My August 2025: Finding Joy in Simple Moments and Caring for Health

Hi again—it’s Diana from Healthy Seniors.

August drifted by quietly—not in July’s hazy rush, but with an easy rhythm that gave me space to notice the little things. The kind of details that are so easy to overlook, but once you pay attention, you realize they’re what make life feel full.

For me, this month was about simple pleasures. Walking barefoot on the grass and feeling that cool, soft grounding under my feet. Sitting outside in the quiet of the morning with a hot cup of coffee, before the noise of the day began. Letting the evenings stretch long, with laughter echoing through the house from my kids.

They’re 13 and 11 now—right at that magical in-between age. Old enough to have their own thoughts and opinions, but still young enough that they want to spend time with us. I know this won’t last forever, so I’ve been savoring it. The board games, the shared meals, the silly inside jokes that only make sense to us. These little moments feel ordinary in the moment, but I know one day I’ll look back and realize they were extraordinary.

Mixed in with all that sweetness, August also had its practical side. I did my yearly medical checkup, which has become more important to me with each passing year. This time, I added something new: a DEXA scan. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a test that measures bone density. And, well—the results gave me pause. It turns out I have a higher risk of fractures than I realized. Not exactly the news I was hoping to hear, but I’m glad to know now instead of later.

At first, I’ll admit, I felt a little disappointed. I’ve been keeping up with my weight training 2–3 times a week, and I thought that was enough. But the truth is, our bodies have their own stories to tell, and sometimes we need to listen a little more closely. The scan was a wake-up call—not to beat myself up, but to adapt. To expand my routine in a way that supports me not just now, but for years to come.

Regular checkups have taken on an even deeper meaning for me because of my mom. She discovered her breast cancer early—before she ever had any symptoms—thanks to routine screenings. That timing made all the difference. The truth is, even if you live a healthy lifestyle, statistics show you’re never completely safe from illness. The best we can do is stay proactive: get the exams, run the tests, and give ourselves the chance to catch something early enough to make a real difference.

So, as we head into September, I’m setting a new challenge for myself: improving my health routine. I’m keeping the weight exercises I already love, but I’m adding something new—physical therapy exercises. Specifically, movements that will strengthen my back muscles and support my bone health. It feels less like starting over, and more like adding an important missing piece to the puzzle.

August taught me two things at once: that joy can be found in the smallest, simplest pleasures, and that caring for ourselves is an ongoing, evolving process. Both matter. Both are worth paying attention to.

I’m heading into September with a sense of quiet determination. Summer gave me rest. Now I want to build strength—not just the kind you can see, but the kind that supports me from the inside out.

So now I’m curious: what are you focusing on this fall? Are you leaning into rest a little longer, or picking up new habits to carry you into the new season?