35 Year Check Up

In two months, at the stroke of 2:48p (I think) on December 9, my bells will ring for the 35th time.  And although no one's tinkering with the switch in that on/off kinda way, I feel like it's my halfway point.  Or I just had a numbergasm: I like even things.  And before you say "pray tell, the number 3 & the number 5 are odds," which duh.  I say 35 is half of 70, which is an even number, and I group actual even numerals, halfsies, and splits of things together into one bucket.

Because obviously I'm dancing with one foot over a grave, I've been taking stock of all things Brandi.  Tweak and adjust the things that I'd like to refine; Strive for quality time against what I enjoy or want to pursue, which in the past often came secondary to others.  Especially that last point is just my nature, but it's time for a shift.  Seriously, there's some rad shit I wanna do!


Wellness takes many forms. 

• BODY: I've done the gym thing for nearly 20 years.  You know the routine: mostly cardio, some free weights, comparisons of my body against 'dem other bitches.  Overall it's been a long-form study of just getting by, so the last 12 months I've taken a different approach because insanity.  I've made efforts to understand nutrition and its effects on my individual model unit.  Currently reading about sugars and fiber and proteins.  And I tell you, it's been an incredible WOW experience for approaching food and why holy ballz we have such an unhealthy culture.  I don't ever want to be a statistic, so...
• I credit this simple, long overdue education as an aid to realizating many, many results!  I still continue to learn, because life doesn't stop after a suss.  But check it kids, I'm eating more because I'm eating smarter.  AWWWWWW YEAHHHHH.
• also this
• MIND: I've been seeing a therapist for several months now.  There's always been an internal agitation of emotions and frustrations I didn't know how to handle, and certainly didn't know where to begin expressing.  But as fellow problem solvers are one to do, thought "Well I was never taught how, so I guess I'll figure it out like everyone else."  wrong.  I don't have to feel utterly helpless against the situations my parents put me through.  I don't have to feel downright tethered to my inability to read & articulate my emotions.  I don't have to feel alone.  Nope! I finally have this really swell counselor in my corner, providing tools for change.  CHUCK NORRIS KICK!
• finally found a name for something I may have a mild form of this
• also this

• SKIN: With unavoidable changes due to the environment, aging and that "BODY" update, I've been paying a lot more attention to my skin because I'm seeing shifts.  Face, neck, hands.  For 10+ years, I've used sun block, every. single. day.  I don't squint, I don't frown, I don't raise my forehead when a moment of shock attacks, and I sleep on my back.  I've upped my commitment to washing my face twice a day, using a facial sonic brush, and researching what an epidermis needs at 30, vs 40, vs 50, on till old.  Just like internal nutrition, our skin deserves the same attention to detail.
• I saw our resident dermatologist for a surface check up and his official diagnosis: THUMBS UP!

~~~~~

I don't mind aging, I look forward to it actually.  Because wrinkles are inevitable, I have the means to showcase those experiences in the best way. Or maybe I look forward to the diminishing concern for what others think as the years go on.  But until I admit that, I look forward to additional wisdom, evolution, taking photographs, volunteering, reading, retiring, the things I don't yet know yet, and sharing a solid life with people I care mmensely for.