I often say thank you to those who showed up for me when I needed it the most, to my cook, who came even through heavy rain, to my driver, who showed up for work even while feeling unwell, to my friend who brought me lunch when I couldn’t get out of bed, to the kind stranger who helped me with my heavy luggage at the airport, to the doctor who took my shift when I had to leave unexpectedly. Each of them entered my life for a brief moment, but their support meant everything. And I never forget to thank them.

But today, I realized there’s someone I’ve been forgetting to thank. Someone who’s been with me through every single moment of my life. My body.

Years have passed. I used to look beautiful, I say. After childbirth, I gained weight. With time, I stopped caring for myself the way I once did. Aches and pains have become a part of daily life. My hands are marked by burns from cooking. When I look in the mirror, sometimes I feel frustrated. I don’t like what I see.

But then it hit me: How could I forget to thank this body, the one that has carried me through every hardship? These “ugly” hands still prepare meals and care for my family. These tired legs still take me wherever I need to go. This body, despite the pain and the exhaustion, has never abandoned me.
It has shown up for me, every single day of my life—even when I didn’t show up for it.

I’ve thanked people who crossed my path for a few moments… But forgotten to thank the one companion who has been with me from the very beginning—my own body.

So now, every time I stand in front of the mirror, I look myself in the eye and say: Thank you.

Each time you face the mirror, take a moment to say thank you to the body that’s carried you this far.

Do you see flaws in the mirror, or do you see strength, resilience, and grace?