Aging With Agency: A Personal Reflection on Choosing Strength, Presence, and Purpose

As 2025 winds down, I took a moment to reflect and reset.

Recently, I had a candid conversation with a friend as she turned 60, and it hit me differently because I’m turning 59 in 2026.

I love birthdays. I truly love celebrating them but after a very challenging year for our family, this one landed deeper.

Life goes by quickly. That phrase sounds so cliché when we’re younger, until suddenly you find yourself standing on the doorstep of a new decade, and it feels surreal that you’re here.

I love aging in so many ways. As a woman, I love the confidence and clarity that are beginning to unfold as I’ve leaned into so many changes over the past few years. Those changes have allowed me to truly know myself more deeply and to respect who I am, rather than worry about what others think of me. I find myself asking better questions now: What do I really want? instead of What do others want for me?

I believe it’s a privilege to age. A gift that many don't have the opportunity to unwrap. And as I approach this next decade, I am so aware of my mindset shift, not negative, but aware. Aware that there is more road behind me than ahead. Aware of how precious life is, how sacred time with family, friends, and even myself truly is. And aware that my focus and presence must be more discerning, and deliberate and aligned.

I feel deeply grateful for the full and productive life I get to live, surrounded by incredible people. And yet, I also felt a pang this year as traditions shift and morph to make space for new chapters. I allowed myself to sit with all the feelings that washed over me: memories of my children growing up, loved ones who are no longer with us, and even people I had the privilege of treating as a therapist for many years whom I no longer serve in the same way.

And then, reality quietly speaks:

My kids? They’re busy writing their own story.
Health? It can slip faster than we notice.
The systems we rely on? Often, they fall short.

So I got honest with myself, pausing to listen and take stock of the lessons, patterns, and priorities that defined this past year.

Here are my top 10 reflections from 2025. Lessons I hope to carry with me into 2026. My hope is that as you read them, you’ll take a moment to reflect on what resonates for you, or even create your own list as we wind down this year.

1. Your health is your real foundation

Nothing else matters if your body refuses to cooperate. Move. Stretch. Sleep well. Nourish yourself. Stay connected to others. Illness respects those who take ownership of their health and after decades as a therapist, I’ve seen how small, consistent actions create the greatest impact

2 Financial Wellbeing Matters

When we care for our financial health with intention, we create stability, choice, and a greater sense of ease for ourselves and those we love.

3. Joy is yours to create

Waiting for others to make you happy is a fast track to disappointment. When you learn how to generate your own joy, loneliness loses its power.

4. Aging doesn’t mean surrender

Strength, mobility, and resilience are magnetic. Capability earns respect including self-respect.

5. Let go of what’s gone

The past was beautiful but it’s not where life lives anymore. Holding onto it steals today’s moments.

6. Protect your peace

Not every argument deserves your voice. Not every relationship deserves full access. Peace is valuable, protect it deliberately.

7. Keep learning, keep moving

Curiosity keeps you vibrant. Stagnation ages you far faster than time ever could.

8. Practice gratitude — even in challenge

Challenges are lessons and invitations to change. I’m deeply grateful for so much in 2025: a family wedding and gaining a beautiful new daughter-in-law, watching my daughter graduate and chase her dreams, precious time with my Mom (each day with her is a gift), and the privilege of treating, educating, and empowering people to Become the CEO of their health.

9. Listen and practice self-trust

Your body is always communicating. The whispers matter. Sensations, emotions, and reactions are data, not flaws. Awareness of your subconscious patterns and limiting beliefs gives you the power to choose differently.

10. Embrace change, it’s never too late to rewire

Limiting beliefs aren’t failures; they’re learned protection. And anything learned can be reframed. You can rewire your nervous system, reprogram your subconscious mind, and create new internal narratives at any age.

As 2026 approaches, remember this: no one else can live your life for you. But you can meet this next chapter with strength, presence, and purpose. And sometimes, showing up that way means recognizing when you need more understanding, support, and better tools to advocate for yourself.

If you’ve ever felt rushed, unheard, or confused after a healthcare appointment, you’re not alone. Many of us are navigating changes in our aging bodies that don’t fit neatly into quick visits or simple answers.

Over the past three years since closing the doors to Wallis for Wellness in the form it existed for 30 years, I felt a strong pull to do more. To reach beyond one-on-one care. To educate, empower, and support more people in a way that reflects how healthcare should feel: informed, preventative, collaborative, and human.

I have worked tirelessly during these past three years to build the infrastructure, content, and vision for the Become the CEO of Your Health Hub and Community. I’ve taken decades of clinical experience, thousands of hours of hands-on work, and the trusted network of healthcare professionals I’ve nurtured throughout my career and brought it all together in one place. Along with practical tools, resources, worksheets, and education, the Hub is designed to help you truly understand what’s happening in your body, ask better questions, and feel confident advocating for your health.

Inside the Hub, you’ll learn from trusted professionals who focus on prevention and whole-person care, not just symptoms. You’ll also be part of a supportive community of people who care deeply about their health and understand what you’re navigating. This is a place to learn, feel supported, and take back a sense of control.

👉 Join the waitlist and be the first to know when the Hub opens.

Thank you for taking the time to read, reflect, and walk alongside me in this season. Your presence here truly means more than you may realize.

As we step into a new year, I wish you and your families health that supports you, peace that grounds you, and prosperity that allows you to live with choice and ease.

May 2026 meet you all with clarity, courage, and care.

Your partner in preventative health,

Marg💜