Account
My Cart
Back
Happy December!
We are officially around the corner of 2025! We made it!
A couple of weeks ago, I shared a quick glimpse on Instagram about my journey with having functional labs done (if you have no idea what I’m talking about, no worries more about this down below). What I will say is that the response was overwhelming—so many of you wanted to know more, which, of course, got me so excited. There’s just something about knowing that what resonates with me resonates with you. Kindred spirits, always.
So, in this month’s editor’s note, I’m sharing more.
The most exciting part: I reached out to my doctor to see if he would be interested in coming on my podcast to chat all about holistic/functional medicine. And he said yes! The podcast is launching in 2025, and to say I’m excited is an understatement.
In the meantime, I’m sharing some of my experiences/thoughts. Click the button below to listen.
Transcript:
Hello, friends…
Welcome to December. The final stretch of the year is here, and I don’t know about you, but every time around this year, I feel this sense of anticipation swirling around me. As the year wraps up, I’ve been thinking a lot—not just about what I’ve accomplished, but about the choices I’m making and how they’re shaping my life moving forward, right into 2025.
Recently, I took a big step in my health and wellness journey, something I actually shared on Instagram. Something that was a huge focus for me in 2024. I got functional lab work done. If you don’t know what that is, functional labs essentially go beyond that standard checkup. Truthfully, as I’ve learned through my own research that, annual bloodwork at your primary physician’s office doesn’t even scrape the surface. These labs give you a deeper look at your health on a more cellular level, uncovering things like hidden toxins, hormonal imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies that might not show up in those routine tests and, if you are my age, in our glorious 40s. You know, some of these things are really creeping up and are things we just need to figure out.
So, when I got my results, I was truly taken aback. Despite the intentional changes I’ve made this year—reading food labels like it’s my job, avoiding processed foods, swapping out toxic products for cleaner alternatives, prioritizing movement—there was still so much my body has been holding onto. Toxins I hadn’t even considered were showing up. It was pretty humbling.
It reminded me of something I think we all need to hear: health is a journey, not a destination. It is certainly something I need to remind myself of. As much as I’ve worked on being intentional this year, there’s always more to uncover. What surprised me the most was realizing how much of what we think is “safe”—from bottled water to everyday cosmetics—is quietly impacting us.
So, if you know me, you know what I’ve been doing. Just digging deeper. Something I thoroughly enjoy on almost any topic that interests me. For instance, I’m now adding regular sauna sessions to my routine, which helps with detoxification. I’m investing in high-quality water filters (I can totally share if you want; just let me know)—not just for drinking but for my shower and bathroom taps. Who knew? Things I didn’t even think about because our skin, our body’s largest organ, absorbs so much more than we realize. These changes feel really big and sometimes overwhelming, and I’m not even saying to go and do what I’m even doing. They’re also small steps toward living more fully in alignment with our own health goals.
I said that in my 40s, I want to look back at my life and just be like I was the healthiest I’ve ever been, and I hope to say the same thing in my 50s and when I’m 60 look back at my 50’s, and so forth, and so forth.
In the process of uncovering these toxins, I was also called to watch the documentary Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones on Netflix. Not sure if you’ve watched it, but if you haven’t, you should. It left me thinking deeply about longevity—not just about living a long life but living a good life.
I was having a conversation with my husband after I watched the documentary because I have someone in my life, I won’t mention who, for privacy reasons, that I feel is someone who, you know, is very well into their life. They are in their 80’s, they are healthy, have a sound mind, and you know, we often say things like, “Wow, this person is 80-something years old, and how beautiful. They’ve lived this long healthy life, and all the things.” And I really sat with that.
Is that true?
This person, specifically, for better lack of words, is miserable. Always pessimistic. Never content. Never joyful. So, is that really a good life? Long, yes. But good?
So, for me, I’m not only trying to live a long life, I’m trying to live a good life.
The people in these Blue Zones, which I thought was interesting, who consistently live to 100 and beyond, share a few simple, profound habits:
- They move naturally—gentle, everyday movement woven into the rhythm of their lives. So, walking and doing their dishes. The smallest of things.
- They have the right outlook—daily rituals that reduce stress and keep them connected to their purpose. Most of them feel they have a purpose. They are in pursuit of something.
- They eat wisely—mindful eating that prioritizes whole, real foods. They normally grow their own vegetables. They avoid processed foods. To some extent, not even realize that’s what they are doing.
- And they connect—fostering deep, meaningful relationships with friends, family, and their community.
So, I’ve been reflecting on how these principles are showing up in my own life. Since moving to the Dominican Republic, I’ve noticed I move more naturally—I walk more, I drive less, and even small things, like washing my dishes by hand, have become little moments of activity. I’ve prioritized eating wisely, not just in what I choose but in how I approach it—like taking time to read labels and truly understand what I’m putting into my body as best as I can. And then there’s connection—this one’s been harder since I’m farther away from family & friends, but it’s a work in progress. I’m learning that connection doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be intentional.
Here’s the thing: I don’t know if any of this will help me live to 100. But I do know that it’s making my life right now more vibrant and more aligned with who I want to be.
So, as we close the year and if you’re feeling inspired to start your own wellness journey (or further the one you are already on), I encourage you to begin with curiosity. Maybe it’s watching Live to 100 or looking into functional lab testing. Or maybe it’s as simple as rethinking the water you drink (my gosh, can we have a whole episode on just the water we are drinking. It’s insane), or it’s the products you use or the way you move through your day.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. You know that’s never the case. But what I’ve learned is that every small change, every mindful choice, adds up. I think that’s my biggest lesson for 2024. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being intentional. Something I remember starting 2024 with… that word in so much focus.
So, with, I don’t know, 20-something days left of the year, let’s carry that intention forward into 2025. Let’s get curious, dig deeper, and create lives that feel aligned, purposeful, and whole.
Until next time, friends—take care of yourselves, Happy Holidays, and have a beautiful start to the New Year.
I have a lot to share in 2025, starting with my podcast, and I can not wait. So, I’ll see you then. Bye.
