I find that I have more in common with my 1954 Willy Jeep than with the car I drive today. We’re all a product of our time, and I grew up in a world where survival was far from glamorous. In my youth, I spent countless hours foraging along Long Island’s south shore for clams, crabs, eels, and fish. A lawn wasn’t a priority—growing vegetables was. Our family didn’t buy groceries in the way most do now. In the fall, we would buy half a cow, milk, eggs, and chicken directly from a farm. I wasn’t proud of it at the time, but looking back, I now recognize how fortunate I was to grow up that way.
Age is not a determinant of functionality. Old things, like my Willy Jeep, remain functional and even stylish, so long as they are well-maintained. If you’re over 50 and feeling off, it’s likely not age but illness.
When it comes to health, most of us know the basics: eating unprocessed, whole foods is essential. We should eat things that closely resemble their original form—vegetables, meats fed a natural diet, and plant-based proteins like lentils, beans, and chickpeas several times a week. Sugar is the enemy, particularly high-fructose corn syrup, which harms mitochondrial function. It’s insidious—just as addictive as drugs, and maybe more so because it’s something we crave daily. You can’t outrun a poor diet, no matter how hard you try.
For clean, nourishing food, I recommend shopping at Nature’s Temptation in town. Jeff Konchalski and Diego work tirelessly to bring the best organic and natural products to your table. For a quick, healthy meal, visit Botanika, where chef Elina serves plant-based protein lunches that are as delicious as they are nutritious.
Of course, exercise is just as critical. As adults, we must prioritize maintaining our muscle mass and staying active. If you’re looking for a great workout, I highly recommend Plank Ridgefield, led by Linda Murphy. They offer expert coaching in core strength, balance, and agility, plus an espresso bar and stylish workout gear to keep you motivated. For running enthusiasts, CT Run Co. has technology-driven shoe fittings to ensure you have the best gear for your runs, and Megan Searfoss’s events are a great way to get involved in the local running community.
It’s equally important for parents to encourage their children to step away from screens and engage in physical activity outdoors. Exercise during childhood builds the foundation for a healthy life. You don’t need to be a star athlete—what matters is getting active and enjoying it.
Connections with others and creating value in your community are just as important for lifelong happiness. I’m not a fan of complete retirement. There’s too much life left to live, and too many opportunities to find meaning and connection, whether through churches, organizations, or just by being active in your community.
As for true happiness, it comes from little indulgences, like visiting Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe for the best chocolate around. Quality chocolate, free of heavy metals, is not just a treat—it can even double your circulating stem cells! So, go ahead and indulge once in a while!
Life is a gift. Every morning we wake up is a miracle, and it’s worth taking time to appreciate and connect with others. We have the makings of a “Blue Zone” right here in Ridgefield, a community where health, creativity, and connection thrive. Every individual has the potential to positively impact their community, whether through entrepreneurship, volunteering, or simply sharing their unique gifts.
Finally, when it comes to rejuvenation, I’m here to help. Whether you’re looking for aesthetic treatments or cellular rejuvenation to boost health and longevity, we offer natural, non-invasive solutions. Treatments like PRP, PRF, and stem cell therapy are designed to promote healing from within. One of the most powerful tools we have is medical grade Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), which enhances the body’s natural healing abilities. It’s a remarkable process that helps the body regain balance and restore vitality without the side effects of traditional medicine.
If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to talk more about how we can support your health journey.
With best regards,
“The Gift”
(203) 806-9250
