04/19/2026
Life is so messy.
And the truth is, we only get one life to live. One life to take chances, one life to have relationships with those we care about. At the end of life, rarely are people worried about the monetary or mundane stuff. The stuff we allow to hold SO much space and energy in our brains and bodies.
In my work with aging individuals and those in hospice, the relationships with those around us are what truly matter. No one is talking about that silly conflict youāre currently replaying in your head.
Gratitude gives us space to recognize how full our lives are in the moment. A life with more gratitude is a life more present. More time spent with those that we love, building, creating, and loving.
We are creatures of habit (good or bad), and I want to encourage you to start a habit of gratitude because when youāre dwelling youāre not able to move forward. As Tony Robbinās says, āWhen youāre in your head, youāre dead.ā And itās so true!
Take a moment and reflect on what is going on in your life right now. What are you worried about? How does that take up space for you in your daily life? Your to-do list? Often these feelings do come from a sense of ālackā.
Now think about what life will be like when youāre in your 80ās.
What do you think truly matters for this season of life that youāre in?
What would your 80 year old self say to the current you? Is there something that your 80 year old self would advise you to let go of or change to improve your quality of life today?
For me, Iāve been stressing far too much about things that, in hindsight, are not what matters. Stressors will always be there no matter our age. But who you surround yourself with in these seasons and the memories you make along the way, are what will carry you through.
So, take a moment. Take a deep breath, and reflect on what youāre grateful for right now in this season? How can you find more space to appreciate and love that part? And whatās one thing you can do to make 80 year-old you proud?
