The gift of Flexibility

The Gift of Flexibility: Thriving Through Change in Our Later Years

As we grow older, one of the most common and often whispered concerns is, “Why is everything changing so much?” But if we take a moment to reflect, we realize: life has always been about change.

From the first day of kindergarten, to learning to drive, falling in love, becoming a parent (or not), switching jobs, or grieving a loss—we’ve been navigating transitions all along. So no, change isn’t suddenly stalking us because we’re older. What makes the difference now is not the presence of change, but our willingness to be flexible in how we respond to it.

Flexibility—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—isn’t just for yoga mats and athletes. It’s a life skill, a survival trait, and in many ways, a spiritual practice. When we cultivate flexibility, we become like a bamboo grove—able to sway in strong winds, but rooted and unbroken.

I know a thing or two about flexibility in unexpected ways. I live with Dupuytren's contracture in both hands. I've had multiple surgeries, and my fingers are permanently misshapen. Typing is a challenge—I miss keys constantly. But instead of giving up writing, I’ve leaned into a new way: Google voice typing.

It’s not perfect (it definitely “hears” some pretty strange things!), but it allows me to speak my thoughts freely. I can flow with ideas rather than wrestle over spelling each little word. That’s flexibility in action—choosing curiosity and ease over frustration and limitation.

When I trained as a Tiny Habits coach, I learned a powerful formula for handling change:

1. Break it down into small, manageable steps.

2. Be curious about new ways of doing things.

3. Become your own cheerleader,!! (Perhaps the most important of all).

These simple shifts help you meet change with grace, not resistance. They’re not just coping tools—they’re empowering. You realize you’re not too old or too late or too stuck. You’re still growing. You’re still evolving.

Change will always come. The real question is: Can we meet it with lightness? Can we dance with it instead of bracing against it?

When we do, we don’t just survive—we thrive.

So whether you're learning new technology, adapting to health changes, or reimagining what joy looks like at this stage of life, remember: your flexibility is your superpower.

You’ve been doing this all along. And you’re stronger—and bendier—than you think!