
When I was young, my dad gave me advice that stuck with me. He said, “Treat your body the way you’d treat a car that was built in the year you were born.” For me, that meant treating my body like a classic car from 1985. A car that’s built to last but only if it’s properly maintained. He explained that just like a classic car, my body needed consistent care. Routine checkups, regular fueling, and the occasional fine-tuning. This wasn’t just about avoiding breakdowns but about embracing the beauty of the journey.
At first, it sounded like one of those sayings meant to go in one ear and out the other. But as I got older, I realized how much truth was packed into that simple analogy. A car from 1985 doesn’t perform like a brand-new model. It has earned its character, its resilience, and its quirks, but it needs intentional care or it won’t get very far.

The metaphor doesn’t just apply to cars or bodies. It applies to life itself. Yet, at the start of every new year, people treat themselves like they need a factory reset. They make grand resolutions, often built on comparisons to others, promising to overhaul their entire lives. This approach often backfires because it focuses on short-term outcomes instead of long-term habits.
Forget Resolutions. Focus on Being the Best You
Here’s the truth. You don’t need a specific date on the calendar to start becoming your best self. You don’t need to compare your progress to the next person or try to mimic their goals. Your life, like your body, is a unique creation that thrives on individual care and attention.
Resolutions tend to focus on fixing something you believe is wrong with yourself. But what if, instead, you shifted your mindset to improving yourself day by day? Improvement is about growth, not perfection. It’s about looking at who you were yesterday and asking, “What can I do today to move forward?” Whether it’s drinking more water, making time for reflection, or walking 15 minutes, small actions compound into lasting change.
The Power of Your Moment in Time

One powerful way to track your progress is through photographs. Every time you take a picture, you’re capturing a version of yourself that exists in a fleeting moment. Think about it. The second you snap the photo, you’re already a few seconds older than you were when it was taken.
Photographs are a reminder that time moves forward, whether we choose to grow with it or not. They’re visual markers of our journey. Not just in how we look, but in the energy, joy, or determination we exude. When you take pictures of yourself every day, it’s not about vanity. It’s about honoring your journey and seeing the changes unfold over time. Your only competition is the person you were yesterday, and every picture tells the story of your progress.
Maintenance vs. Repair
This brings us back to the importance of maintenance over repair. Maintenance is a commitment to small, consistent actions that preserve and enhance your well-being. It’s drinking water before you feel thirsty, resting before you feel exhausted, and moving your body before it starts to ache. It’s also about taking time for gratitude, mindfulness, and self-reflection.

Repair, on the other hand, happens when we ignore the signs. It’s reactive, costly, and sometimes painful. Whether it’s dealing with burnout, chronic illness, or strained relationships, repair is the result of neglecting maintenance.
The 2 AM Code. Your Maintenance Manifesto
This is where The 2 AM Code comes into play. The philosophy behind the code isn’t just about empowerment. It’s about living with intention and dignity. Maintenance is a daily practice that aligns with this philosophy. It’s about taking responsibility for your own care and progress, no matter how small the steps might seem.
At 2 AM, when the world is quiet, ask yourself. Am I maintaining the things that matter? Am I nurturing myself, my relationships, and my goals? Maintenance isn’t glamorous, but it’s the foundation of everything you want to build.
Your Life, Your Journey
This year, ditch the resolutions and focus on being the best version of you. Stop comparing your progress to others. It’s not their car, their journey, or their story. Instead, focus on daily improvements, take those pictures, and celebrate every moment of growth. Remember, every snapshot is a moment you can never get back, and every choice you make today is an investment in your tomorrow.

Treat your body, your mind, and your spirit like the classic masterpiece it is. Care for it with respect and intentionality. Life isn’t about rushing to the finish line. It’s about enjoying the ride and ensuring that your vehicle is built to last.
Until Next Time, Good People! - Lisa
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