THE C.D. DIARIES | The Last Year of My 40s

Another July in the books. Another birthday. This year I turned 49. It’s hard to believe that next year I will have been on this earth for half a century. I’m actually excited for a new decade. This final year of my 40s feels like the perfect time for a “glow-up” before I turn 50. My intention this year is to focus on building better habits so I can wake up everyday feeling healthier physically, mentally and spiritually. This year has already been a challenging one. Hard decisions, changes and many unknowns are in progress with more on the horizon. My goal is to do the work this year so I can walk into the next chapter with confidence, clarity, and vitality. 

Eight months ago, my 81 year old father was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic pancreatic cancer that has spread to his liver and his lungs. He is currently receving palliative chemotherapy with treatments every three weeks. The goal is to control tumor growth, ease symptoms, and improve quality of life. This month he completed his 13th treatment. He has been responding well to chemo but struggles some with the side effects and is currently experiencing more pain in his abdomen like he did in the beginning. He has doctor visits weekly and I take him to all of his appointments. My mother, also 81, is living with dementia and unfortunately isn’t able to help care for my father. Being their only child, I have stepped into the role of caregiver for both of them. 

I am also a mother/caregiver to an autistic adult son. He currently lives at home and is taking college classes studying music production. My focus is on helping him navigate adulthood and learn independence. Driving is a goal of his but for now, I drive him anywhere he needs to go. 

I can’t leave out that I’m a wife to an amazing husband. I also have a bonus son, bonus daughter, a son-in-law and three beautiful grandkids.  

In this new season of caregiving, I’m learning the importance of being the healthiest version of myself so that I can provide the best care possible for my loved ones. Rest, movement, nutrition and connection are the core pillars I attempt to achieve each day. I have to admit I struggle to fit it all in most days. I try to give myself grace to not have it all together. It’s difficult, but I’m trying. I’m also working on practicing daily gratitude in this challenging time. Taking the time to notice and appreciate the good things in my life keeps me from drowning in self-pity, complaints, and negative thoughts. Although life feels heavy and can be overwhelming at times, I’m trusting God to give me peace, comfort, and strength to keep going. To keep showing up everyday for my family.

Intentions I strive to acheive daily:

I will look for joy and beauty in the everyday

I will be intentional

I will have compassion for others

I will radiate God’s love, peace, and joy

I will choose kindness and laugh often

I will be strong and courageous

I will empower and encourage others

I will care for my body, my mind, and my heart

Below are some of the things I’m reaching for daily, the tools that are helping me feel strong, energized and nourished. I hope that you find something that resonates with you.

Xo,

PIQUE HYDRATION

I began using this electrolyte protocol two months ago and I absolutely love it. Both supplements target different layers of biology–surface and cellular–to deeply hydrate from the inside out. B•T Fountain | Beauty Electrolyte (AM) is packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for skin radiance and hair support. I mix 1 sachet with 16oz of water first thing every morning to activate hydration, energy, and glow.

R•E Fountain | Calming Electrolyte (PM) is formulated with magnesium for calm, rest, and recovery. Before bed every night I mix 1 sachet with 16oz of water to unwind and prepare for restful sleep. I treat this deep hydration protocol as an extension of my morning and evening skincare routine.

DAILY SUPPLEMENT STACK

I have been using IM8The Beckham Stack: Essentials Pro + Longevity Set for 60+ days and can feel a huge difference. I was looking for a comprehensive daily nutrition protocol plus advanced anti-aging science in one ritual and this one is checking all the boxes for me.

IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials PRO is an all-in-one powdered daily supplement designed support energy digestion, immunity, muscles/joints, brain function, skin/hair, heart health and hydration. It contains 90+ ingredients including vitamins, minerals, greens/superfoods, antioxidants, electrolytes, probiotics/prebiotics, amino acids, CoQ10, MSM, and other specialty ingredients.

IM8 Daily Ultimate Longevity targets cellular energy, autophagy/cellular cleanup, metabolic pathways, oxidative stress and other processes associated with aging.

I mix the 2 IM8 sachets with coconut water along with Agent Nateur’s holi (mane) and Agent Nateur’s holi (radiance) for collagen, skin, hair, and nails. I do this first thing in the morning before coffee.

NUTRITION

Lately I’ve been focusing on lowering inflammation in my body. The Brain Health Kitchen: Preventing Alzheimer’s Through Food is the most recent addition to my cookbook collection. It’s more than a cookbook; it’s a guide to eating with intention for long-term brain health. I have been drinking the Easy Greens Smoothie (page 108) every morning. It’s easy to make and so delicious. Meal’s That Heal: 100+ Everyday Anti-Inflammatory Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less is another cookbook I’ve been reaching for lately. The other night I made the Lemony Shrimp and Spinach with Feta for dinner. It was so good, I ate the leftovers two more times!

Another way I’m lowering inflammation is by adjusting my alcohol intake. Those that know me well, know I love wine. Lately I’ve felt that I need to take a break from alcohol. To give my body and brain a chance to heal. I want to feel better physically and be more clear mentally. Especially with everything I have going on. Thank goodness for alcohol-free sparkling wine! Spring in a Bottle Rosé (I get this from my local Whole Foods) and Noughty Sparkling Rosé (my local Fresh Market carries this brand) are two of my favorites.

MOVEMENT

Making time to move my body each day is a challenge that I’m constantly working on. When I can, I walk on my Peloton Tread at an incline. I wear a weighted vest and use the PVOLVE P.band® to strengthen my arms, back and shoulders while I walk.

SLEEP ESSENTIALS

Lately I’ve been prioritizing my sleep. Right now I’m loving the Laundress Beauty Sleep detergent for my bedsheets and pajamas, The Skinny Confidential Mouth Tape to promote deep rest and a Slip Sleep Mask to block out the light.

CURRENTLY READING

Whether it’s my bible, a devotional, or a book on whatever subject I’m studying at the moment, I make time to read everyday. My favorite time to read is in the morning while I drink my beauty water, daily supplements, and my first cup of coffee. The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path and An Untroubled Heart: Calming Anxiety and Finding God's Peace are two I’m currently reading.