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Gray Hairs, Gratitude, and Growth: Embracing the Journey

This week, I celebrated my 43rd birthday. As I reflected on the year behind me and the one ahead, I found myself laughing and sometimes crying (joking 😅) at how much my body seems to be on its own little adventure. Gray hairs are abundant, my hands sometimes feel like they’ve forgotten how to open jars, and let’s just say the scale seems to be practicing creative math.

Instead of focusing on what feels like loss or “deficit,” I’ve been working on leaning into the Centering Skills of Finding Gratitude and Positive Reframing.

Finding Gratitude helps me shift my focus from what my body looks and feels like to what it does for me. My hands may feel weaker, but they’ve held the hands of loved ones, whipped up family meals, and written stories that bring me joy.

Positive Reframing has also been a big help in my view of aging. Rather than seeing these changes as “good” or “bad,” I can choose to see them as reminders that I’ve lived another year—full of learning, growth, and love. I’ve also started reframing these changes as challenges to embrace, inspiring me to shift how I exercise and approach my diet to support my body’s needs better. By viewing these adjustments as opportunities rather than setbacks, I feel more empowered to care for myself with intention and grace.

It’s not always easy to embrace these skills, especially on days when the mirror reflects changes I wasn’t quite ready to see or when I struggle to do something that once felt effortless. Just the other day, I tried to open a jar of marinara sauce, and after several failed attempts, I had to ask for my son’s help. At first, I felt frustrated—why is this getting harder? But when I paused, took a deep breath, and leaned into Finding Gratitude, I realized how lucky I am to have someone by my side to help and how my hands, even if they struggle with jars, have done so much for me over the years. When I reframe these experiences, I feel more centered and more at peace with where I am. Then, in those moments, I’m better able to connect—with myself, my family, and the life I’m building. In that space of connection, I find joy, empathy, and strength—even if my hands aren’t as strong as they used to be.

Growing older isn’t about chasing what used to be; it’s about embracing what is. My body is the vessel through which I experience life’s most beautiful moments, and for that, I am endlessly grateful. If you’ve been noticing your own “body adventures” lately, I invite you to join me in leaning into Finding Gratitude and Positive Reframing

Together, let’s celebrate the ways our bodies support and carry us through every season of life.

With resilience and gratitude,

Kristie and the Dovetail Team

P.S. : Struggling with aging, the holidays, or other issues?  Join the conversation in our supportive community!

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