I ran across this old story recently, and reading it again instantly made me feel spry. I hope you enjoy it.

I am now, probably for the first time in my life, most like the person I have always wanted to be. Sure, sometimes I despair over the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging chin. In fact, often I am taken aback by noticing that old person in my mirror, but I don't agonize over it.

I have a wonderful life and would never trade my amazing friends or loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. I've become kinder to myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need but looks so avant-garde on my patio. I am entitled to overeat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I can say “no” and mean it. I can also say “yes” and mean it.

Great freedom comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 a.m. or sleep until noon? I will walk the beach in a swimsuit that is stretched over a bulging body and dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the bikini crowd. They, too, will get old!

As I become older, it is easier to be positive. I care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. I like being old because it has set me free.

I genuinely like the person I have become. I won’t live forever, but while I am still here, I will waste no time lamenting what could have been or worrying about what will be. Today, I wish you a day of ordinary miracles and the unexpected freedom of aging with joy.

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

As we bid farewell to winter and welcome spring, many of us anticipate the rejuvenation that this season promises. Yet, for some people, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, can make this transition challenging.

Understanding the nuances of SAD during this transition is crucial because it's a time when we're encouraged to gradually increase our exposure to natural light, engage in regular physical activity outdoors, and establish a stable routine to help our bodies adjust. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and journaling, can also serve as powerful tools to navigate this change, process our feelings, and embrace the new season with open arms.

Support systems can play a vital role when someone is experiencing SAD. Whether reaching out to friends, joining support groups, or seeking professional help, connecting with others can provide comfort and guidance. As the days lengthen and nature awakens, let's remind ourselves that it's OK to seek help and take time to adjust to the brighter days ahead.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 leek, thinly sliced (white and light green parts only) 3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 1 tablespoon mild curry powder

1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 1 cup sliced carrots

1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (light for a healthier option) Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper, to taste 

Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the leeks, garlic and ginger, sautéing until the leeks are soft and translucent.

Spice it up: Add curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander and chili flakes. Stir well for about a minute until the spices are fragrant.

Add veggies: Mix in the carrots and cook for 3–4 minutes. Then add the sugar snap peas and asparagus, cooking for another 5 minutes until they start to soften, but retain some crunch.

Simmer: Stir in the thawed peas and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for another 5 minutes. Avoid boiling to keep the vegetables crisp.

Season: Add lemon zest and juice, then season with salt and pepper. Serve over a bed of fluffy quinoa or basmati rice for a complete meal.

This spring vegetable curry is light, zesty and bursting with the flavors of the season. The asparagus, sugar snap peas and fresh herbs bring a crisp, fresh dimension that's perfect for a springtime meal.

Enjoy this delightful dish as a celebration of the season's bounty!

May 1, International Workers' Day: Also known as Labor Day in some countries, this day is a celebration of laborers and the working classes.

May 5, Cinco de Mayo: Commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It's widely celebrated in the United States to honor Mexican culture and heritage.

May 12, Mother's Day: Celebrated on the second Sunday in May, it's a day to honor and celebrate mothers and mother figures.

May 20, Victoria Day: Canadian holiday on which the British sovereign's birthday is celebrated. In 1845, during the reign of Queen Victoria, May 24, the queen's birthday, was declared a holiday in Canada.

May 27, Memorial Day: This US holiday honors military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties. It is also the unofficial start of summer.

Vitamin K, often overlooked yet crucial for health, plays a key role in many ways. It's vital for coagulating blood, preventing excessive bleeding and strengthening bones by regulating calcium. It also shows potential in preventing arterial calcification and reducing heart disease risk.

Rich sources of it are green leafy vegetables, such as kale, spinach and Swiss chard, as well as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and certain vegetable oils. Smaller amounts of it are found in fish, meat, eggs and dairy. Vitamin K deficiency is rare, but people on blood thinners should monitor their intake carefully.

Consulting a healthcare provider, especially when considering supplements or if on medication, ensures a balanced Vitamin K intake is aligned with overall health needs. Essential yet understated, Vitamin K is a key component of a well-rounded diet and overall health maintenance.

Spring invites us to step outside and shake off the winter chill. Although such traditional activities as jogging and cycling are great, let’s explore some creative and unconventional ways to stay fit this spring.

Nature’s Obstacle Course: Transform a local park into your fitness playground. Use benches for step-ups or tricep dips, swing from low-hanging tree branches for pull-ups or balance-walk along curbs. These fun activities challenge and engage your whole body.

Outdoor Yoga Adventures: Take your yoga mat to different outdoor locations each week—a serene lakeside, a quiet forest or even a scenic mountaintop. The changing environments will add an element of novelty and challenge to your practice.

Wildlife Photography Hikes: Combine photography with hiking for a unique fitness adventure. Trekking to capture the perfect shot of spring blooms or wildlife can turn into a great workout!

Spring heralds the rebirth of nature. Among the myriad flowers that bloom, three stand out for their beauty and symbolism: tulips, cherry blossoms and daffodils.

1.  Tulips: Colors of Joy

Origin: Central Asia, popularized in Europe in the 16th century.

Varieties: More than 3,000 varieties, with a spectrum of colors and shapes. Bloom time: Early spring, symbolizing love and new beginnings.

2.  Cherry Blossoms: Ephemeral Elegance

Cultural Heart: Integral to Japanese culture, celebrated with Hanami (flower viewing). Varieties: Range from white to shades of pink.

Bloom Time: Short, typically early spring, symbolizing life's transient beauty.

3.  Daffodils: Harbingers of Hope

Varieties: About 50 species, with colors varying from yellow to white, pink and orange.

Bloom time: Annually around Easter, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings. Resilience: Hardy and enduring, they bloom annually with minimal care.

You may have heard the joke about a study on alternative foods where one-third of participants in a taste test enjoyed the new scientifically engineered food options, one third-did not enjoy them, and the last third ran away? Another fun statistic: one-third of the population registered with an online dating site has never actually had a date as a result of that site. And, while we’re talking statistics, here is an interesting one: Millennials now make up one-third of the workforce, having surpassed Generation X about two years ago. Oh, and did you know that students who read proficiently by third grade are more likely to pursue an advanced degree? 

Clearly, reaching ‘a third’ of anything is sort of a defining line in common studies, the point where there is some semblance of shape to a situation, even if it is not as remarkable as the halfway mark. You can probably see where I’m going with this one...  We are one-third of the way through 2024.

What have you done?

I hope that you’ve nailed some of your goals at work and that you’ve accomplished wonderful things in everyday life. If you haven’t quite made it to your goals just yet, then factor in this math: there are still two months left to change what this year will look like for you at the halfway point and that will happen before you still have six months to change the outcome of the entire year. In other words, the statistics are yours to create and your life is yours to shape.

Consider this your spring cleaning. Now is your chance to sweep out the cobwebs and come up with a plan for where you want to be in two months. So I ask you, instead of questioning what you have done, tell me instead— what are you going to do?

Spring forward!

Spring's arrival means updating your skin care routine to adapt to warmer, more- humid weather. Here are key tips for men and women to maintain healthy, radiant skin this season:

Switch To Lighter Moisturizers. Opt for water-based moisturizers—instead of heavy, oil-based ones—to maintain hydration without excess oiliness.

Gentle Exfoliation. Exfoliate gently once a week to remove dead skin cells accumulated during winter.

Sun Protection. Use a broad-spectrum SPF (at least 30) daily, reapplying every two hours when outdoors.

Eye Care. Apply light eye creams to address the delicate under-eye area, especially if spring allergies cause puffiness or dark circles.

Hydrate And Eat Healthy. Drink plenty of water and eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to nourish your skin from the inside.

Remember, adaptation is the key to spring skin care. Lighter products, increased sun protection and increased hydration will keep your skin fresh and vibrant throughout the season.