Sheryl Lee Ralph, the acclaimed star of Abbott Elementary, attributes her youthful energy to a positive mindset and a commitment to self-care. At 69, she embodies the philosophy that staying young is a holistic endeavor, encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. “I wear my joy,” Ralph shared in a recent PEOPLE cover story.
A Wake-Up Call for Wellness
While always a proponent of healthy living, Ralph recently intensified her wellness routine, prompted by a candid moment on set and a doctor’s visit. Filming Abbott Elementary, with its 360-degree camera coverage, brought a new level of self-awareness. “One time I got a shot of my behind, and I was like, ‘Oh, hell no!’” she recounted. A subsequent checkup delivered a startling revelation: her doctor informed her she was “obese on the inside.”
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Choosing a Natural Path to Health
Despite the prevalence of weight-loss medications, Ralph chose a natural approach to improve her health. While acknowledging the validity of other choices (“I don’t judge,” she commented), she opted for a lifestyle shift. “If that would have worked for me, I would have,” she affirmed, emphasizing her dedication to optimal health. “I would do anything to have the best health I possibly could.”
The Doctor’s Orders: Simple yet Profound
Ralph’s physician prescribed a straightforward yet transformative plan: modify her diet, incorporate exercise, and prioritize hydration. She heeded the advice, recognizing the inherent healing power of fundamental elements like fresh air and sunlight. “When the doctors tell you that stuff, you’ve got to do it,” Ralph stated. “Because there are certain things like fresh air, sunlight, those are very good medicines. Very good medicines.”
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Health as the Ultimate Wealth
Ralph underscored a crucial truth often overlooked: “Your health is your greatest wealth, and too many of us do not pay attention to it until it’s gone.” Her journey serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize well-being proactively.
A Fashionable Transformation
Complementing her renewed focus on health, Ralph’s daughter, stylist Ivy Maurice (known as “Coco”), is curating her wardrobe. This collaboration has ignited a stylish evolution, with Ralph proudly describing her daughter as helping her “rise out of the ashes like a phoenix of fashion and style.”
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Embracing Individuality and Choice
Regarding cosmetic procedures, Ralph remains steadfast in her self-acceptance. “My face is my face,” she declared, emphasizing her personal choice to embrace natural aging. However, she extends unwavering support to others who choose different paths. “Anybody else wants to do anything to their face and it works for you? Do you.”
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She acknowledges potential shifts in perspective with time, adding, “Who knows. That might change when I’m 80…” Ultimately, Ralph champions individual autonomy: “I tell anybody, ‘Do what you need to do for yourself…You feel good about yourself? Good. That’s what matters.’ I’m not their judge.” Her message resonates with a powerful theme: prioritizing well-being, in all its forms, is a personal journey deserving of respect and celebration.
