Gaining Weight, Going Grey, and Growing Fierce

Change is one of the few guarantees in life. Our bodies shift, our hormones fluctuate, our kids grow up, and suddenly we’re staring in the mirror at grey hair, wondering how we got here so fast.

This past year, I’ve gained weight and fully stepped into my fifties. For the past five years, I’ve let my natural hair shine. And while there have been moments of frustration and discomfort, I can honestly say I’m proud—proud of the woman I’m becoming, the lessons I’ve learned, and the fierceness that comes from embracing it all instead of fighting it.

Today, I want to share seven lessons this season of life has taught me.

Before I dive in, here’s a little context. This photo was taken at my daughter’s senior night celebration, with my husband on one side and Rebecca in the middle. Seeing her step into this milestone reminded me how fast life moves and how important it is to honor each stage. I also share all seven of these lessons, along with personal stories you won’t want to miss, on my latest podcast episode. Join me for the conversation here.

1. Our Bodies Are Always Changing

From the moment we are born, our bodies never stop evolving. What worked in your thirties may not work in your fifties, and that does not mean you are broken. When my insulin spiked as estrogen dropped, the weight gain was not a failure. It was my body sending a message: pay attention.

What if we saw weight gain not as punishment but as information? A nudge to get curious instead of critical. Curiosity is always a better co-pilot than criticism.

2. Pivot Without Punishing Yourself

I used to think that when weight showed up, I had to double down with more restrictions, more rules, and more punishment. That cycle only made me miserable.

Now, I see weight gain as an invitation to pivot with compassion, not punishment. To listen differently, to adjust, and to honor my body’s changing needs.

Flexibility is not weakness. It is a strength. The old diet rules do not work anymore, and that is actually a gift. Curiosity opens the door to new solutions. Self-criticism keeps us stuck.

3. Be Proud of Your Current Body

It is possible to want change and still love your body right now.

I may be heavier. I may move a little slower. But my body still carries me through every single day, and that is something to be proud of.

Pride is not about the size of your jeans or the number on the scale. Pride is about honoring the loyalty of a body that keeps showing up for you.

You do not have to wait until you lose weight to feel proud. Gratitude for your body today changes everything. One of the tools I teach my clients is a Body Appreciation Journal, where they write down one thing they love or appreciate about their body each day. The more you practice this, the more you’ll see that respect for your body doesn’t have to wait for a smaller size.

4. I Will Not Jeopardize My Body for Weight Loss

After reacting badly to a medication, I chose to stop even though it was helping me lose weight.

Some medications are lifesaving for others, and I honor that. But for me, the message was clear. My body deserves better than suffering for the sake of being smaller.

My overall health and well-being come first. My worth is not measured by what I am willing to endure, and neither is yours.

5. Your Worth Has Nothing to Do with Your Size

This one is big. The size of your jeans is not the size of your value. Worth is about how you speak to yourself, how you treat yourself, and how you show up in your life.

Instead of saying, “I let myself go,” try saying, “I am proud of myself for showing up.” One feels like a heavy wet blanket, the other feels like relief.

6. Re-Center the Priority

My ultimate goal isn’t a number on the scale. It’s about health, balance, and well-being. Feeling good in my body, living sustainably and joyfully, eating well, moving in ways that feel good, taking supplements, and listening to what my body is asking for.

This is what breaking toxic cycles and building self-trust looks like.

7. Aging Is a Gift

I am proud of myself for getting through perimenopause. That season stretched me in every possible way, and I came out stronger.

And you know what else? Embracing my grey has been one of the most empowering decisions I’ve ever made.

In a world that’s obsessed with anti-aging, I see aging differently. Maybe it’s because I’ve had cancer, but to me, growing older is not something to fight; it’s something to celebrate. Each birthday is proof that we’re still here, still living, still loving, still becoming.

Final Thoughts

What I have learned from gaining weight, going grey, and growing fierce is this: My worth has nothing to do with my size, my hair color, or how youthful I look.

My worth is in how I choose to show up for myself. In the self-trust I have built, the cycles I have broken, and the freedom I feel in my own skin.

And the same is true for you.

So let me ask you. What has your body and your life been teaching you lately? Are you listening with curiosity or criticism?

The path forward isn't punishment. It's power.

If you are ready to stop punishing yourself and start reclaiming trust in your body, I would love to support you. Book a complimentary connection call at amyenglishcc.com.

Here is to growing fierce at every stage of life.

xo,

Amy

Amy English

Emotional Eating Coach | Fat2Fierce®

Fat2Fierce | YouTube | Podcast

Break the Overeating Cycle. Build Self-Trust. Be Free in Your Body.