This morning when I checked the date on my phone and noticed that it was already April 20th. I started questioning where the time has gone! I feel like just yesterday we were opening presents next to the tree. Then it hit me. I’ll be turning 35 years old in less than four months. This is another one of those inevitable milestones that I am dreading. When I turned thirty, I suffered a mini crisis. Well…maybe not so mini…It lasted six months. I cant even imagine what I’ll go through when I turn 40! But in all honesty, turning 35 doesn’t sound much better.
Me at 30 years old.
This is a topic that I am very uncomfortable with; the thought of aging. I don’t care about the number itself and all that it implies. I don’t mind all of the stereotypes that come with being in my mid-thirties. The only part that bothers me about aging is my physical appearance. Yes, I know. It’s rather shallow and vain of me. But I can’t help it!! I don’t want to wrinkle. I am terrified of wrinkling!!
Me at 31 years old.
For years, I have gone to great lengths to ensure that my aging process is slowed down as much as humanly possible. And when I say, great lengths I am NOT kidding! I’ve tried everything short of plastic surgery and botox. For example, 31 was the year that I finally quit smoking for once and for all. That was the year I started noticing changes in my appearance. I quickly became paranoid and starting changing things up.
Me at 32 years old.
If any of my co-workers are reading this, you’ll be happy to know that I am about to give you the full list of the copious amounts of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that I have taken on a daily basis for years now. (They keep asking for it and I keep forgetting to take pictures of the labels.) Every morning, before I eat breakfast, I drink collagen with hyaluronic acid. I eat a healthy breakfast 30 minutes later. I drink a black or red tea; both loaded with antioxidants.
Me at 33 years old.
Afterwards, I take krill oil, DHA, a 3 billion count pro-biotic, calcium, vitamin D, a multi-vitamin, liquid Q-10 and a half cup of organic whole leaf aloe juice. My favorite weekend treat is an original size Jamba juice acai, blueberry, raspberry, yellow vegetables juice, carrot, immunity, flax and fiber boost smoothie. I run 5k’s on a regular basis and practice yoga as much as I can. I avoid the sun as much as possible too but the truth is I love hanging out on the beach all day while enjoying some great company and some drinks.
Studies show that stress speeds up the aging process and I TRULY believe it. Thirty-two was a very rough year for me. Anything and everything that could have gone wrong, did. It took a toll on me emotionally and physically to the point where in March of 2012 I had been diagnosed with Lupus. The changes in me were becoming more noticeable. After my diagnosis, I ampped up my anti-aging obsession to a whole other level. I wanted to make sure I got as healthy as I possibly could. The doctor said I needed to significantly change my eating, drinking, sleeping and exercising habits. The more physically fit I became the less debilitating the sickness would be.
Me at 34 years old.
I heeded his advise. He made it abundantly clear that stress was going to be my worst enemy. I significantly cut back on the partying, drinking, poor eating habits, high-stress situations and toxic relationships. I made it a point to meditate, relax and sleep more. I changed my eating habits and started enjoying the quality of my life. Thankfully and miraculously, less than a year later, I went back for a routine check-up and the tests were inconclusive. I went back for another check-up after that and there were no signs of Lupus. It was inexplicable because Lupus is incurable. I firmly believe that it was thanks to my strict regime, perseverance and faith.
Now that the dreaded “L” word is out of the way, I am back to solely focusing on my efforts to not age!! In addition, I use all kinds of facial creams but I’ll leave that for another day on another post. 
Thirty-five is soon approaching. What am to do?! Anyone have any good suggestions for looking young forever???
