Many of us women grapple with the fear of going gray. Aging is a natural process, so ideally, it shouldn't stir up feelings of difficulty or apprehension. But why do we dread this natural transition?
Like you, I found myself at a crossroads, debating whether to embrace my gray hair or continue to cover it up. I was bogged down by worries about other people's opinions. On top of that, navigating through menopause felt like being on a never-ending roller coaster. It became clear that I needed a shift in mindset to be at peace with myself; otherwise, I would remain trapped in a cycle of negativity.
In this article, you'll you CAN overcome the fear of going gray and truly embrace it.
Fear of Going gray
Embracing gray hair sounds simple, yet it's anything but. Initially, we might snip or dye our grays, falling into a never-ending cycle of maintenance. Why the resistance to going gray? Often, societal expectations press women to maintain a youthful appearance, viewing gray hair as undesirable. Many women, including those in my family, dye their hair perpetually to conform. Yet, the real challenge lies in accepting aging itself, as we fear stepping out of our comfort zone.
How to OVERCOMe the fear OF GOING GRAY
When I started to truly connect with myself, nature, and the people around me, I felt a profound neurological shift in my mindset. Almost immediately, I began embracing my authentic self and practicing self-kindness. This journey led me to a newfound sense of comfort and, unexpectedly, genuine excitement about transitioning to my natural gray hair. Next, I will show you exactly how I connected with three key aspects.
Myself
- focused on what’s important in my life
- looked inward to find my authentic-self
Nature:
- started backcountry camping – stepped out of my comfort zone!
- spent more time in nature – practiced mindfulness!
Others:
- connected with women who transitioned to embracing their gray hair – truly empowering!
- searched for images of women in gray hair – absolutely inspiring!
What happened Next?
Unexpectedly, other women started complimenting me and inquiring about my process, similar to how I had once sought inspiration from women who wore their gray hair with pride. This led to an intriguing revelation: my assumptions about others' reactions were completely wrong!
In fact, several of my students even thought my gray hair was an intentional highlight, viewing it as something cool and trendy.
This journey has underscored a powerful truth: often, we are our own greatest adversaries. It's important to ponder the impact we can have on other women and future generations. The choices we make can indeed pave the way for a more accepting and empowering world!
Love & Care 💕
Kumiko
Peace of mind often escapes our thoughts as mothers until we notice it impacting our mental well-being. The stress of parenting, managing daily tasks, and the constant feeling of being pulled in every direction can leave us feeling anxious, irritable, and impatient.
If this resonates with you, rest assured, you are NOT alone. Many of us juggle endless tasks for the benefit of others, only to end each day feeling utterly drained. Yet, we persist, telling ourselves to push forward. However, this cycle of relentless effort without a moment for ourselves can quickly lead to burnout. Like so many, my desire to be the perfect mom and provide the best for my family led me down an unsustainable path that negatively affected my mental health. I felt stuck and unsure of how to break free.
The wake-up call for many of us came with the pandemic, forcing us to reevaluate our priorities and slow down. During this period, I had an epiphany; aiming to be a peaceful mom was far more valuable than striving for perfection. This realization led me to discover *The 5 AM Club* by Robin Sharma, a book that taught me the importance of taking control of my mornings and, by extension, my peace of mind.
Why Embrace a Morning Routine for Peace of Mind?
Adopting an early morning routine, as suggested in this *The 5 AM Club*, offers countless benefits for mental transformation. The essence of waking early is the precious, undisturbed time it affords you before the demands of family life begin. This is not about waking up early to meet the needs of others, but to focus on nurturing your mind, soul, and body.
Steps Towards Crafting a Peaceful Mind
Embarking on my 5 AM journey began with small, manageable changes. The first step was eliminating my afternoon coffee, which, though a tough habit to break, led to noticeable improvements in my well-being. Encouraged by this success, I gradually adjusted my wake-up time from 7 AM to eventually 5 AM, despite the initial challenge and sleep-deprived days this change presented.
Creating Your Personal Morning Routine
While reading *The 5 AM Club* is something I highly recommend, I understand the constraints of a busy schedule. To help, watch this video summary of the book's key ideas. Before you dive into the video, make sure to have a pen and paper ready to jot down insights that could guide your journey towards a peaceful mind.
The book suggests dividing your first hour into three 20-minute blocks for exercise, reflection, and personal growth. This structure is a great starting point, though I encourage you to tailor it to suit your needs. For instance, my routine shifts between seasons, currently comprising a 15-minute walk, 25 minutes of yoga and meditation, and 20 minutes of learning. The key is to focus on what you are capable of doing each day, considering factors like the weather, your living environment, and any physical limitations.
The Result: Transformation for a Peaceful Mind
On July 11th, 2020, I began a journey that transformed my life—waking up at 5 am. Initially, it was a challenge, but with time, the early mornings became a cherished part of my routine. Roughly a month into this new habit, I noticed profound changes in my mentality, akin to becoming an entirely new person.
Recently, I stumbled upon an article that echoed the transformation I've been experiencing. This article resonated deeply with me, as it outlined various internal shifts similar to my own:
1. Taking responsibility for my actions – Previously, I had a tendency to blame others.
2. Adopting a growth mindset – I moved away from a victim mindset, embracing positivity instead.
3. Setting healthy boundaries – I learned to distance myself from toxic environments and individuals.
4. Gaining control over myself – In the past, I wrongly sought control over others, which was detrimental.
5. Finding calm and peace within – Anxiety, irritation, and impatience used to be my constant companions.
6. Cultivating awareness of myself and others – I had been too preoccupied to notice the world around me.
7. Focusing on being a peaceful mom – I let go of the unattainable goal of being the perfect mom.
Embarking on this journey has fortified my mental strength, granting me a serene and relaxed disposition. When you're relaxed and self-aware, you hold the reins of your life. Discovering and maintaining a peaceful mind has been the cornerstone of my transformation.
Love & Care💕
Kumiko
