful decisions made over time—and lived out with intention, gratitude, and joy at every stage of life.
