I’m pressing pause for the next few weeks to recharge, refuel, and sneak in some serious play before a fabulous fall season of coaching and speaking kicks off. 

But before I go off the grid (kind of), I wanted to share the 10 habits that keep me feeling strong, grounded, and lit up from the inside out—because you don’t get to 58 and feel this good by accident. Maybe you can incorporate some of these habits over the next month, too!

Here’s what’s keeping my fire burning:

1. I move my body with joy, not as a punishment. Whether it’s a leisurely walk, a skip, a squat, or a spontaneous dance party, movement is my way of celebrating life and feeling great. No gym membership required, just joy, curiosity, and sometimes a sidewalk crack to hop over. It’s all about feeling alive and energized.
2. I make play a health habit. Seriously. I schedule it like a doctor’s appointment. It includes cardio, strength, and flexibility, too. It boosts my energy and creativity, sharpens my brain, and allows me to have fun with my friends, ultimately helping me take life (and myself) a little less seriously. Try hula hooping at 58—it’s humbling and hilarious.
3. I write postcards to my future self. I’m not kidding. Vision work keeps me aligned. I write it, read it, meditate on it and live like the woman I’m becoming. (Spoiler: she’s bold, well-rested, and doing handstands.)
4. I show up—even when I don’t feel like it. I’ve survived grief, caregiving, burnout, and life curveballs. But I’ve learned to move the goalposts, not quit the game. Even baby steps count.
5. I eat with love for myself. This means my diet is mostly whole foods, often colourful, and always satisfying. It’s about nourishing my body 80% of the time and joyfully indulging the other 20%. Because a life without chocolate or wine? That’s a hard pass.
6. I’m training to be a badass 100-year-old. Strength training isn’t about the mirror—it’s about independence. I lift, push, squat, and balance so I can carry my own groceries, chase after grandkids someday, and rock a sleeveless dress with pride.
7. I stay curious (especially when I mess up). No more “what’s wrong with me?” energy. Now it’s “Huh, that’s interesting.” Curiosity keeps me learning. Judgement just drains my battery.
8. I treat rest as a performance enhancer. I don’t hustle 24/7. I recover like an athlete. Rest days, early bedtimes (I could win the sleep olympics!), and the occasional midday nap keep my spark lit. You can’t pour from an empty cup, but you can refill it as many times as you want.
9. I remember my “why” daily. My motivation isn’t about skinny jeans (but I do like to feel confident in my own skin). It’s about being the person who says “yes” to life and adventure – climbing Kilimanjaro, hiking in Nepal, doing pullups at the playground – being the kind of woman who inspires other women to say, “If she can, I can.”
10. I live the message I teach. Whether I’m speaking on stage, coaching 1:1, or walking with a friend, I practice what I preach. No gimmicks. Just real life, real change, and a healthy dose of fun…and A LOT of gratitude.

Anything you’d add to this list in your life to keep you feeling strong and healthy? I’d love to know!

And, so while I hit pause for a little “Jan time,” know this: I’m coming back with fire in my belly and big things to share this fall—new coaching spots, fresh stage stories, and plenty of ways to help you play your way to better health.

Play on!

Your friend and coach,

Jan xox