46 to forever: Fun, fitness, family & faith
This past year was soul saving for me and, I think, for many.
Before the pandemic hit, I was so engrossed in to-do lists, reaching goals I set for myself, my family (our kids) that I missed out on the simple joys of being; I hardly looked inward and was preoccupied with things that when I think about it now didn’t really matter at the end of the day.
Here are some tips I’d like to share that worked for me:
Now in my mid 40s — 46, to be exact I have joy in my heart, am at peace, so in love, spiritually strong, and at my fittest ever.
Get some quiet time. I downloaded the Chopra app and take 20 minutes a day to sit and meditate. Today’s message was beautiful: “Find ecstasy in life; the mere sense of living is joy enough.”
Work out! I have worked out with my trainer and friend Mitch Felipe Mendoza for almost 12 years now. On Zoom, we do a lot of core work using light weights, bands, and a stability ball. We do bosu focusing of shaping and lengthening the muscles, sometimes combining cardio moves with strength and core. As they say, exercise not only changes your body, but also your mind, attitude and mood! The endorphins are real!
Do it with your family. What’s better than working out? Working out with the family! I am the worst dancer and athlete in the family, but I love doing Zumba and playing tennis with Sonny and the kids! It’s good bonding! As they say, the family that works out together stays healthy together (I’m so glad they got his athletic skills).
Eat healthy and drink in moderation! Try to avoid white rice, pork and sugar. Drink a lot of water! Remember, you are what you eat.
Surround yourself with positive people. My mom used to say, “Small minds discuss people, average minds discuss events, and great minds discuss ideas.”
Choose to embrace all your imperfections, and enjoy it as part of your beautiful journey. My stretch marks used to bother me a lot. Then, one day, my daughter Nessie said, proudly and giggling, “You should be happy that you have stretch marks — it serves as a reminder that you gave birth to me!”
Live a life of gratitude. Every night our son asks us, “So, what did you love about today?”
Pray together as a family. Every day, our family prays the rosary with other families on Zoom. It’s good for the heart and for the soul!
Be playful and always remember to have fun! Laugh a lot and stay young at heart!
Before the pandemic hit, I was so preoccupied with daily routine, reaching goals I set for myself, and my family (our kids) that I missed out on the simple joys of being a mom. Now that we are given a chance to renew our lives, instead of focusing too much on achieving success and excelling in school — their sports and everything they do — I will teach our kids what is truly important: a generous heart, kind speech, and compassion — those are the things that will renew humanity.
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Elvira "Tootsy" Echauz Angara, cluster head at ABS-CBN, is a major proponent of Pinoy Pride. She is the wife of Senator Sonny Angara and mother to three children.
