“What I’m Thankful For Now That I’m Older” – A Personal Essay
Looking Back with Softer Eyes
Getting older often brings surprises. Some are gentle, like discovering new layers of yourself, and others are heavier, like navigating loss or shifting roles. But one gift of aging is learning to see your life with softer eyes. What used to feel like flaws or failures start to look more like stepping stones. Gratitude becomes less about keeping a perfect gratitude journal and more about recognizing the small truths that carry you through.
Thankful for My Own Pace
In my younger years, I often measured myself against others, who was further along, who had achieved more, who seemed to be “ahead.” Now, I’m thankful for the pace that feels right for me. Moving slower doesn’t mean falling behind; it means honoring the rhythm that allows me to breathe, to be present, and to enjoy the small wonders along the way.
Thankful for Friendships That Last
Not every friendship has endured, and that’s something I’ve made peace with. The ones that have lasted, the people who have seen me through heartbreak, laughter, and messy seasons, are treasures I no longer take for granted. I am deeply thankful for the phone calls that stretch late into the night, the unspoken understanding, and the rare comfort of being truly known.
Thankful for Boundaries That Protect Me
I used to believe saying “no” was selfish. Now, I see boundaries as an act of love, both for myself and for those around me. I’m grateful for the courage it took to draw lines, to recognize what drains me, and to give myself permission to step away. Boundaries haven’t closed me off; they’ve actually allowed me to connect more authentically.
Thankful for My Resilience
Life has thrown storms my way, losses, disappointments, and unexpected detours. But I’ve discovered a resilience I didn’t know I had. I’m thankful for every moment I thought I couldn’t get through but did anyway. That quiet strength now hums beneath my skin, a reminder that I am capable of carrying more than I once believed.
Thankful for the Simple Joys
The older I get, the less I crave the extraordinary and the more I appreciate the everyday. A warm mug of tea, the feel of fresh sheets, a walk under the evening sky, these small joys have become the foundation of my gratitude. They remind me that meaning isn’t always in the big milestones but in the little rituals that shape a life.
Gratitude, at this stage, feels less like a list and more like a way of being. I’m not thankful because everything is perfect, far from it. I’m thankful because I’ve learned to see the beauty tucked into imperfection, the lessons within loss, and the quiet moments that remind me I am still here, still growing, still becoming.
Daisy Brained
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