I lean in close to look at the woman in the mirror, inspecting her wrinkles.
A small part of me yearns for an eraser, a way to smooth out the lines that tell a story I sometimes wish I could rewrite.
But then a wise voice, which has been growing louder in recent years, gently reminds me, “You have earned those.”
Each wrinkle paints a chapter of my life.
They capture how animated I become when I share a story, how laughter erupts from my belly, and how my tears flow from deep within my soul.
The angry lines that once marred my face have softened, reflecting the lessons I’ve learned about patience and understanding. I’ve faced worries that threatened to etch themselves deeper, yet here I stand, carrying my burdens with grace.
These lines are not merely marks of aging; they are a physical map of my journey.
They reveal the joy I’ve expressed, the sorrow I’ve carried, and the myriad emotions in between. With each glance, I see the essence of who I am becoming.
I smile and let out a gentle sigh.
That voice is right. I’ve earned these life lines, each one a testament to my resilience and growth. I look forward to adding so much more, knowing that every experience, every laugh and tear, will contribute to the beautiful tapestry of my life.