⏳ Author’s Note (2026)
I wrote this in 2017 as a journal entry. At fifty-eight, I thought I was simply trying to stay fit enough to enjoy life with my children and grandchildren. Looking back now, I realize I was giving my future self a gift. I had no idea life would ask much more of me in the years that followed, but I’m grateful I listened to those quiet words that came during prayer: “Love yourself.”
In the early part of 2017, while in the middle of one of my silent prayers, I heard myself saying, “Love yourself.” I took it seriously.
I looked at myself and began thinking about my health and my well-being. I was 58 years old. I knew that, physically, things would slowly begin to change.
Whether it was a coincidence or not, taking care of my health became a frequent topic at our dining table. Eating oatmeal for breakfast was suggested to me. Without realizing it was also considered a weight-loss plan, I gave it a try for a week. No offense to those who enjoy oatmeal every morning, but it wasn’t for me. I felt weak!
So I decided to exercise at home instead. I’m not the athletic type but to my surprise, I actually enjoyed doing cardio workouts. Yes, you read that right! I did them every day—for three whole weeks—before eventually stopping. Whether those three weeks were enough or not, I think they somehow helped improve to my endurance.
The Battle of the Plank
Then, I discovered plank exercises for older women. I laughed the first time I tried one. I couldn’t even hold a plank for five seconds!
Still, I kept going, adding a few more seconds each day—from 5 to 10, then 15, 20, 30 and finally 40 seconds. I even attempted a one-minute plank, but I decided that wasn’t for me. After all, I was over fifty and simply being realistic.
“Okay na yun!”
I added a few more simple exercises until I finally told myself, “Kaya na!”
The Accidental 5K
So, I registered for a funrun—first one in my life. I chose the 3K category because I was a complete beginner. But somehow, my son Tenten registered me for the 5K instead. 😳
Still, my children cheered me on from start to finish. They even drove alongside me during the run—“to the rescue,” they said—just in case I gave up halfway. They manage to snap a photo of me running… completely alone. I think everyone else had already finished the race!🤣
I was exhausted. As proud and relieved as I felt after crossing the finish line, I was so tired that I honestly thought I would never do it again.
The True Victory
Looking back, though, crossing that finish line wasn’t really the victory. My goal had never been to become a competetive runner.
I simply wanted to remain physically independent—to enjoy road trips, travels and adventures with my children and someday with my grandchildren. I wanted to age feeling healthy, capable and strong.
Without realizing it, every little step I took that year was my of answering the quiet invitation I had during prayer: Love yourself.
Sometimes loving yourself isn’t about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s simply choosing to care for the body God has given you—one walk, one plank, one step at a time.
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