FIT at 50 feels like FINE WINE

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1ioQWQvMrDKO8J4udnSx2kx3wEGeR8TNeJ-iHs39jj3iN4slWY_NPy3QpwVBPC7MiBhnIPb9BdxK_PmD6eUKhWUEBSddCGBqmnFripi58aGQoKysvefYEGH5NZ7-fisjliVdcnEWsvw3/s1600/darla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1ioQWQvMrDKO8J4udnSx2kx3wEGeR8TNeJ-iHs39jj3iN4slWY_NPy3QpwVBPC7MiBhnIPb9BdxK_PmD6eUKhWUEBSddCGBqmnFripi58aGQoKysvefYEGH5NZ7-fisjliVdcnEWsvw3/s1600/darla.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This Sunday happens to be Mother�s Day and my 50^th birthday.  Turning fifty does feel like fine wine and it just gets better with age.  I am not going to hide behind the number, be embarrassed because I am a fifty year old woman, or even feel old for that matter.  Age is really a state of mind and overall attitude about self and life in my opinion.  I think the most mind boggling thing is realizing how fast time goes by, and seeing my grown children living their adult lives.  The best thing I can do at any age is be my best self physically, emotionally, and spiritually each and every day.  I will always be a work in progress until I take my last breathe and how great is that.  <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><br /></b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><h3><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/total-health/nmmay2014virt/2014042901/56.html#56" target="_blank">Check out my "Fit at 50" Feature in Natural Muscle Magazine</a></span></h3></div><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfOZon39fYm5pYu3aCDlD_7PvUCGLiOUH6OGMETZOPYG6ZCMzo_R4g61wbihEUnEz4Sqdw-3oc3q5bJXE73-G-qRH7pTpl9vjUIcP9eivyEjsyvrzgdfGulzXK3jT7UOl7dGsOqU2GplE/s1600/NMM+Darla+Leal+Feature-page-002.jpg" width="247" />        <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-dYObkLWC8MR9z6y6UMMNH48Tx4dLpUq29v0gHOQGwG3h11ZPSYPFuP1x2zlZvj_EANjatEztQ2wQU-JgtGTWNsjKuWaEXWIt57O8puCPOWaQwc4zP39Q2Ew7nv7mwOX7_AVelqL_-CP/s1600/NMM+Darla+Leal+Feature-page-001.jpg" width="247" /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp9br8YthhYtCkPEl3WxP2i7rkdO1Elun6hywwgEYDv5wBxjqGgZAoiwo7qP-gh9zBBh0nk4p-_jid9rKrGSHoHSpwqEG1sqvbOvi7-XXApHg_C8x_zospPMp4LSE_DsI3wXhE1mBwowm/s1600/better-with-age.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp9br8YthhYtCkPEl3WxP2i7rkdO1Elun6hywwgEYDv5wBxjqGgZAoiwo7qP-gh9zBBh0nk4p-_jid9rKrGSHoHSpwqEG1sqvbOvi7-XXApHg_C8x_zospPMp4LSE_DsI3wXhE1mBwowm/s1600/better-with-age.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Living 50 years has provided me lots of education, and I am not just talking about my college degrees or even my fitness certifications.  I am talking about the wisdom that comes from living life.  I am a woman who has journeyed through lots of crap to get to the cream, and learning how to process all that along the way has been a challenge and a blessing.  Just like a great red wine as it matures becomes smoother, more palatable, and carries the flavors and scents of the work in the oak barrels, my life resembles this fabulous growth in a positive way.  I have always looked at circumstances from a point of view of �what can I learn from this to make me a better person?� As all of you who follow my blog know, I am a Christian and I have definitely leaned on a power greater than my own during my maturing process.  All I can be is better than the person that I was yesterday and I have had 18,250 days on this earth to do that and counting.  I feel it is truly an honor and privilege to be gifted each day.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0S99fHxMFW2OKwATeHJujnct8BCWu0bb3LuWm7SsQ5b38uvOCbPljh5Xrr5OPo8rn5aY9RmLyNL4YCUP_8BNvRWofCTSrF2GEa5uOM9v50e7Gjzkom7gVq7vQP5HV8X-0MXzbCL67SE0/s1600/better+than.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0S99fHxMFW2OKwATeHJujnct8BCWu0bb3LuWm7SsQ5b38uvOCbPljh5Xrr5OPo8rn5aY9RmLyNL4YCUP_8BNvRWofCTSrF2GEa5uOM9v50e7Gjzkom7gVq7vQP5HV8X-0MXzbCL67SE0/s1600/better+than.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeZ8hLWMvXlXzFogQq-A9yuy2inwrbgQvRxPAmDGw-UmVrJumOOKjQUSk-2Md9qHapSwVL921mbuD4jxD6uqJVwo4HxXFRn_labZ_YcA7rskHY8zQgNxS9OuPMdlFfMEMEi0ykzfElECN/s1600/e1804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeZ8hLWMvXlXzFogQq-A9yuy2inwrbgQvRxPAmDGw-UmVrJumOOKjQUSk-2Md9qHapSwVL921mbuD4jxD6uqJVwo4HxXFRn_labZ_YcA7rskHY8zQgNxS9OuPMdlFfMEMEi0ykzfElECN/s1600/e1804.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">A milestone is an important event and I do believe that turning 50 has proven to be that for me.  I celebrate that I no longer �Sweat the Small Stuff� of my immature younger self, no longer seek the approval of others to feel acceptance nor do I really care what people think of me.  It is an age of freedom in many ways as life comes full circle in meaning of what is truly important.  My husband, children, family and friends come to mind when I think about the meaning of life, and helping as much as I can to take care of my parents, spend time with those I love, and getting lost in the kid in me and not take life so seriously that I forget to live.  I do not care if dust bunnies live under my sofa, or if the bed goes unmade for the day if I make the choice to spend quality time with my hubby or kids.  I want to be a woman of �no regrets� as I journey into the second half of my life.  <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFTTuy3DCw-StoWYkd-ssn739Sm_ypfcCSoDUaedX-pK8PzjzTRVPBvNE378zE4VljUGeYSh1HIjYjrtsflyTiroyXrBctDxlAypyrDNharLt77-CBDZBtSruQKC6F-d0SvvwpAmJ7qd0/s1600/10155972_797371590273042_2391417620577890399_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFTTuy3DCw-StoWYkd-ssn739Sm_ypfcCSoDUaedX-pK8PzjzTRVPBvNE378zE4VljUGeYSh1HIjYjrtsflyTiroyXrBctDxlAypyrDNharLt77-CBDZBtSruQKC6F-d0SvvwpAmJ7qd0/s1600/10155972_797371590273042_2391417620577890399_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">My idea of health and fitness at fifty is taking care of me so that I can have a quality life for as long as I am here.  I want to feel good, strong, confident, and sexy and I know it will take consistency of living my healthy lifestyle to maintain that.  I do the best that I can with my abilities, and modify when I need to along the way.  I am not here to impress anyone or compare myself to others in my journey of living a fit life, but I do want to motivate others to live a healthy life.  The beautiful part about my passion for health and fitness is that I have turned that passion into my occupation, and it is such a joy that it never feels like work.  <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyz9cSRx7AyIhHj-ztJbPEBmgF0Cmndq3z0rOXsSGhoQoahWVxmNJQrNMOBoF0WTqqcvMKNcA-6TYDn_TRIEqx_sfnHAf3t_ZLUmfO_ydZi4SsVyzHP0CsdoBRUNmtB93Y29s7UYp3pski/s1600/httpwwwpinterestcompin5547168790738217921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyz9cSRx7AyIhHj-ztJbPEBmgF0Cmndq3z0rOXsSGhoQoahWVxmNJQrNMOBoF0WTqqcvMKNcA-6TYDn_TRIEqx_sfnHAf3t_ZLUmfO_ydZi4SsVyzHP0CsdoBRUNmtB93Y29s7UYp3pski/s1600/httpwwwpinterestcompin5547168790738217921.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I am not saying that there are not days that I feel every bit an older woman because those days do come around, especially if I am struggling with my hormones and lack of sleep.  There is nothing worse than feeling sluggish and having low energy to the point of not feeling like hitting a workout, or for that matter getting out of my pajamas. On the other hand, I have learned to accept this new and improved Darla who can now accept the changes that go along with this journey.   I do not always like it, but what is my alternative?  I focus on as much positive as I can, surround myself with positive, and get rid of anything that does not nourish my mind, body and soul.  <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mdzsL59DWEAypGmAns9v5cS_e0G2hllfwyyEOmv_cxvHFNjb9GQCUF6yF0Ap0MbZZNCKFskEI-aqXbiITitwj1TT1npRWaWbStpNiowji9gKCsqcfDpFrnpPRQSsQsbCKk57Mo1rK6Jp/s1600/tumblr_mdjeo3AJNT1rn8v95o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mdzsL59DWEAypGmAns9v5cS_e0G2hllfwyyEOmv_cxvHFNjb9GQCUF6yF0Ap0MbZZNCKFskEI-aqXbiITitwj1TT1npRWaWbStpNiowji9gKCsqcfDpFrnpPRQSsQsbCKk57Mo1rK6Jp/s1600/tumblr_mdjeo3AJNT1rn8v95o1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I am a very simplistic 50 year young woman and quite comfy in jeans and tank top, but can also enjoy a dress up date with hubby.  I have become a great listener and really love to dig deep into people�s feelings and passions about themselves and life.  I love to laugh, enjoy the balance of work and play, and feel that I have learned the importance of this along my fine wine journey.  I feel less stress and more relaxed with who I am at 50 and look forward to what 60 has to bring.  <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>I want to dedicate this Blog to my beautiful Mother.  I love you dearly, and wish you a very Happy Mother�s Day!<o:p></o:p></b></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKedUqASeDB_T0Saxm0gkoqBpJqB4Ze5yFJNKY_J8GqKawzrYpPNTWSZuzlU23X7TKsGwQ-lfpVxVAF6ZwDnmbyE_EGQBka1TQ7FiY6uVD6qEbD6nRlSZH0PCUMDkXX7z5hcSZihbPtONV/s1600/mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKedUqASeDB_T0Saxm0gkoqBpJqB4Ze5yFJNKY_J8GqKawzrYpPNTWSZuzlU23X7TKsGwQ-lfpVxVAF6ZwDnmbyE_EGQBka1TQ7FiY6uVD6qEbD6nRlSZH0PCUMDkXX7z5hcSZihbPtONV/s1600/mom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>ME AND MY FABULOUS MOM AND FRIEND</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI26sOAq3tenVMxFIMPQhm4uKk0VaDT7V4ID_sS-5C6kpm2aU4tNue9VVuyM6VxNNdbxQfdcnzKkIKYxHKLq8k9yVCdnr642-8IR2Q5UXPw_edKv6UQi1fwRXVHIdbZelWC33el0Izq6k7/s1600/HappyMothersDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI26sOAq3tenVMxFIMPQhm4uKk0VaDT7V4ID_sS-5C6kpm2aU4tNue9VVuyM6VxNNdbxQfdcnzKkIKYxHKLq8k9yVCdnr642-8IR2Q5UXPw_edKv6UQi1fwRXVHIdbZelWC33el0Izq6k7/s1600/HappyMothersDay.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMF7WwGYeOZlbWVVBY1lnkQVNpklKhtZKtsHk5QfZztOWfcBWeCGrGOYThrj0QKhtc1zl47QLpVwhrobkg2mrq6_c4o5qOP4Yo0BAxhvf8FOaJqGxOwh_WO5OWC-uTi515t3YytnGTbU60/s1600/age.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMF7WwGYeOZlbWVVBY1lnkQVNpklKhtZKtsHk5QfZztOWfcBWeCGrGOYThrj0QKhtc1zl47QLpVwhrobkg2mrq6_c4o5qOP4Yo0BAxhvf8FOaJqGxOwh_WO5OWC-uTi515t3YytnGTbU60/s1600/age.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list.  If you are inspired, LIKE my entry, leave a comment and I look forward to responding!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://www.stayhealthyfitness.com/" target="_blank">Stay Healthy!</a><o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Darla</i></span></div>

FIT at 50 feels like FINE WINE

This Sunday happens to be Mother�s Day and my 50 th birthday.  Turning fifty does feel like fine wine and it just gets better with age.  I ...

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