Happy Birthday To Me

Cuchetti, spiralized cucumber—Fruit Sugar Love

February is my birthday month, and as I think about what I might give myself this year, I’m considering clothes, a new pair of shoes, a new hairstyle, a purse, or maybe some sunglasses.

But when I look back at wish lists from years past, I can’t help noticing how much my values have shifted. The idea of a Louis Vuitton purse, Chanel sunglasses, or Kate Spade shoes no longer excites me the way it once did.

In my younger years, I placed a lot more importance on material things. Now, in my early 50s, what truly lights me up is taking care of my health—eating raw, plant-based foods with a heavy emphasis on fruit, going for long walks in the forest, gazing at clouds and hugging the tall, peaceful trees.

I’ve always cared about my health, but these days I really understand the truth of the phrase “health is wealth.” So I keep choosing to give myself the same simple, powerful gift: more raw fruit and plants, and more time in nature.

That feels like the best present I could possibly give myself.

Cuchetti, spiralized cucumber—Fruit Sugar Love

Cuchetti, spiralized cucumber and pistachio pesto sauce—Fruit Sugar Love

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Ringing In The New Year: 2026