by Stacy Bremner, MA, RP
The Quiet Courage to Try Something New
I took an unplanned month and a half off from writing this blog — not because I meant to, but because life swept me up. First, I had a milestone birthday and threw myself a party in my hometown. It was joyful, and exactly the kind of celebration that reminds you how many chapters you’ve lived with people you love.
And yet, with aging comes a few more health questions and a lot more research. So after I got home, I found myself deep‑diving into DNA, hormones, supplements, nutrition, and exercise routines in an even more intense way than usual. It’s fascinating and time‑consuming and, honestly I cannot help myself. There’s always something new to learn about this body I’ve lived in for decades.
So as I return to sharing with you weekly, here are a few things I’ve been thinking about.
How Each Generation Defines “Health”
Lately I’ve been reflecting on how each generation defines “quality of life.” My grandparents worked hard and retired early. One set of grandparents was into gardening and exercise while the other set was into socializing and “food as fun” or as a reward. Think coffee and cake or cookies in the morning or afternoon and when out shopping. My mom’s family liked treats and processed foods. My parents didn’t really grow up with exercise culture. They didn’t walk the dogs like we do. It was my generation that popularized gyms and walking, and things like psychotherapy, and meditation. My kids’ generation sees movement and mental health practices as normal — almost expected. I do like that.
And still, every person is different. Some clients arrive eager to try new things. Others resist anything that feels awkward or unfamiliar. Some accept diagnoses as fixed identities. Some are content with medication alone. As a therapist, I have the honour of meeting each person where they are, while also holding a wider map of what’s possible.
What I’m Trying In My Own Life
As I’ve been thinking about all this, I’ve started taking some online health courses, learned about a different liver cleanse I’ll try this summer, bumped up my exercise with morning bike rides, and added kimchi and kefir into my nutrition efforts. There will be more — because staying open means continuing to learn what supports this body as it changes. I’m not doing any of it perfectly. I’m simply tweaking my efforts, noticing what helps, and letting myself evolve. But knowing my DNA gives me a clear path in a lot of ways.
The Quiet Courage of Trying Something New
What I’ve learned is this:
Change requires a willingness to be uncomfortable.
Not forever — just long enough to discover what helps.
We all resent certain healthy habits. I sometimes resent brushing my teeth when I’m tired, but I do it because I know it matters. Most growth is like that: small, unglamorous, repeated.
Stop Arguing For Your Limitations
The real message here?
Don’t argue for your limitations. Stay open.
When we’re open, solutions appear. Doors open. People share ideas. Life becomes collaborative instead of isolating. Wisdom comes from kids, friends, experts, strangers — anyone who crosses our path.
Quality of life isn’t about perfection.
It’s about willingness.
It’s about trying things, seeing what fits, and letting ourselves evolve.
Whether it’s body, mind, spirit, or relationships, everything can expand and improve when we stay open.
Where in your body, mind, spirit, or relationships are you feeling the pull to expand?
What small experiment have you been quietly considering but haven’t given yourself permission to try?