On my 40th birthday, I gave myself a new gift. I made myself a promise to honor myself and my needs.

 I chose to become friends with myself.

I woke up early that morning and ran along a nearby river. On that run, with the sun on my face, I made a promise. No matter what happened, I promised to make 40 my best year ever. We did all the things that day. 

I let the kids cook me a fabulous breakfast. We picked fresh strawberries and found a giant Labyrinth to get lost in. We laughed and played all day. 

But the most important thing was that something changed in my brain that day. And guess what? 40 was my best year ever. 

And so was 41, and each year since. 

I am turning fifty in a few months, and I plan on 50 being the best year of my life. And 60 and 70. 

All this is not to say I had no more issues with my body or mind after that. I am still human, after all. But I now have the tools to manage my mind and my habits around food and nutrition.