13 beach chairs lined up, side by side, on the beach that we've been vacationing on since my twin sister and I were 9 months old. And here we were, returning for our 40th birthday.

Long Beach Island, NJ.

The place where my Pop-Pop staked his claims to the Murphy family's vacation spot. Where he vowed to bring us all together to spend at least one week out of the year together.

No matter what life looked or felt like during the year, somehow, it always felt more joyous and happier on the Island.

It would be here that I would catch my first fish off of Polly's Dock.

Where you could set sail on the Black Whale and climb into the captain's chair and receive your honorary button.

Visit The Show Place Ice Cream Parlor for a theatrical performance, and bury your face in your teenage hands as your Dad stands up and sings "Tradition! She ordered a Show Place Tradition!!!"

A place where we would gather at night, sipping tea and counting stars; where the old wood on the upper deck held our stories, laughs, and memories until next year.

Beach Haven became our safe haven.

Until real life rolled in like a tumultuous tide.

My sister's screams pierced the summer beach and silenced everything but the waves.

"Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!!!" she yelled.

Without a moment's hesitation, my mom and I ran to find my Dad starting to "come to". He was sitting on the ground slowly trying to sit up and grasp what was happening. The owner of the beach house near where my dad fell called 9-1-1, and the ambulance arrived.

We'd later learned it wasn't his blood sugar. It was his heart.

My Dad had suffered his second heart attack.

My Dad was able to recover, and we would stay at our beloved 119 3rd Street, the shore house that felt like ours. We would continue to make the most of our time together, going to the beach, riding the surreys, fishing and crabbing, and making each and every day count.

As I sat on the beach with my friends spanning three generations of my life, I was filled with gratitude, blessings, and thankfulness. Sometimes, there are no words to describe the relationships in your life and the depth of love and meaning they bring.

• Be present today.
• Make the time to spend more time with family and friends.
• Pick up the phone and call someone you've been meaning to talk to.
• And most importantly, take heart.

This Week's Tune Up Tip

Mindset Reset

When you catch yourself saying “I have to” (work out, prep meals, take meds), swap it with “I get to.”

This simple shift turns chores into choices and reminds you that every action you take is an opportunity to invest in your health.

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Fuel Up with Power Bowls As the weather starts to cool, build heart-healthy power bowls for quick lunches. Layer greens + whole grains (quinoa, brown rice) + lean protein (beans, salmon, chicken) + colorful veggies + a drizzle of olive-oil vinaigrette.​ You’ll pack fiber, healthy fats, and steady energy into one simple bowl which is perfect for busy fall days.

September is National Cholesterol Education Month.

A time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of managing cholesterol for heart health. High cholesterol often has no symptoms, yet it can silently increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, making regular cholesterol checks and adopting healthy lifestyle habits critical steps in prevention. This month encourages everyone to learn their numbers and take action for a healthier future.

Speaking of cholesterol numbers, do you know and understand yours?!

If not, you are not alone. It can feel scary logging into your portal to see your lipid panel lighting up like a Christmas tree. Wondering why the heck your Triglyceride levels are now elevated on top of your LDL levels and wondering what it all means for you and your heart health.

If you are looking for clarity in the confusion of your cholesterol levels, then join me for The Cholesterol Decoder Live Masterclass next week!

Next Tuesday, September 30, join me for The Cholesterol Decoder Masterclass where I'll be helping you to make sense of your cholesterol levels. I'll be breaking it down in simple terms to help you understand your numbers and providing strategies and support to help you kick start your cholesterol-lowering journey.

*Free for Heart Health League Members! Join today! *

Let's connect!

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