My name is Christia Sale, and I’m just like you.

I’ve reached midlife. I have children who are sprouting their wings. I have survived a rough marriage, and a rougher divorce. And it has all taken its toll on my body and soul.

I was raised in an environment where family was the most important thing. So it was sad when I realized, at the beginning of my marriage, that I had made a mistake. But by then I was already pregnant. I was raised to believe that I should do everything possible to make the marriage work when there were children involved. So, I thought that if I tried hard enough, he would come around and realize how lucky he was to have a loving family. He wasn’t used to that dynamic. Can you say dysfunctional childhood? I thought that I could “love” him to health. What was I thinking? I didn’t know any better. I’m a hopeless romantic.

I was so caught up in trying to make my marriage work, that I lost myself in the process. When I realized that nothing was going to save the relationship that I spent seventeen years giving CPR to, I broke free from my obligation, and started fresh. It took over two years of healing to get my mojo back. A lot of praying, affirmations, exercising, sleeping, and healthy eating brought me back to the land of the living.

There are still a few issues I need to deal with though. One is accepting the fact that I’m never going to reach my svelte weight again. You know, when you could still see your hip bones? It would take more energy and obsessive focus than I’m willing to give it. At my age, it would be a full time job, and it would just make me grumpy! Second, those little wrinkles that are creeping across my face. What’s up with that! Do you think Dr. Perricone makes house calls? And last, but not least, those annoying tapes that I keep hearing in the shadows of my mind that say “You’re not good enough.”

After a “challenging” marriage, I was completely depleted of my energy, and power. I couldn’t even recognize myself in the mirror anymore. In the final stages of trying to resuscitate what was left of my marriage, I aged 10 years in a 3 year period. Life had taken it’s toll on my face, and body. I needed to find my spirit again. I needed to find my energy, and “self” again. The only way I knew how to accomplish this was an “out with the old, and in with the new” attitude.

During that period of my life, I internalized my stress and sadness, giving me Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I drank too much, drying out my skin. I cried a lot and didn’t sleep much, ruining my face. Not a good combination for that “youthful glow!” Can you say wrinkles? My soul was sad and empty.

After letting myself mourn the loss of the “dream” of a happy marriage, I eventually started getting my zest back. I searched my soul for what I really wanted from life. I fed my body with healthy, natural foods that nurtured my cells, and my soul. I started exercising with a purpose. I lost that “lifeless” look in my skin. I started losing that swollen look in my body. And my stomach stopped hurting all the time. I started looking and feeling like my old self again. Finally!

Life is too short not to be happy. This life is given to us to enjoy. It’s also given to us to make the world a better place than it was when we got here. You can’t accomplish this if you don’t feel dynamic, vibrant and happy. And face it, when we regain control over our outlook, and outcome, we are better able to have a positive effect on the rest of our world.

Having reached midlife, I have realized that I still have another half of my life to be the best I can be. And being healthy and happy are key components to that goal. It is easier to maintain than you think. No matter what your circumstances, if you are eating clean and lean, staying active mentally and physically, and being true to your goals, you will have the balance needed to be a positive force in this world.

As most Mothers can relate to, my needs were always on the back burner. Knowing that I’m finally paying attention to myself is very empowering. My attitude is so much happier, my disposition is better, and my response to life is more balanced. Taking time to exercise is something I do just for me. Eating clean, lean foods makes me feel more vibrant. Affirmations make me feel appreciative. Setting goals for my life and accomplishing them makes me feel more in control. These things I do for me!

Because It’s My Turn!

I Am Christia Sale, The Most Selfish Woman In America!