My mother passed away when she was only 53 years old. She only went to work and back home every single day — she never traveled anywhere, and we never went on family vacations. She never even went out to dinner, to the movies or a play, or did anything to pamper and care for herself. She spent her entire life working and taking care of me and my siblings, and never got the chance to live life for herself. Her life is what inspires me and the primary driving force behind my determination in living the best life that I can every single day in every way that I can.

It is important to me to live the very best life possible, and to not accept limitations on the levels I can go to in order to achieve health and happiness. 2015 was the year that I put my professional goals aside and made my home and family the top priority. I wanted us to learn, grow, and experience life together. I wanted each of us to focus more on realizing the value of what we have been blessed with, and to show gratitude in words and actions.

This past summer, I surprised my family with a road trip to California in celebration of my husband’s 50^th birthday. Months of planning while keeping the entire trip a secret was stressful, but the payoff was far more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. By the end of our journey, our family was more connected – to the natural beauty of the world, our own minds and bodies, and to each other.

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Our travels did not begin and end there. In 2015, we traveled coast to coast as a family, to over 30 cities far and wide across the United States. Time moved so fast, and the memories made were very precious. That’s what living a full life is all about: health, love, and family.

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I always want to make sure that the connection continues on even when we’re not on the road. I strive to make my home a place of peace — every single area has a special space to tune out the world and relax my mind. I make travel and attending events a staple in my schedule: whether it’s attending a concert, watching a movie at home, or traveling with my family out of state, or even doing a “staycation.” I make time to read and meditate as well. My schedule is very full, however I do all that I can to carve out moments of peaceful living every day. When you have a positive mindset and are committed to knowing, thriving, and believing, you build upon the power that is within you to overcome every life obstacle, every health challenge – anything life throws your way.

Out of everything that happened for us in 2015, the one thing that makes me feel most fulfilled is family. Putting family first, being connected, and learning together – as well as from one another.

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In the year ahead, I want to continue to live fully and strive to be a happier, healthier version of myself, and to help my family do the same. That is my goal – my ‘fullosophy’ – that I plan to live by every day.

Living the Best Life

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Abbott is committed to helping people everywhere live LIFE. TO THE FULLEST. To find out where you stand in living your best life, take Abbott’s LIFE. TO THE FULLEST quiz by visiting the website here. While you’re there, browse all of the tools, tips, and resources they offer to help you live a full life. You can also connect with Abbott on Facebook and Twitter.

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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Living the Best Life