Aging, But Make It Magic
Why aging can be an invitation to be bolder, freer, and more unapologetically yourself.
Maybe it’s my Leo rising and Leo moon…
Or maybe it’s that some of my first memories are of my mom going to medical school like a boss when I was a toddler, earning a set of brass balls as a pin for standing her ground during residency…
Or maybe it’s my dad, who always takes his own approach to whatever task is at hand, directions be damned.
Whatever the reason, conventional has always felt like a stranger to my heart. Sure, I appreciate some “normal” things, but my outlook on life has always leaned toward discovery and expression, even if for most of my formative years I lived out a much shyer version of it.
The older I get, the bolder I get. And honestly, I’m here for it.
I’m far too curious to stop adding to my unusual list of skills, to stop asking existential questions, or to stop wondering what this magical life experience is all about. The older I get, the more wonder I have for this world, the more I value connection, expression, and the beauty of the present moment.
It’s getting easier to see what matters and what doesn’t, and to set boundaries accordingly. Even for a former people-pleaser like me, choosing myself over making others comfortable is becoming second nature.
Life is fleeting, and I plan to use everything God gave me, sliding into the afterlife covered in the joy and mess of this beautiful, wild ride. And while I’m here, you’d better believe I’ll keep befriending every bit of wildlife I can 🦋.
One of my missions in life is to help keep this spirit alive in the people I encounter. Not everyone will feel the way I do, but we all have that spark of madness that, when kept ablaze, can light the way forward, inspiring ourselves and others in the process.
And even if you feel like you’ve lost your spark, it’s never truly gone. You can reconnect to yourself at any age, in any season. You could be 28 or 88, and that light will still be there, waiting to be expressed by you, the divine being that you are.
If you’re feeling ready to rekindle your spirit but don’t know where to start, I’ve put together 8 neuroscience and psychology-backed ideas that only take about 15 minutes. You can try one this week and make a date with yourself. Your brain will learn that this time is for you, and it will get easier to drop in.
8 Out-of-the-Box, Brain-Boosting Ways to Rekindle Your Spark in 15 Minutes or Less
Novelty Walk – Take a short walk, but notice and name five things you’ve never paid attention to before. This builds new neural pathways through curiosity
Micro-Adventure – Do one thing differently in your routine today, like taking a new route or using your non-dominant hand (one of my favorite ways to break up monotony)
Music Memory – Listen to a song you loved as a teen with your eyes closed and recall where you were, who you were with, and how you felt
Micro-Sketch – Draw or doodle anything without judgment for 15 minutes (I do this as a way to release old emotions too…I’m not good at drawing…more like the clip art version of my feelings…works so well!)
Gratitude Reframe – Write down three challenges you’re facing and one thing each has taught you
The Mind Declutter - Dump your thoughts on paper without editing — you’ll feel lighter (Journaling for just two minutes can calm the amygdala (the brain’s fear center)
Future-You Visualization - Spend a few minutes vividly imagining yourself living a day you’d love — your brain will start priming you to make it real (Mental imagery activates the same neural networks as actual experience) Here’s a great guided meditation to use: Yogi Bryan: Meet Your Future Self
Morning Guided Meditation - One of the best ways to build your practice for your inner spark is a short guided meditation in the morning that helps set the tone and your intentions for the day. Here are two of my favorites:
✨ Stay tuned — in September I’m launching new Substack tiers designed for creatives, seekers, and the beautifully curious souls who want to live and create more intentionally. Whether you’re just looking for connection and inspiration, craving deeper learning and collaboration, or ready for hands-on creative support, there’s a place for you. We’ll explore movement, mindset, music, and the art of being wildly, unapologetically you.