Be The Person You Were Born To Be!

     There's something about having a birthday that makes many people stop and reflect on how their life has been so far and what else they'd like to do while they still can. Some people look at their birthday as "another year older" as if it's a bad thing, regardless of how "old" he or she is. When I'm turning 97 I might feel the same way, but hopefully I'll feel I'm "another year wiser"and since I'm only at the halfway mark in my life I'd like to think of my birthday as a blessing!

      My first child was born on my 23rd birthday (September 15th), so I will always have a reason to be happy about my birthday. Jesse joined the United States Air Force when he was 22 and ironically, for the first time in his life, we did not celebrate our birthdays together when he turned 23. I saw that the Bill Botino Mud Run for cancer was being held on our birthday so I thought it would be a great way to celebrate my birthday for the first time without him. The photo of the two of us was taken the following year when I flew to Germany to celebrate our birthday together a little early.

     Each year I seem determined to do something that makes me look and feel better than I did the year before, but that's probably just my highly self-critical Virgo nature. Last year I decided to perform in my first Belly Dance Show with Amira Mor and her dancers. It was stressful, challenging and fun all at the same time! These are just few of the amazing women I've met at her classes.

Of course I had to make sure that I looked better turning 50 than I did the year prior. All of my Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and every other social media photos were hash tagged #50andFABULOUS!
     With my birthday approaching in one day, I realize I spent the majority of this past year putting time into the aesthetics of my home rather than obsessing (as much) over my body which is a good thing! I've also spent more time working on new vegan recipes, occasionally volunteering at the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary in New Hope, NY, and also collecting items to bring to the farm and local animal shelters. These are things that make me happy!

     Although I've participated in a few fun events for charity and did several local day trips, I realize that my traveling has been minimal the past couple of years mainly because my dog Willie is older and gets anxiety when I'm not around for more than a day. I do plan on taking a small road trip with him while I still can but he doesn't get along with other dogs so I have to find a place that allows pets but doesn't have dogs running around off their leashes. If anyone has any suggestions not too far from NJ, I'd greatly appreciate it!

I've always had more of a greater appreciation for having new exciting or stimulating experiences than I have for obtaining material possessions. Some day I will be able to travel again, but I'll also be devastated because I won't have my fur baby, so for now I'm enjoying the moments I have here and making my bucket list for the future.
     I became vegan about 9 years ago, shortly after reading the book "Skinny Bitch" which opened my eyes to the horrendous treatment towards the animals in slaughter houses. It was much harder then to travel and go out to eat and get anything besides a salad or french fries. Social media has enabled vegans, vegetarians, and health-conscious people to connect and share their experiences and opinions about restaurants and establishments that provide what they are looking for.

   

 I've started my new "FoxyFIT360Lifestylechange" blog with the intentions of sharing my experiences about places I've traveled to, restaurants that offered vegan/vegetarian options, and the uniqueness of those places...and photos, of course!

I'm hoping my readers will comment and give suggestions for anyone planning on visiting the same places. I often post photos of food I've made on my "Cindy Fox Fitness"social media and sometimes have followers asking me for the recipe, so some of my posts will be strictly about yummy, healthy food.

I hope you enjoy my blog, subscribe to it, and share it with your foodie friends, animal lovers, and adventure-seeking traveling companions! You can also go to www.cindyfoxfitness.com for contact info and my other social media links.