“Look at your body.

Look at those arms that have held people they love. Look at those eyes that have seen oceans and mountains and big green trees. Look at those legs that have carried you through your longest journeys. Look at your feet that have held you up on your hardest days. Look at your smile that has grinned a million times at the moments that have brought you joy. Look at your body…not for the curves or textures, but for the moments this body has given you. Look at your body. Now what do you see?” – Lexy Florentina Borja

Ooo, honey. I’ve reached an age in which my body feels like a foreign country. It feels strange, I don’t recognize anything, the climate is harsh, and I don’t understand the language so I can’t ask for directions. I didn’t ask to visit this country and it was certainly not on my list of desired destinations.

But then…I looked at my body again through the lens of my life as referenced above. This was a much lovelier journey. Not only was it a familiar country, it was one that I loved. One that made me feel safe, proud, beautiful, and grateful.

I looked at my eyes and saw an endless garden of flowers I’ve adored.

I looked at my hands and saw dozens upon dozens of meticulously decorated cookies and a skill that I continue to work so hard to learn and grow.

I looked at my heart and saw God’s love in every detail of my surroundings, especially in the places that are broken or dirty.

Not only did I look and see the smiles I’ve given, but the countless smiles that I’ve been given in return.

I saw a soul that is open to miracles.

I saw a mind that lives in perpetual awe.

I saw legs that have carried me through marathons and feet that have supported me through times it felt too difficult to move forward. Most of all, I saw a body that contributed two fairly spectacular humans to this world – and these arms have and will continue to hug them whenever possible.

So for all the seemingly misfiring synapses of my body at this stage of life, I am reminded that it is quite a gift. And for the first time in over half a century of existence, I can look at it with so much love and gratitude.