Growing up a child of the 80s, mostly what I can think of when it comes to exercise is thin women doing aerobics in leotards so they could 'stay in shape.' There was also a lot of focus on calorie counting, how much you weigh, and the size of your waist. And that you need to exercise to be thin and happy.

Today as I reflect back on my childhood and the early development of my mindset around exercise my mind is blown.

Everywhere I looked it was all the rage to be thin, wear leotards, count calories, eat Special K for breakfast, and starve yourself.

The focus was on how you looked, and the thinner you could get, the happier you'd be.

It was about control, deprivation, and guilt about what you were eating.

And it was ALL WRONG.

While I was I could go back in time and stop the insanity of that era, I feel blessed to have lived through it and have a wider perspective on what it truly means to be healthy.

To me, being healthy is focusing on the mind-body connection and feeling good in your own skin.

It's about balance with the different forms of exercise I do each week, varying in intensity, format, timing, and style.

Being healthy today has a much more holistic lens.

The food we eat is not about being an award, or something to avoid, but is viewed as nourishment. Food is fuel. It's okay to have a brownie on Sunday and be guilt free.

What I appreciate is the idea of really listening to your body and finding what works best for you.

For some it may be eating at certain times of the day, or possibly limiting dairy or gluten. For others, it can be more about meal size or snacks.

And it's all great, it really is!

If you find what makes you feel your best. If you truly work to honor your body and be in tune with what it's telling you, I believe it's attainable for every person to find their own groove.

Yes, you have to put in the work. But that work feels good, because you know how important it is to cherish and love your body. You understand the power of positivity and connection.

We live in an era of abundance. Nearly anything you ever wanted to know or experience, you can do it. That's massive.

What do you choose to do with this?

My hope is that we each continually shift our mindsets when it comes to health and wellness and do what matters most.. Every day move and love your body. Feel that mind-body connection. Embrace your own personal power, and most importantly, have a bit of fun, too!