You Never Know: Start Taking Better Care of You Now

“It’s just not the right time to make any changes.”

We’ve all said those words. Maybe you’ve said them recently. You’re busy. Between work, family, and a host of commitments and responsibilities, it’s easier to think that once things calm down, then you’ll finally focus on your weight and health.

But here’s the truth: life rarely calms down. There’s no perfect time. Last week reminded me, once again, why that’s true. 

A Wake-Up Call

Early last Tuesday morning, I slipped and fell. The kind of fall that, a few years ago, might have changed everything. But this time was different. 

I’m a 65-year-old master’s prepared RN, National Board Certified Health and Wellbeing Coach and I have osteoporosis. I know how fragile bones can become with age. I’ve also spent the last six years eating real food, minimizing ultra processed foods, moving my body almost every day, and building strength. If this fall had happened years ago, the story would have ended differently. My recovery from the same injuries would have been far more difficult and potentially overwhelming. 

Why Self-Care Is Non-Negotiable

When we think about “taking care of ourselves,” we often picture spa days or a few stolen moments of quiet. But true self-care runs deeper than that. It’s also about protecting your future by preparing your body and mind for life’s unpredictable moments. You can’t control every challenge that comes your way, but you can influence how well you recover from it.

Eating real food nourishes your body at the cellular level. Moving regularly keeps your muscles strong and your balance steady. Getting enough rest and managing stress supports your immune system and mood.

Each choice adds up, quietly building a foundation that supports you when life throws you a curveball.

There Will Never Be a Perfect Time

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to start, for example, when work slows down, when the kids (or the parents) need less help, when the holidays are over. This is your gentle nudge: start today. 

There’s no need to start with an overhaul or a strict plan. Just one small act of care. For example, take a short walk after dinner, choose real food over something processed, go to bed 30 minutes earlier or take time for fun, family and rest. Changes don’t need to be dramatic to be meaningful.

When you begin to take small, consistent steps toward better health, you’re sending a powerful message to yourself: I matter. My wellbeing matters.

My Invitation to You

As a health and wellbeing coach, I’ve learned that change begins the moment you stop waiting for perfect conditions and take action on what’s most important to you.

I don’t just coach from theory, I coach from experience as well. Six years ago I weighed 120 pounds more than I do today. I know what it feels like to start over again and again, and wonder if it’s even possible to change. Over time, I finally stopped dieting. I am still consistent in choosing foods that work for me, exercising regularly and taking good of myself. It’s how I live.

This week’s fall reminded me, again, that our health is our greatest asset. Taking care of ourselves and our health allows us to heal faster, live independently, and have the best possibility of enjoying the years ahead. After all, you never know what will happen.

So wherever you are right now, whether you’re just beginning or starting again, take one small step today. Your future self will thank you.

Because caring for yourself isn’t selfish. It’s how you make sure you’ll still be here, strong and well, to enjoy all the moments that matter most.

Sue Brown, RN, MS, MPA, NBC-HWC is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach who specializes in working with midlife leaders who struggle with their weight. She's worked in a variety of clinical and leadership positions over the years, but it was first after losing and maintaining a 120 lb weight loss that she found her calling as a coach.

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