2025 ~ 40 Over 40

Pearls of Wisdom

Christy Morales, 53

Range Bodywork Therapy Owner, Yoga Instructor, Massage, and Bodywork

I am deeply passionate about life! As a yoga instructor, I aim to help my clients understand their bodies, how to move within them, and how to be present in the moment. Additionally, as a massage therapist, I offer relaxation techniques and work to alleviate kinks and knots. I truly love how our bodies function and enjoy sharing that knowledge with others.

I have a playful side and often inject a hint of sarcasm into my interactions. Writing is another passion of mine, and I am currently in the process of getting published. When I'm not writing, you'll often find me outdoors, taking photos of nature—one of the many hobbies that help me feel grounded.

I take joy in exploring the depths and corners of my surroundings, regardless of how that exploration unfolds at any given moment. I thrive on challenging ideas, sparking boundless curiosity, and inspiring others to embrace each day with enthusiasm.

Be curious and get out there!

What are your thoughts on aging? I love being in my fifties! This year has had a few setbacks, but we encounter some of those in every decade and learn from them.

I view aging like fine wine; we improve with time. We become more aware of who we are and what we do or do not want. Our time is precious, and we have a clearer understanding of how we want to spend it.

Life has become a space where I want to create memories, enjoy the company of those around me, and simply be myself—no bullshit.

What wonderful things can younger women look forward to at your age? Younger women and girls, might think that it's scary getting older. Let's inspire them! Aging can be intimidating, especially for women, who often feel pressured to maintain a youthful appearance. The idea of staying the same sounds so boring. People frequently ask me if I would want to be sixteen or twenty again, and my answer is, “No.” I’ve been there, I’ve done that. I enjoyed those years, but I truly appreciate living each day and accepting the changes that come with time.

We are in a constant state of metamorphosis. This concept captures how we become fuller, wiser, and sometimes sillier, all while being uniquely ourselves. It’s a gift. Aging is a journey we can either embrace or let overwhelm us. So, let’s choose to embrace it. It’s a part of life, and not everyone gets the opportunity to experience it. Ultimately, it’s all about being yourself and loving yourself.

Share tips on how you celebrate yourself, what you do for fun, and self care. Drink plenty of water. We often hear this advice, but it's important to actually follow it. Staying hydrated makes you feel good and keeps your skin looking fabulous.

Apply lotion regularly. I've been using lotion since I was at least twelve. My husband calls me the "queen of potions," and he’s right! I love trying new products, but I have my favorites too. Cocoa butter and shea butter are the best.

Make time for a date night and stick to it. If your friend, partner, or family member cancels, still go out. Who cares if you end up sitting by yourself? It's about the experience, and cancellations happen.

Try new things. You are never too old to explore new activities. Take that dance class, learn a new language—whatever it may be, just give it a try! I am currently in the process of getting a pontoon license, and that feels scary and exciting.

Share one experience/story. We all have life struggles. But the big share is how did you over come and lift yourself up? Advice to other women to empower them. This year has been challenging. In March, my right knee began to cause problems, and from that point, everything seemed to go sideways. However, I am looking at this as an opportunity.

As a yoga teacher, I have had to make significant modifications, which has led me to explore some fun and exciting avenues. I have also slowly started to take social media more seriously as a way to connect and have fun, and grow my business.

During this strange time, I am fortunate to have a supportive partner and parents who, even from a distance, are just a phone call away. My clients and students are amazing! They keep me accountable, and I truly appreciate that. It brings me joy and gratitude to have them in my life.

It's important to surround yourself with great people. They may not always see things the same way, but they will support you when you need it, and you'll do the same for them. If you can have pets, do. They understand you in ways you might not even realize, and they teach us so much about life.

Be grateful for the small things; they truly bring us joy. And when they're gone, their absence is felt deeply.

What would you tell your 14-year-old self? “Hey, girl! Yeah, you! DO YOU!”

“Focus on you and screw the other d*%#heads in the room. You got this, and if you don’t learn and move on."

What is your definition of success?

What does success mean to me? I once believed it was represented by having money in the bank, a house with a picket fence, and a perfect partner. Cliché, right? However, as time has passed, that cliché never really materialized, and that’s perfectly fine with me. My success is personal, defined by my own goals—whether I achieve them or not. It’s about having the right people in my life, holding space for each other. The memories we create together are my true accomplishments and define success in my life.

What is the best advice you have been given? Advice: "Never stop learning." This is something my grandmother often told me during my teenage years. While she never fully understood my wanderlust for travel, she appreciated the reasons behind my desire and would listen intently to my adventures.

Her method of traveling was different; she explored the world through books, with her coffee table always covered in them. I now see the same desire for learning in my own life, with books scattered all around me. I continue to travel and embrace that urge to discover new things. Unbeknownst to her, she planted a seed in my young mind, and I am truly grateful for those few words of wisdom.

Twenty years from now, when you look at these portraits we took together, what do you think you will say to yourself? “Damn! I look good!” Joking aside, what I will remember most about the shoot is the fun we had, the engaging conversations, and the music—it felt like our playlists were perfectly in sync. And then there was my knee; I appreciated how Monica worked around my limitations of not being able to sit or stand in certain ways. The connection we had was truly wonderful!

Would you like to be part of the 40 over 40 experience?