As I inch closer to 40, I’ve found myself doing a little more reflecting. Not just about where I’ve been or where I’m going, but about how I’m really taking care of myself—mind, body, and spirit.
Yes, I still appreciate the small, lovely things: a smooth blowout that makes me feel put together even when life is messy (thank you, Marlene!), or that quiet morning moment when I can sip my espresso in peace and sometimes organized chaos. But more and more, I’ve been tuning into my body—the one that’s carried me through every chapter of my life so far—with the hope that it’ll carry me through many more.
Last week, I did something I had never done before: I scheduled my very first mammogram. It wasn’t a dramatic moment. It didn’t feel heavy or scary. It just felt… right. After August 25th of this year, I knew it was a box I needed to check—because I matter. Because my health matters.
If you’ve read anything I’ve written before, you’ve probably picked up on this little mantra of mine: You matter. Your health matters.
Maybe you’re like me, about to hit a milestone birthday. Maybe the idea of a mammogram feels far off—or maybe it’s something you’ve already made part of your regular self-care. Either way, can I gently encourage you to start paying attention to what your body is telling you?
Get familiar with it. Do your breast self-exams–and I’m talking to men and women alike. Notice changes. Speak up if something doesn’t feel quite right. And when the time comes—or if the time is now—schedule the mammogram. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it might just save your life.
The truth is, you only get one you. And this world? It NEEDS that you. The you who brings the laughter, the light, the steady strength. The one who pours into others and shows up, day after day—even when it’s hard.
So let’s promise something to each other: to show up for ourselves, too. Not because we’re scared. But because we’re WORTHY.
Let’s normalize taking care of our bodies. Let’s talk about it. Let’s encourage each other to be proactive and informed and unapologetically committed to our well-being.
And now, I want to share something a little personal with you—an update from the moment I first started writing this.
Today, at 2PM, I got a call from the Ann Baroco Center where I had my mammogram done. They saw something on the left breast that they’d like to take a closer look at with additional imaging and an ultrasound.
Is the unknown scary? Of course. But what’s scarier is not knowing—because without knowing, there’s no plan, no path forward.
I’m choosing gratitude. For technology, for compassionate care teams, for my circle of support. And for this platform—to speak to you, woman to woman, heart to heart.
Please, make the appointment. Take the step. And if you’re the praying kind, I’d be so grateful if you’d keep me in yours.
We’re in this together. And I believe in the power of women who take care of themselves—and lift each other up while doing it!
