This dissection is more of a evaluation to assess what needs changed and what needs more focus. As well, I want to reiterate to those women who may be curious about reinventing themselves over 60 about the possibilities and urgency to begin now! It is not too late nor are you too old. I promise you will only see yourself as a better, physically and mentally, happier human being if you take action immediately.
Over these past few weeks I’ve had time to contemplate my progress…my progress within the parameter’s of The Lisa Renee Project. First technical loss was not stopping the alcohol completely. However, I claim it as a win since it has still been reduced. Almost immediately, positive results were noticed. Waking up feeling as if I’d actually slept, though I know eliminating alcohol completely will be the only way to achieve that. Achieving more in my day without the extreme brain fog and erratic moods.(Note: I have been taking high-quality supplements in great quantity for a few weeks before reducing the wine and attribute much to that).
***Many women aren’t so lucky so please consult a doctor before reducing or quitting if you’ve been drinking heavy for a long period.***
Before I go to deep into evaluating what has happened and what else will be implemented, let’s take a look back at my ‘WHY’.
Why Change, Why Now?
For several years I’ve been trying to right my self as a human being…to live a life of excellence. It’s taken several starts and restarts to get to this place of ready. This place of resolve. I feel the shift and am excited for my future.
Deciding to take the final leap into a life’s pursuit of excellence at 62 might seem daunting, but hey, age is just a number, right? I mean, who says you can’t start turning things around at any point in life? It’s never too late to shift gears and start focusing on what truly matters: taking care of yourself. My path to better health and wellness, which I call ‘The Lisa Renee Project’ is all about finally putting myself first and sharing that adventure with others who can relate.
You know, like a lot of you, I spent years putting everyone else’s needs before my own. Family, work, you name it. It ate up so much time, and somewhere along the way, I got lost. But the good news? I found a new way to see things. The idea is to get serious about my health now and share that evolution with other women who might be in the same boat.
What drives me more than anything is knowing that personal transformation isn’t just for the young. We, women in our 60s, have a heck of a lot to offer, including wisdom, experience, and a healthy splash of humor. Sharing my highs and lows along the way allows me to pass on valuable insights while keeping things real. After all, life’s too short to always be so serious, and laughing helps make the medicine go down — or in this case, the green smoothie!
For me, ‘The Lisa Renee Project’ is about setting realistic goals — ones that are right for my body and my life. It’s about creating balance and learning to adapt to changes with a smile. From quitting an old habit like drinking to embracing new ones like weight training, this project isn’t just about changing my body but my mindset too.
I hope that by documenting my process, other women feel inspired to take on on a similar journey to rediscover themselves. There’s immense power in community and support, and sharing our stories helps us remember we’re not alone in this. Consider this your invitation to join in on the trials, the wins, the sad times, the fun times, and transformation, all while enjoying the ride.
Confronting Alcohol: The Long Path to Sobriety
First, let’s talk about the #1 problem I had to tackle. Alcohol and I, we go way back. I’ve drank for most of my life. Yes, I had intermittent breaks of sobriety, but for the most part it was a daily habit that turned ritual by the time I was 50. It was my not-so-helpful way to unwind, to cope, to celebrate, to deal with life but gradually, it felt more like a ball and chain than a treat. As I got older, I noticed that the drink was doing more harm than good.
Then I learned just how bad it was affecting my body. Dr. Andrew Huberman has a great video explaining it all in detail. If you have the time it’s worth watching. Do yourself a favor and at least watch a bit each day. You will never be the same!
The aches and pains didn’t lie. They were subtle whispers turning into loud shouts, telling me it was time to confront those issues without relying on the usual glass of chardonnay. Quitting has never been easy no matter how many times I have in the past. But let me tell you, facing the discomfort head-on was liberating. And once I realized what was actually happening inside my body? It was a no-brainer and my mind shifted. Qutting became the only choice and there is not turning back! My path to elimination is choosing to step it down…reverse engineering, if you will, to take one less drink each week.
All the systemic inflammation in my body that was causing muscle spasms, arthritis, bunions, etc. were all exacerbated by drinking. I do have lots of structural issues, but the wine was making it worse. Plus, the effects on my brain (hint: dementia, altzheimers) were not something I was willing to continue to allow happen and progressively get worse.
So, without alcohol, I had to devise other ways to tackle stress and manage pain. Stretching, proper hydration, supplementation and diet are all part of that. And, yes, I have newfound love for finding healthy non-alcoholic drinks to replace my evening imbibing. I’ll create another post on what those are. It is of utmost importance now that I find healthy ways to ease the physical toll aging can bring. So with one less drink each week I will use a healthier version to replace it.
Going sober will lead me to clearer thinking. Focusing on what my body needs rather than dulling the signals it is sending me is key. Learning to listen to my body without the haze of alcohol will bring a new perspective.
If you’re pondering the idea of cutting back or quitting, try focusing on the benefits: sharper mind, better sleep, and improved mood. Find alternatives to unwind, which I mentioned I will share. Experiment with new activities, walking in nature has always been a love but now I enjoy it so much more. Life’s rich without the drink, and exploring it sober is the start of a beautiful relationship with yourself. I’ve never been more in love with life!
Physical Wellness: Building the Best Version of Myself
Let’s talk about building the best version of ourselves, shall we? It’s this incredible mix of finding out what works for you and sticking with it. For me, adding weight training, daily walks, and stretching to my routine turned out to be a game-changer. You wouldn’t believe how these simple activities started reshaping my outlook on fitness and life itself.
However, I have yet to do these on a schedule. This is also a technical fail. Therefore, this is where my focus is next. Scheduling these activities and deciding that these times are non-negotiable. And this is where you must learn to pay very close attention. When you let a scheduled workout slide because you’re invited to lunch or you need to get groceries last minute, then you are cheating yourself. You will ultimately let everything slide. This is important. Non-negotiable (bar some emergency).
People often think that physical fitness should look a certain way. Or maybe it’s an after thought and not something to focus on. But newsflash: it should be one one of your main focus points, it’s personal, and what works for one might not work for another. What I found was that a combination of strength training and regular movement kept my energy levels higher and my mood lighter. When I actually did them, that is.
Clean eating was another piece of the puzzle. It’s like giving your car premium fuel instead of junk. It took me some time to figure out what made me feel good and what didn’t. But once I got into the groove of eating fresh, wholesome foods, the benefits were crystal clear. I felt nourished rather than just full. Though I need to do some tweaking this week, I consider this to be an easy area for me to follow.
On a side note: I have trouble eating enough. Yup! For decades I have been getting most of my calories from wine. And once the wine is kicked, I hope to incorporate more food to replace those empty calories. So, for now I add in protein shake on occasion, but it helps to utilize a tracker such as MyFitness Pal
As I touched on earlier, scheduling is highly under rated. There’s actually joy that comes from creating – and sticking to – a schedule. Yep, sounds a little mundane, but trust me, consistency is key. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve fallen short in this area many times. However, having a routine that I’ve carved out for myself helps anchor my days, much like a compass guiding me through.
But the foundation of it all is being goal-oriented and finding motivation that feels right. Celebrating small victories along the way fuels the fire to keep going. I love knowing that each positive choice I make isn’t just a tick on the calendar but a step towards becoming a stronger version of myself. Thus, I persevere in becoming better at it all.
Hormonal Changes and Nutritional Needs
Hormonal shifts can feel like life throwing you a curveball, especially as we hit our 60s. It’s almost like our bodies have their own schedule that we’re constantly trying to catch up with. Understanding these changes is crucial in managing how we feel day to day.
One major change I had to get a grip on was how my hormones were affecting my energy levels and mood. There are days when you feel sluggish and others where you’re fired up for no reason, and it’s all thanks to those shifting levels. I found that knowing what’s happening inside helps me respond better to what my body is asking for.
I must reiterate that giving up alcohol will help these ‘normal’ changes less noticeable. It is, after all, alcohol exasperating internal changes and creating a mess all on its own. (It all comes back to the alcohol, doesn’t it)
Nutrition has become my best friend in this game. Feeding my body the right nutrients felt like making an investment into a personal wellness fund. It’s not just about eating greens and cutting sugar but really understanding what kind of fuel my body thrives on. As well, as I will discuss in another post, my supplementation regimine has been that which some may call extreme.
However, back to the alcohol blame, I was so depleted because of my long-term, alcohol use that it was necessary.
And not just any off-the-shelf vitamins. High-quality supplements were in order and I spared no expense. As stated I will do a deep dive on this for you in another post.
It took some time, but finding the right supplementation to balance out what my diet lacks, the depletion mentioned, has helped in stabilizing those pesky hormonal swings. Think of them as sidekicks to a good diet—in my case, a high boost in extra help when I needed it. I continue with those currently on high dosage.
Strength training emerged as another hero in my journey through these changes. Building muscle not only boosts metabolism but also helps maintain bone density—both pretty important as we age. Plus, there’s something empowering about tackling a set of weights; it’s like building an invincible fortress for your body. I feel I am truly capable of so much more now!
So, whether it’s keeping an eye on what’s on my plate or ensuring my body stays strong, riding this hormonal rollercoaster has been a lot smoother with the right tools and mindset.
Creating a Personal Blueprint: Sharing My Journey
Beginning a personal transformation can feel a bit like taking a road trip without a map (or gps). But instead of keeping it all to myself, I’ve decided to share this blueprint with others who might be eager to draw their own maps. At some point, I will be well beyond the beginning and will work towards and pay-it-forward aspect. With my education in coaching and wellness it is my goal to help other women transform their own lives.
For now, my journey (I really think that word has been overused), my adventure is in the early stages.
It’s something about knowing that sharing my adventure could encourage other women to reevaluate their priorities and start changing their mindset to ready themselves for a change. We often get caught in the caregiving cycle, leaving our needs on the back burner, right? Exploring this issue openly is part of why I started documenting everything.
Turning my experiences into a blueprint meant digging deep and asking the tough questions. For example, why do we put our needs aside so often? And more importantly, how do we flip that script? Reflecting on these questions helps me stay accountable and committed.
By dissecting the adventure as it happens will allow me the opportunity to create a baseline blueprint that anyone can follow. It will be a proven path, a step-by-step instructional manual to follow in order to get to where I will be. It will be customizable so that I can assist you, a woman over 60, in making a blueprint made just for you.
What all this means is this blueprint isn’t just about me reaching my goals; it’s about creating a toolkit for others. To help inspire those who’ve put themselves last to finally feel empowered to leap into their own ‘Project Me’ with confidence and excitement.
Though the topics may be serious, I’m making sure to sprinkle a bit of humor throughout. Because let’s face it, laughter truly can be the best medicine and a little light-heartedness goes a long way in making big changes feel more approachable.
Follow it all on YouTube: Building an Online Presence
In this digital age, what better way to share the ‘Project Me’ saga than through a platform like YouTube? It’s a space where I can visually lay out my path and connect with others in real-time. Sharing my process and progress isn’t just about showing wins; it’s about inviting everyone to see the little setbacks and come-backs as well.
Teaching by example is my motto here. Whether it’s a new recipe I’m experimenting with or showing how a workout routine is modified to fit my needs, I’m all about transparency. It’s important that I keep things real because that’s what resonates with people, right?
Creating content that’s relatable and genuine is an exciting challenge. It’s about balancing information with entertainment. With each video, I aim to inspire my viewers, especially women over 60, showing them that it’s never too late to try something new and thrive.
Using my skills creatively to establish not just a presence but a community is what makes this venture fulfilling. From engaging with viewers in the comments to addressing questions and sharing stories, it’s a learning exchange that enriches everyone.
YouTube’s potential allows me to expand beyond my immediate circle, turning this personal journey into a map for others. It’s about building a resource, a repository of encouragement and practical advice for those ready to embark on their own transformational adventures.
Achieving Self-Sufficiency: Growing for a Flourishing Retirement
The idea of becoming self-sufficient is incredibly motivating, especially as I look ahead to retirement. Growing my food and medicinal herbs at home is something I’ve always wanted to learn. It’s not just about having a source of fresh produce, but also ensuring a degree of independence that’s both sustainable and satisfying.
Starting a garden doesn’t have to be overwhelming, even for someone who’s more familiar with grocery aisles than garden beds. It begins with understanding the climate, soil types, and what plants thrive in your backyard. There’s a learning curve for sure, but that’s part of the adventure.
Self-sufficiency isn’t limited to what I can grow. I’m equally keen on exploring ways to sustain a steady income through the power of YouTube and affiliate marketing. The internet offers endless possibilities for creating content that values quality over quantity, focusing on things people truly care about.
Combining filming my journey with creating an income stream enables me to blend passion with practicality. It’s about laying down a blueprint for what a flourishing retirement looks like beyond the classic lawn chairs and sunsets. By sharing these experiences, I aim to inspire others to consider how they can foster independence for themselves.
This new phase isn’t just about economic self-reliance; it’s about creating a retirement that’s as vibrant and dynamic as I am, paving the way for others to see that retirement can be more than simply stopping work. It’s an active choice to live fully and sustainably!
Harnessing the Power of the Quantum Realm: Mindset and Manifestation
Embracing the mysteries of the quantum realm might sound a bit out there, but honestly, it’s been a profound part of my journey. At 62, I’ve come to realize that mindset isn’t just about being positive; it’s about actively shaping the reality around me.
Gratitude is where it all begins. Taking a moment each day to appreciate what I have has shifted my perspective in powerful ways. It’s like opening my mind to abundance, laying the groundwork for real and meaningful changes.
Manifestation is not just wishful thinking – it’s about aligning my intentions with actions, nudging the universe to notice. Your thoughts have more power than you might believe, and focusing on what you want can bring you closer to achieving it.
Meditation and yoga have been key to this process, helping me center my thoughts and channel my energy. They serve as reminders to connect mind, body, and soul, weaving through the tapestry of life with peace and clarity.
The law of attraction is a fascinating concept. By visualizing health and wealth, and setting plans to reach them, I’m crafting a path to a better future—not just in dreams but in tangible, everyday actions.
Sharing my exploration of these practices with others not only documents my progress but also invites others to explore their paths of mindset transformation. Bringing manifestation into focus can truly redefine how you approach life’s challenges, turning them into opportunities for growth.
Documenting an Adventure with Humor and Heart
Wrapping up this project so far, it’s clear that ‘Project Me’ is as much about the road traveled as it is about the destination. Documenting my transformation with honesty and a sprinkle of humor has already opened up new avenues of connection and growth.
There’s something wonderfully freeing about approaching serious topics with a light heart. Injecting humor into the mix makes the lessons more relatable, and helps underscore the resilience required for such a big change. After all, life doesn’t have to be a stern series of checklists.
While this project is intensely personal, it’s also an invitation for others to join in, blend ambitions, and collectively explore what ‘becoming your best self’ really means. It’s a pledge to continue learning, improving, and laughing at the bumps along the way.
By sharing my story, I hope other women over 60 feel empowered to create their version of ‘Project Me,’ drawing inspiration from shared experiences and a mutual desire for transformation. It’s this spirit of openness that binds us together, lighting the way forward.
This adventure is far from over, and each day brings fresh challenges and triumphs. Embracing the journey with humor and heart is my ongoing commitment — not only to myself but to everyone who’s tuned in to share it with me.
All my love, always,
Lisa Renee