23 Jan Off the Grid and Everything I’d Tell My 2016 Self
💌 Notes from Natalie
As you’re reading this, I’m officially off the grid. Like real camping. No glam. No blow dryer. Questionable bathroom situation.
Why am I camping? 🏕️
Because it’s Brooks’ 50th birthday week and this is what he wanted. And apparently when your husband turns 50, you lovingly say “sure babe” and pack bug spray, snacks, and your emotional support hoodie. 😂
So yes, I wrote this before disappearing into the middle of nowhere. If a raccoon is currently judging my snack choices, please respect my privacy lol.
A decade will mess with your head (in a good way)
This week I went looking for photos from when Brooks turned 40. That sent me straight back to 2016 and wow. A whole decade just casually flew by like it had somewhere better to be.
Looking at those pictures really hit me. Who I was then. What I cared about. What I thought mattered. And…what actually mattered.
2016 Natalie 1.0
I shared this on Instagram here, but here’s what I’d tell 2016 Natalie if I could slide into her DMs.
📝 Dear 2016 Natalie,
Your book will hit bestseller status. It will feel amazing. Then your ego will get checked hard and you’ll realize it was never about the “status” or title. It was always about the women you helped change their lives.
DVDs are about to die. Yes DVDs. Those four fitness DVDs you poured your heart into will be your last. (Also explain DVDs to your future self sometime.)
Being on the cover of Women’s World was epic. Truly.
Play with your 8 year old daughter. Like really play. Put work away. Be fully present. She will be 18 before you can blink and you will wonder how that happened.
Friends will come and go. The best ones will stay for life. And some of your closest friends? You haven’t even met them yet.
Those implants do not define you. And that rupture is slowly poisoning you. You will remove them and feel stronger for it.
Your physical strength is cool. But injuries are coming. More than one. Get your mind and your health right, right now. You’ll thank yourself later.
Fitness launched your business, but it won’t be the end game. Conversations matter more. Midlife matters more.
Invest your money. Most of it. Stop paying consultants who promise the world. They are very convincing. And very wrong.
Work can wait. Friendships, experiences, being present in real life…do that now. This decade will fly at the blink of an eye.
Your husband is your forever. Make sure he knows it.
And by the way…40s are cool. Wait until your 50s. Just wait.
🎙 ON THE PODCAST THIS WEEK
I released two really good episodes and the messages around both have been nonstop.
First was an episode on transdermal versus oral supplement delivery. I had honestly never gone that deep on this before. I am not switching everything to transdermal, but I learned a lot. It was fascinating and clearly something many of you have been curious about too. You can watch this episode below or listen to it here on Apple on here on Spotify.
Second was Part One of a hormone series where I went deep with Dr. Betty Murray on hormone metabolism, especially estrogen.
What I learned is that every woman processes estrogen through three pathways. Which one dominates for you matters more than you think. Every woman uses all three pathways – you cannot shut any of them off completely. But the kicker is…only one pathway is considered protective long term.
It highlighted how we really need to understand our unique estrogen metabolism. I break this down in depth with Dr. Betty on the episode! You can watch part one below or listen to it here on Apple or here on Spotify.
Part Two is coming next week!
I also shared a carousel about it on Instagram HERE if you want to grab popcorn and read the comments. 🍿
📆 COMING UP
Part two of the hormone series drops next week.
I also did a really in depth and honestly fascinating interview with Ari Whitten all about red light therapy. What’s real. What actually works. What type matters. And what is just fancy glow marketing.
That episode is coming very soon.
👩🏻🔬 WHAT I’M TRYING THIS WEEK
I’m experimenting with transdermal patches and so far I’m REALLY liking the detox and cortisol support patches! If you want to try them out with a discount you can get them HERE and use code NATALIEJILL at checkout!
I’m also testing a new very promising red light mask. More on that once I’ve used it long enough to give you a real opinion and not a honeymoon phase review.
📖 WHAT I’M READING
I’m currently deep into a book on red light therapy that goes full science mode. Not beach reading. More highlighter and “wait what?!” reading. If you want a true science explanation on how red light works at the cellular level, this one delivers. I am learning SO MUCH!! It is like the bible of red light therapy! You can get that book HERE.
Alright, I’m off to celebrate my favorite human turning 50 in the wilderness. If I survive the camping experience, I’ll report back next week. 🫡
And if you’re in your 40s reading this thinking time is moving fast… just know your 50s might surprise you in the best way.
-Natalie Jill
