What is your philosophy on aging?
I believe strongly that aging is not just about beauty, but also encompasses the sense of youthfulness and wholeness that comes with experiencing life in a very rich and meaningful way. It is about accepting the fact that we are all getting older but knowing that how we age is a choice, and in our own hands.
Although we cannot turn back the clock, we can definitely slow down the aging process by taking control of it and growing older at our "own pace." In this century, with all the technologies available, this has become a welcome reality.
Do you want to share your biological age?
Yes, I turned 49 on September 30th.
What does your workday consist of?
Typically, I do Family Practice in the mornings, and then spend the afternoons and early evenings at Afterglow. I provide free consultations to clients wanting to look the best they can for their age—not necessarily the most effective solutions, but options with low risk and without the downtime of surgery.
I spend a fair time on the business as well, managing staff, operations, marketing, business development, etc. A typical work week is about 50 hours in my business and 15 hours on it.
What exercise/activities do you do to keep yourself Ageless?
I recently started meditating, so a typical day would begin with 10-15 minutes of meditation, followed by one hour of exercise. This is either road biking, when it's dry out, or cardio/weight training at the gym. Meditation has made a huge difference to my sense of well being and contentment. It is taught in Buddhism that, if we can practise meditation twice daily, before and after our busy schedules, it will bring great joy into our lives. I am continuing to strive towards this!
In the summer, I climb mountains and play tennis. I also make time for my family and friends.
Why is it important for you to stay young?
I think it's not about staying young but looking the best for one's age. As women, we don't give ourselves permission to spend money on ourselves without feeling guilty or that we are somehow undeserving. Or we say to ourselves, It's so vain when there is my child's education, sports fees, or whatever, to be paid...
Men don't think twice about spending money on their new toys but we women have this huge sense of guilt when we spend money on our beauty.
Studies have shown that women who spend money on themselves to look young and good for their age generally have an increased sense of self-esteem, which affects all that they do and everyone around them. These women generally spend time on their health and well being, exercise, and are usually physically and emotionally healthy. Most importantly, they feel "whole."
I believe in looking the best for my age and am passionate about delivering the best possible outcomes for like-minded women.
Do you have an Ageless secret that you would like to share?
Yes. The ability to let go of both negative and positive things. To understand that nothing in life is ever permanent, including beauty. To live life with passion, to treat relationships as gifts, and to live life with humility and integrity.
Fast forward to when you are 100 years old. How would you hope to spend your day?
That's a very interesting question. I envision myself doing humanitarian work (if I am alive and well with all cognitive functions intact), giving back the knowledge, skills and expertise I have acquired to educate others and to pass on the lessons my life has taught me to my grandchildren.
I envision myself travelling to remote parts of the world to provide free medical care to those less fortunate. (This is my ultimate vision in life and I hope I can achieve it before I reach 100!)
