Category Archives: fitness and strength

When Make-Up Becomes Meaningful

This past weekend I did something I haven’t done in years. I had a conversation with a friend about the make-up she wears, and before I knew it, I had ordered a bag of goodies for myself from the cosmetics house she recommended. According to the courier message, it’s arriving today—and I am so excited!

Now, why would this be such a big thing, you might ask? Because, dear readers, I’ve had a very unstable relationship with make-up.

From Corporate Perfection to Khaki Simplicity

I spent a decade or two working in the corporate environment. In the world of marketing and managing key accounts, looks ranked right up there alongside skills when it came to landing and keeping clients. My appearance became a full-time project. Hair, nails, make-up, outfits, and accessories weren’t just details—they became an obsession.

And while I always looked amazing on the outside, inside I never felt truly content.

Fast forward to life on the farm- at first among herds of sheep. Then came life in the bush behind a camera. Life in khaki clothing, with no make-up and no concern for appearances. That’s where I found myself again. That’s where I began to feel comfortable in my own skin.

I stopped working on my looks and started mending my heart and soul.

Strength, Balance, and a New Chapter

Six weeks ago, I began training hard at the gym. As I’ve shared before, my physical health has become a priority as I grow older. Each week I feel stronger—mentally and physically.

And this is where the excitement about make-up returns. It feels different this time. Now that I am in a healthy place mentally and emotionally, I actually want to play around with make-up again—not to meet expectations, but simply to enjoy the process of looking a little more polished.

This time, it feels balanced. I’m doing it for myself. And it feels awesome.

The Pressure Women Carry

As women, we live under the scrutiny of the world from the day we are born. By young adulthood, many of us have already lost confidence in who we truly are. No matter how intelligent or talented we may be, comments about our looks always find their way into our lives.

It has taken me time to find my way back—to know what I bring to the table and to be proud of it. Today, I feel ready to step into this older and wiser version of myself. A version that is strong, radiant, and unapologetically me.

“You are fearfully and wonderfully made.”

A Note to My Sisters

To all the ladies out there: take the time to learn to love yourself. Celebrate your strength. Embrace your beauty. And never forget—you are enough, just as you are.

When a Cold Disrupts the Flow

“Sometimes we need to slow down, not because we are weak, but because that’s where the strength of wisdom begins.”
— Unknown

Rebuilding Strength and Rhythm

I’ve really been getting into training at the gym again. For the past four weeks, I’ve been lifting heavy, eating better — especially more protein — and finding my groove. It’s amazing how quickly your body responds. I must say, I’m loving the feeling of getting stronger, of adding a little more weight each week.

My son tells me it’s muscle memory that’s making it easier to find my rhythm again. And maybe he’s right. I’ve been training on and off my entire adult life. I’m not chasing a beach body — I’m building strength for the long haul. For the version of me who still wants to hike, run, travel, and do what I love at 60 and beyond. Flexibility, strength, vitality — that’s the goal.

The Unexpected Pause

This week was supposed to be a big one. We’re heading out on a hunting safari this weekend with clients, so I planned to train hard before we go. It’s not that we aren’t active while hunting — we are — but it’s a different kind of movement.

Monday started strong with a killer glute and hamstring workout, followed by a 5km walk with my husband in the afternoon. I felt unstoppable. Then Tuesday arrived with a dry, scratchy throat. I brushed it off and still hit a chest and triceps session that afternoon. But by Tuesday night, sleep was elusive. A full-blown head cold had settled in.

Mind Over Body?

No aches or fever, just congestion and irritation. Still, it meant no training on Wednesday. Now it’s Thursday, and physically I feel better — but mentally, I’m unhinged. I want to train. I want to stay on track. I haven’t had a cold or flu in six or seven years — why now, just as I’m starting to see progress?

I find myself wondering whether I could sneak in a short dumbbell workout at home. Nothing too strenuous. I vaguely remember that exercise boosts the immune system — and if there’s no fever, it’s fine to train, right? But then again, I haven’t been eating properly the last couple of days. I’m not fueling my body like I should.

Letting the Lesson Land

And that’s the thing, isn’t it? We struggle to go with the flow when the flow dares to interrupt our plans.

Instead of surrendering to rest, I’m mentally negotiating how to push forward. Outside, it’s grey, cold and wet — a perfect match for the fog in my head. And yet, somewhere in the stillness, a deeper truth arises.

I get to do this. I get to move. To train. To be strong. So many others would give anything to do what I’m able to do. For them, physical limitation is their “normal.”

I’m not naturally a morning person — but maybe I should be. Maybe I should wake each day with gratitude simply for being able to rise, move, and live without constraint.

The Gift in the Pause

Every day offers a new lesson — even when the teacher shows up as a humble head cold. So take the pause. Let your body speak. And when the moment’s right, return to the rhythm. Stronger. Wiser. More grateful.

Go on — seize each day. Make your life extraordinary.