Episode 3: Midlife Revelations with Karen Jackson
Ever wondered how a change of perspective can redefine your approach to health, fitness, and aging gracefully? That's precisely what we explore with our special guest, Karen Jackson (Instagram @midlife_revelations). Listen in as we discuss how our fitness journeys are about more than physical transformation; they're about shifting mindsets and adopting consistent habits.
Our conversation takes a turn towards breaking down misconceptions about diet and nutrition. We shed light on how it's not about shrinking, but becoming stronger, healthier, and more resilient. Karen weighs in on the importance of patience, persistence, and getting back on track after setbacks, cementing that fitness is a journey rather than a destination.
We wrap up the episode by challenging societal perceptions of aging, particularly for women. We believe it's time to shatter the stereotype that aging is a negative process. Instead, let's celebrate it as a journey of vitality, strength, and self-worth. This episode is not just about health and fitness; it's a rallying call for all women to stand tall, embrace their power, and break free from societal expectations. Tune in and join us for this empowering conversation.
Episode Summary
(0:00:06) - Karen's Health and Fitness Journey (7 Minutes)
Heather talks about her recent experience kayaking, whitewater rafting, and ziplining with 14 young women from her congregation and how it gave her a good dose of perspective into why she pursues good fitness. Karen shares her similar experience of taking a trip to Telluride with her kids and grandkids and how she was able to take part in difficult hikes and realize why it's important to keep pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Val shares her experience of getting braces and how it's helped her realize that you don't have to let age limit you from doing something you want. We're also joined by our guest, Karen Jackson, who shares why she was surprised to receive an invitation from Heather to join the podcast. We discuss the importance of taking time to unplug and enjoy life with family.
(0:07:34) - Transforming Nutrition and Fitness Habits (6 Minutes)
Heather's story of wanting to get stronger and healthier after her retirement is one that many of us can relate to. We were taught to focus on dieting and nutrition solely to make ourselves smaller, and not to become stronger or healthier. But Heather eventually learned that it was all about consistency and changing her life. She realized that in order to value something, we have to do it consistently, or it will just go away. The COVID years derailed her journey to understanding nutrition and eating the right way, but she eventually got back on track.
(0:13:28) - Finding Long-Term Success in Healthy Habits (12 Minutes)
Val emphasizes the importance of having a plan once the diet is over. Heather had difficulty finding balance after restricting her calories, but with the help of a coach, she was able to recognize the need to move towards long-term maintenance. Karen takes responsibility for her behaviors and stresses the importance of being patient and enjoying the process. It took her about a year to start seeing the changes she was after.
(0:24:58) - Empowering Women to Age Gracefully (5 Minutes)
I discuss the idea of aging and how society can often portray it in a negative light. We can break this character of being put out to pastures and instead can still be vital, sexy, strong, glamorous, healthy, and fit. To achieve this, I suggest we practice moderation and understand the nutritional things that can help make us age slower. Eating a consistent diet of fast food and sugary drinks can have inflammatory effects, so it's important to find the balance. I also emphasize the importance of taking care of our bodies, not from a place of self-loathing, but from a place of taking in and adding to our lives.
(0:29:36) - Embracing Self-Worth and Celebrating Women (12 Minutes)
We explore how society has taught women to be humble and modest and to not take up space or celebrate themselves. I discuss why this is the case and why it's important for women to embrace their power and celebrate themselves. I share the positive and negative responses I received when I started the Vanity Project, a project focused on celebrating women, and how it has revealed a lot of insecurity among women on social media. I emphasize the importance of recognizing our individual beauty, even in our most natural state, and how we can break the narrative of aging being portrayed in a negative light.