The Fountain of Youth begins at 40
40 is the new 20—and honey, I’m here for it.
There’s a new season of adulthood, and we are fit, fine, and outside.
I love the way we’re showing up for our lives—being proactive about our health, setting boundaries, drinking our water, and minding our business. We are living.
When I was younger, the adults in my life always looked and felt older. I’m sure a lot of that had to do with what they were going through—and what they did or didn’t have access to. Now that I’m grown, I fully understand that life will throw its blows. But this new generation of adults has learned something powerful: we don’t have to look like what we’ve been through—and we’re doing something about it.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve had some unexpected health concerns that prompted me to go to the doctor. These visits have been a little unsettling, especially since they’re my first real health concerns since my mom transitioned. But not going is not an option—so I walk into those appointments with courage, trusting that all is well.
About a month ago, I felt a lump in my breast. I had noticed it before, but this time it felt bigger and had become painful. I was on the phone with a nurse the very next day. After exams, ultrasounds, and testing, they found another lump I didn’t even know was there. Naturally, that raised concern, and more testing was needed—this is exactly why it’s important to go when something doesn’t feel right.
After a few rounds of testing, it was confirmed that the lumps were not a threat and could be easily taken care of. Thank God.
Shortly after that, I dislocated my big toe—and in pure shock and instinct, I popped it back in. Yes… sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. After swelling and pain, I iced it, took pain relievers, and kept it elevated. It improved over time, and by the time I got an X-ray, everything was fine. Once again—thank God.
Moments like these will quickly remind you how much you appreciate what your body can do.
One of the things I desired when I moved to California was a better quality of life. I wanted to be active, to be outdoors, to have experiences that expanded me, and to express parts of myself I never felt comfortable showing before.
Creating a better quality of life doesn’t happen by accident—it happens intentionally.
When we become intentional about how we live, it shows in how we look, how we feel, and how we show up for others.
As someone who has always valued self-development and self-care, it feels like no coincidence that I’ve arrived here—looking and feeling my best at 40+. And no, I’m not saying you need to move to California to feel this way. But I am saying it’s important to look around and ask yourself: does my environment reflect the life I want to live?
For me, California—with its landscapes, access to quality food, and endless opportunities for movement and wellness—reflects vitality, growth, joy, and possibility. And living in LA, an epicenter for fitness, beauty, and wellness, has only amplified that.
One of the things I desired when I moved to California was a better quality of life. I wanted to be active, to be outdoors, to have experiences that expanded me, and to express parts of myself I never felt comfortable showing before.
Creating a better quality of life doesn’t happen by accident—it happens intentionally.
When we become intentional about how we live, it shows in how we look, how we feel, and how we show up for others.
As someone who has always valued self-development and self-care, it feels like no coincidence that I’ve arrived here—looking and feeling my best at 40+. And no, I’m not saying you need to move to California to feel this way. But I amsaying it’s important to look around and ask yourself: does my environment reflect the life I want to live?
For me, California—with its landscapes, access to quality food, and endless opportunities for movement and wellness—reflects vitality, growth, joy, and possibility. And living in LA, an epicenter for fitness, beauty, and wellness, has only amplified that.
When my mom was living with cancer, I remember feeling grateful she was here and not back in Gary. The sun, the warmth, the energy—it made a difference in how she faced each day. I think about that often, and I’m so glad she got to experience this place that has given me so much over the last 14 years. It still brings a smile to my face and a softness to my heart.
Now, as I continue life without her and my dad, starting anew in many ways, I’m grateful that this chapter is happening in my 40s. There’s a deeper maturity, a fresh perspective, and a stronger desire to live fully.
I’ve learned that while looks aren’t everything—health is.
And I’m grateful to be in a body that has carried me through 40 years of life. I’m committed to honoring and taking care of this temple, because the fountain of youth isn’t a place—it’s a way of living.
Live Lite,
Safia