I Stopped Saying “I Feel Old.” It Changed How I Felt.
The Words We Use Shape the Lives We Live
My mom used to say “I feel so old” at least once a day, usually when she was getting up from a chair or forgetting a name. It was a verbal tic. A friend challenged her to go one week without saying it. Instead, if her knee hurt, she had to say, “My knee feels stiff.” If she was tired, she had to say, “I need more rest.” By being specific instead of using the generic “old” label, she started to see her issues as solvable problems, not a permanent state of decline. It was a simple linguistic shift that changed her entire mindset.
The “Age-Proof” Mindset: How to Reframe Your Thoughts About Getting Older
My Brain Believes the Stories I Tell It
I learned from a psychologist that our brains have a “negativity bias” and that we can consciously reframe our thoughts about aging. Instead of thinking, “I’m getting wrinkles,” I try to reframe it as, “I’m earning smile lines.” Instead of “My metabolism is slowing down,” I think, “I have an opportunity to build a stronger body through weightlifting.” It’s not about toxic positivity or denying reality. It’s about consciously choosing to focus on the empowering aspects of the aging process, which actually changes how you experience it.
I Tried a “Media Diet” from Anti-Aging Ads. My Confidence Soared.
I Unsubscribed From the Culture That Profits From My Insecurity
I realized I was being bombarded with “anti-aging” messages all day—on social media, in magazines, on TV. These ads are designed to make me feel insecure about my natural aging process so I’ll buy their products. I went on a strict “media diet.” I unfollowed any social media account that promoted anti-aging nonsense. I stopped buying magazines that made me feel bad about myself. After a month of curating my media intake, my confidence soared. I had starved my inner critic of its favorite food: comparison and fear.
How to Grieve Your Younger Self and Embrace the Person You Are Today
I Had a Funeral for My 25-Year-Old Body
I was looking at old photos and was hit with a wave of grief for my 25-year-old self—her smooth skin, her boundless energy, her flat stomach. I was trying to hold onto a ghost. My therapist suggested I have a “funeral” for her. It sounds morbid, but it was powerful. I acknowledged the loss, I thanked that younger self for everything she gave me, and then I consciously let her go. This act of grieving allowed me to finally stop comparing myself to her and to fully embrace and appreciate the wise, resilient 45-year-old woman I am today.
The Confidence “Toolkit”: How to Feel Sexy and Vital at Any Age
The Arsenal I Use to Fight the “Frump”
On days when I’m feeling particularly “old” or “frumpy,” I have a confidence “toolkit” I deploy. It includes a few key things: putting on a great, upbeat playlist. Wearing my favorite “power” outfit, even if I’m just working from home. Putting on a swipe of bright red lipstick. And spending five minutes doing a “power pose” (standing like Superman). These are small, simple actions, but they are a powerful arsenal that can shift my energy and change my entire outlook on the day. They are my weapons against the frump.
“You Look Great for Your Age” – The Compliment That’s Actually an Insult
The Backhanded Compliment That Puts You in a Box
I know people mean well when they say, “You look great for your age.” But it’s a backhanded compliment that I’ve learned to hate. The “for your age” part is a subtle qualifier that implies that, of course, you don’t look as good as a younger person. It reinforces the idea that aging is a process of decline and that looking good is an exception to the rule. A simple “You look great!” is a real compliment. Adding the age qualifier just puts us back in a box we’re trying to break out of.
I Wrote Down Everything I’ve Accomplished. It Was a Better Confidence Boost Than Botox.
My “Life Resume” of Wins
Feeling down about my aging appearance, I decided to try a different kind of “makeover.” I sat down and created a “life resume.” I didn’t list my jobs. I listed my accomplishments: the friendships I’ve nurtured, the challenges I’ve overcome, the skills I’ve mastered, the kindness I’ve shown. I wrote down every tough situation I have survived. Reading that list, that tangible evidence of my resilience, my character, and my strength, gave me a deeper and more lasting confidence boost than any cosmetic procedure ever could.
How to Stop Fearing Your Birthday and Start Celebrating Your Life
I Celebrate My “Lap Around the Sun”
I used to dread my birthday. Each one felt like another step toward being “old.” I’ve reframed it. My birthday is not a countdown to the end. It’s a celebration of completing another successful “lap around the sun.” It’s a day to feel gratitude for the health, the love, and the experiences of the previous year. Instead of fearing the number, I now see my birthday as a personal New Year’s Day, a chance to feel pride in the journey and to set intentions for the next exciting lap.
The “Invisible Woman” Syndrome After 50 (And How to Fight It)
The Day I Realized the Barista Looked Right Through Me
My mom, a vibrant woman in her late fifties, described the moment she first felt “invisible.” She was standing at a coffee shop counter, and the young barista kept looking past her, serving people who had arrived after her. It was like she was a ghost. She was devastated. Her way of fighting it? She started wearing brighter colors. She started initiating conversations. She made a point of taking up space, of being seen and heard. She refused to accept the “invisibility cloak” that society often tries to place on older women.
I Started Dressing for My Body, Not for My Age. I’ve Never Felt Better.
There Are No “Rules” for What a 50-Year-Old Should Wear
For years, I was worried about dressing “my age.” I avoided certain styles because I thought I was “too old” for them. I felt frumpy and boring. I finally threw out the rulebook. Now, I have only one rule: “Does this make me feel amazing?” I’ve stopped worrying about whether something is “age-appropriate” and started focusing on whether it’s “me-appropriate.” I dress for my body shape, my personality, and my own joy. And I’ve never felt more stylish or confident.
The Psychology of “Looking Your Age”: Why Do We Care So Much?
We’ve Internalized a Culture That Worships Youth
Why are we so obsessed with “looking our age”? A sociologist friend explained that we live in a culture that equates youth with value, especially for women. Youth is associated with beauty, vitality, and relevance. Aging, therefore, is seen as a loss of value. We have all internalized this toxic belief system. The deep, psychological fear of “looking old” is not just vanity; it’s a rational fear of being devalued and becoming invisible in a culture that is obsessed with a fleeting and narrow definition of beauty.
How to Cultivate a Sense of “Awe” and Wonder to Keep Your Spirit Young
The Antidote to a Jaded Palate
One of the hallmarks of aging can be a sense of cynicism and a feeling that you’ve “seen it all.” My secret weapon against becoming a jaded old person is the active cultivation of “awe.” I make a point to seek out experiences that remind me of the vastness and beauty of the world. I watch nature documentaries about the deep ocean. I look at photos from the James Webb telescope. I listen to a piece of music so beautiful it gives me goosebumps. Awe is the antidote to cynicism and the fuel for a youthful spirit.
I Deleted the “Aging” Filter Apps From My Phone.
I Was Making My Real Face My Enemy
I got into the habit of using those “subtle” aging filters on my photos. They would smooth my skin, slim my face, and make me look like a well-rested version of myself from five years ago. The problem was, I started to prefer the filtered version to my actual reflection. I was creating a form of self-inflicted dysmorphia. The day I deleted all those apps was an act of rebellion. I decided to make peace with the face I actually have, not the digitally altered one on my phone.
The Power of “I Am” Affirmations for Building Ageless Confidence
I Changed My Inner Monologue, and It Changed My Outer Reality
My inner monologue about aging was brutal. I was constantly focused on what I was losing. I started a practice of “I am” affirmations. Every morning, while looking in the mirror, I say three positive “I am” statements out loud. “I am wise and experienced.” “I am strong and healthy.” “I am a vibrant and energetic woman.” At first, it felt silly and fake. But over time, the consistent repetition has started to rewire my brain. I’m consciously choosing a new, more empowering story to tell myself about myself.
How to Handle Unsolicited Comments About Your Appearance
“Why Do You Ask?” Is a Powerful Response
My aunt was getting tired of unsolicited comments about her appearance, like, “Are you tired?” or “Why don’t you color your gray hair?” She developed a simple, powerful response. Instead of getting defensive, she just looks at the person with genuine curiosity and asks, “Why do you ask?” This simple question often flusters the other person, as it forces them to examine the (often biased or rude) motivation behind their own comment. It’s a polite way of turning the mirror back on them.
I Found a New “Purpose” After My Kids Left Home. It Gave Me a New Life.
My Empty Nest Became My Launching Pad
When my kids left for college, I felt a profound sense of purposelessness. My main “job” was over. I was adrift. I decided to find a new purpose. I started volunteering at a local literacy program, teaching adults how to read. The work was challenging and incredibly rewarding. Finding a new mission, a new way to be of service to others, filled the empty space in my life with a new sense of meaning. It didn’t just give me something to do; it gave me a new reason to get up in the morning.
The Comparison Game: How to Stop Measuring Yourself Against Your Younger Self
I Was Competing With a Ghost
I was constantly comparing my 48-year-old self to my 28-year-old self. My body, my energy levels, my skin—I was always coming up short. I was competing with a ghost, and it was a game I could never win. The shift came when I learned to practice self-compassion. Instead of criticizing my current self for not being my past self, I started acknowledging what this version of me has gained: wisdom, resilience, a deeper understanding of the world. I had to learn to appreciate the strengths of the person I am now.
I Embraced My “Flaws.” It Was More Liberating Than Trying to Fix Them.
My “Imperfections” Are My Story
I spent decades trying to “fix” my perceived flaws. I tried to hide the scar on my knee, flatten the curve of my stomach, and erase the lines on my face. It was an exhausting, losing battle. In my fifties, I’ve started to embrace them. My scar is a reminder of a childhood adventure. My soft stomach carried my children. My laugh lines are the evidence of a joyful life. My “flaws” are not flaws; they are the unique, interesting markers of my personal history. And that’s far more beautiful than perfection.
The Surprising Link Between a “Scarcity Mindset” and Feeling Old
My Fear of “Not Enough” Was Aging Me
I realized my anxiety about aging was linked to a “scarcity mindset.” I was focused on what I was “running out of”—time, youth, beauty, opportunity. This constant focus on lack and decline was making me feel old and stressed. I’ve been working on cultivating an “abundance mindset” instead. I focus on the abundance of wisdom I have gained, the abundance of love in my life, and the abundance of opportunities still ahead of me. Shifting from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance has made me feel younger and more hopeful.
How to Be a “Mentor” and Share Your Wisdom (The Ultimate Youth-Booster)
The Best Way to Feel Vital Is to Be Valuable to Someone Else
Feeling a bit irrelevant in my late forties, I decided to become a mentor to a younger colleague at work. The experience was incredibly re-energizing. The act of sharing my hard-won wisdom and experience made me realize just how much I actually knew. It gave me a new sense of purpose and value. And connecting with her youthful energy and fresh perspective was invigorating. Mentoring is a powerful antidote to feeling “old.” It reminds you that your experience is a valuable asset that can light the way for others.
I Took a Solo Trip at 50. I Found Myself Again.
I Had to Get Re-acquainted With the Person I Am When No One Else Is Around
I had never taken a real vacation by myself. At 50, I booked a five-day solo trip to a city I’d always wanted to see. It was terrifying and wonderful. I had to navigate a new place on my own. I had to eat dinner alone in a restaurant. I had to rely on my own resources. The trip was a journey of self-discovery. I got re-acquainted with the person I am when I’m not being a wife, a mother, or an employee. I found her to be a pretty capable and interesting person.
The “Fear of Becoming Irrelevant” and How to Overcome It
I Had to Redefine My Own “Relevance”
As I got older in my career, and younger people with new skills came up behind me, I was hit with a deep fear of becoming irrelevant. I couldn’t compete on my knowledge of the latest social media app. I overcame the fear by redefining my relevance. My relevance is no longer about my technical skills; it’s about my wisdom, my strategic perspective, and my deep understanding of people. I’ve pivoted from being a “doer” to being an “advisor.” I’ve made myself relevant in a new, more powerful way.
I Started a “Joy” Journal. It Rewired My Brain for Happiness.
I Was Training My Brain to Look for the Good
My brain has a natural tendency to focus on the negative. To counteract this, I started a “joy” journal. Every night before bed, I write down three small things from my day that brought me a moment of joy. It could be the taste of my morning coffee, a funny text from a friend, or the feeling of the sun on my face. This simple, five-minute practice has rewired my brain. I’m now actively scanning my environment for positive experiences all day long. I’m training myself to see the good.
How to Let Go of Regret and Live Fully in the Present
I Can’t Change the Past, But I Can Ruin the Present by Worrying About It
I was spending a lot of my mental energy regretting past mistakes—the job I didn’t take, the unkind word I said. A therapist told me something that stuck: “You can’t change the past, but you can absolutely ruin the present by worrying about it.” Letting go of regret is an active process. It means forgiving yourself. It means extracting the lesson from the mistake and then leaving the rest behind. It means consciously choosing to focus your precious energy on the only thing you can actually control: this present moment.
The Psychology of a Smile: Why It’s the Most Powerful Anti-Aging Tool
It’s a Free, Instant Facelift
I was looking at two photos of myself. In one, I was frowning and looked tired and old. In the other, I had a genuine, big smile, and I looked vibrant and youthful. It was a powerful visual lesson. A smile physically lifts the features of your face. It makes your eyes sparkle. It signals warmth and vitality to the people around you. No amount of Botox or expensive cream can replicate the powerful, “youth-enhancing” effect of a genuine, joyful smile. It is the cheapest, fastest, and most effective anti-aging tool we have.
I Tried Improv Comedy at 45. It Cured My Fear of Making Mistakes.
The Joy of Failing Gloriously
As a high-achiever, I was terrified of making mistakes. It held me back from trying new things. On a whim, I signed up for a beginner’s improv comedy class. The entire premise of improv is to fail, to make mistakes, and to do it with a sense of playfulness and joy. It was terrifying at first. But the experience of “failing” over and over in a safe, supportive environment was incredibly liberating. It cured my perfectionism and taught me that mistakes are not the end of the world; they are often the beginning of something funny.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves About Aging (And How to Write a New One)
My Old Story Was a Tragedy. My New One Is an Adventure.
The story our culture tells us about aging is a tragedy. It’s a story of decline, loss, and irrelevance. For a long time, I believed that story. I was living inside of it. In my midlife, I’ve decided I am the author of my own story, and I am writing a new one. My new story is an adventure. It’s a story about wisdom, freedom, purpose, and growth. By consciously changing the narrative, the “facts” of aging haven’t changed, but my experience of them has been completely transformed.
How to Curate a Social Media Feed That Inspires You, Not Depresses You
I Did a “Digital Declutter” of My Social Circle
My Instagram feed used to be a source of constant comparison and anxiety. It was full of 22-year-old influencers with perfect bodies and lifestyles. I did a ruthless “digital declutter.” I unfollowed every single account that made me feel bad about myself. I started following inspiring, age-positive women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. I followed artists, writers, and scientists. I curated my feed to be a source of inspiration, not depression. It’s my daily dose of positive role models.
The “Radical Self-Acceptance” Movement and How It Applies to Aging
I’m Not Just “Okay” With My Wrinkles; I’m Welcoming Them
There’s a movement called “Radical Self-Acceptance.” It’s not just about tolerating your flaws; it’s about actively embracing them. I’m applying this to how I think about aging. I am not just “accepting” my gray hair; I am celebrating it as a sign of my wisdom. I am not just “okay” with my laugh lines; I am grateful for the joy that created them. It’s a radical shift from fighting a battle against aging to welcoming it as a natural and beautiful part of a life well-lived.
I Stopped Hiding My Age. It Was Incredibly Freeing.
My Age Is a Fact, Not a Failure
For years, I would avoid telling people my age. I was ashamed of it, as if it were a sign of some personal failing. One day, a younger colleague asked me how old I was. I took a deep breath and just said it, clearly and without apology. “I’m 52.” The world didn’t end. In fact, it was incredibly freeing. My age is just a piece of data, like my height. Owning it, instead of hiding it, took away all its power to make me feel ashamed.
The Energetic “Vampires” in Your Life That Are Draining Your Youthfulness
My “Friend” Was Aging Me
I had a friend who was an “energetic vampire.” She was constantly complaining, creating drama, and draining the life out of me. After every conversation with her, I felt exhausted and depleted. A therapist pointed out that this chronic stress and emotional drain was literally aging me. It was spiking my cortisol and depleting my vitality. I finally had to “break up” with her. Protecting my energy by removing the “vampires” from my life has been one of my most effective anti-aging strategies.
How to Build a Body Image That’s Resilient to Change
My Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament
My body image used to be completely tied to my appearance. So, as my appearance naturally changed with age, my body image suffered. I’ve been working on building a more resilient body image. I’ve shifted my focus from how my body looks to what my body can do. It can carry me up a mountain. It can hug the people I love. It can dance to my favorite song. By focusing on my body as an instrument, not an ornament, my appreciation for it has become much less dependent on its changing external appearance.
The Power of Posture: How Standing Tall Changes How You and Others See You
I Gained an Inch of Height and a Mile of Confidence
I had developed a “tech neck” slump from years of hunching over a computer. I looked tired and defeated. I started working with a physical therapist on my posture. The change was incredible. By simply learning to stand up straight, with my shoulders back and my head held high, I instantly looked more confident, more energetic, and even slimmer. It’s the cheapest, fastest way to change how you look and feel. Good posture is a powerful signal of vitality, both to yourself and to the world.
I Learned a New Language at 60. My Brain Has Never Felt Sharper.
A Workout for My Neural Pathways
My dad decided to learn Italian at 60, before a trip to Italy. He used an app every day and took a class at the local community center. The process of memorizing vocabulary and wrestling with a new grammar structure was an intense workout for his brain. He said he has never felt mentally sharper. Learning a new language in later life is a scientifically proven way to build cognitive reserve and fight age-related mental decline. It’s like taking your brain to a neurological gym.
The “What Will People Think?” Trap That Keeps Us Small
My Life Got Bigger When I Stopped Caring About Their Opinions
For most of my life, my decisions were filtered through one question: “But what will people think?” This fear of judgment kept me in a job I didn’t love, in a style that wasn’t mine, and in a life that was smaller than it could have been. One of the greatest gifts of midlife has been the slow, liberating erosion of that fear. I’m finally learning that other people’s opinions of me are none of my business. My life has gotten so much bigger and more authentic since I stopped letting an imaginary jury have a vote.
How to Channel Your “Inner Badass” at Any Age
She Was Always There, I Just Had to Let Her Out
I have a friend who, in her fifties, has become a total “badass.” She started a new business, took up motorcycle riding, and chopped her hair into a punk-rock style. I asked her what her secret was. She said, “The badass was always there. I just spent 30 years suppressing her to be a ‘good girl.’ In my midlife, I finally decided to let her out to play.” Channeling your “inner badass” is about giving yourself permission to be bold, to take risks, and to stop caring so much about being “nice” and “agreeable.”
I Started Saying “Yes” to Things That Scared Me.
My Comfort Zone Was Becoming My Cage
My life had become very comfortable and very small. I was in a rut. I decided to make a new rule for myself: if something scares me a little, I have to say “yes.” A public speaking opportunity? Yes. A solo trip? Yes. A dance class? Yes. Pushing myself to the edge of my comfort zone has been a powerful antidote to feeling “old” and “stuck.” It has filled my life with new experiences, new skills, and a renewed sense of my own capability.
The Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Primer for Ageless Living
I’m Running Out of F*cks to Give, and It’s Glorious
Author Mark Manson wrote a book about this, but it’s a deep truth of midlife. You start to realize that your supply of “fcks” is a finite resource. You just don’t have the time or the energy anymore to care about things that don’t truly matter. You stop giving a fck about other people’s opinions, about minor inconveniences, about keeping up with the Joneses. This isn’t about being apathetic; it’s about strategic allocation. You save your precious f*cks for the very few people and things that are truly important to you.
I Wrote a Letter to My Body, Thanking It for Everything.
An Act of Radical Gratitude
My relationship with my body has often been a critical one. My therapist suggested I write my body a letter. I wrote, “Dear Body, I’m sorry for all the times I have criticized you and taken you for granted. Thank you for carrying me through this life. Thank you for healing from injuries. Thank you for allowing me to experience the world through my senses. You are a miracle of resilience and strength.” This simple act of gratitude was a powerful way to start healing my relationship with the physical vessel that has carried me so faithfully.
The Surprising Confidence That Comes with Financial Literacy and Independence
My Financial Plan Is My Freedom Plan
For the first part of my adult life, I was financially illiterate and dependent on my husband. The process of taking control of my own finances in my forties—of learning to budget, to invest, and to plan for my own future—has been one of the most confidence-boosting experiences of my life. Knowing that I am financially secure and self-sufficient has given me a sense of power and freedom that has nothing to do with my appearance. Financial independence is a potent form of ageless confidence.
How to Find Role Models Who Are Aging Powerfully and Authentically
I Curated a Council of Wise Elders
I was surrounded by media that either ignored older women or portrayed them as caricatures. I decided to actively seek out my own role models for aging. I started following inspiring older women on social media. I read biographies of women who had incredible “second acts.” I sought out friendships with women 20 years older than me. I have curated my own personal “council of wise elders.” Seeing these women living vibrant, purposeful, and powerful lives in their later years gives me a hopeful and exciting roadmap for my own future.
The “Legacy Project”: Thinking About What You’ll Leave Behind
My Legacy Is a Garden, Not a Bank Account
When I started thinking about my “legacy,” my first thought was about money. But then I realized the most meaningful legacies are rarely financial. My legacy project is my garden. It’s the community I’ve built. It’s the wisdom I’m passing on to my children. Thinking about what I want to leave behind that isn’t a material possession has given my life a deeper sense of purpose. It shifts my focus from “What can I get?” to “What can I give?”
I Redefined “Beauty” on My Own Terms.
My New Definition Is “Radiant Vitality”
The culture’s definition of “beauty” is so narrow: it’s young, it’s thin, it’s flawless. It’s a definition that is designed to exclude most women over 40. I have consciously created my own definition of beauty. For me, beauty is “radiant vitality.” It’s the glow of good health. It’s the sparkle in the eyes of someone who is passionate and engaged with life. It’s the warmth of a genuine smile. It’s an energy, not an aesthetic. And it’s a form of beauty that is accessible to all of us, at any age.
How to Stop Chasing “Youth” and Start Cultivating “Vitality”
One Is a Losing Battle, the Other Is a Lifelong Pursuit
I spent my thirties and forties “chasing youth.” It was an exhausting and losing battle. You can’t stop time. I’ve shifted my focus from chasing “youth” to cultivating “vitality.” Youth is a temporary state. Vitality is a dynamic energy. I cultivate vitality by eating well, moving my body, learning new things, and nurturing my relationships. Chasing youth is about trying to look like a past version of yourself. Cultivating vitality is about being the most energetic, engaged, and alive version of yourself right now.
The “Imposter Syndrome” Can Strike at Any Age. Here’s How to Beat It.
My 50-Year-Old Brain Still Thinks It’s a Fraud
I thought imposter syndrome was something you outgrew. But at 52, with 30 years of experience, I still have moments where I feel like a total fraud who is about to be “found out.” My way of beating it is to keep an “evidence file.” It’s a document where I keep a running list of my accomplishments, my successes, and positive feedback I’ve received. When the feeling of being an imposter strikes, I read my evidence file. The concrete data is a powerful antidote to the irrational feeling of being a fraud.
I Forgave Myself for My Past Health Mistakes.
I Was Doing the Best I Could With the Knowledge I Had
I used to beat myself up for my past health mistakes—the years I spent smoking, the yo-yo dieting, the lack of sunscreen. The guilt was unproductive. I’ve learned to forgive my younger self. She was doing the best she could with the knowledge and the coping mechanisms she had at the time. I can’t change the past, but I can make better choices today. Forgiveness was the necessary first step to moving forward with a sense of compassion instead of self-recrimination.
The Joy of Being a “Beginner” Again in Midlife
I’m an Expert at Work, and a Clumsy Novice at Pottery
For most of my life, I am an “expert.” I’m a competent professional, a seasoned parent. In my midlife, I’ve discovered the immense joy of being a complete beginner again. I started taking a pottery class. I am terrible at it. My pots are lopsided and ugly. But the freedom of being a clumsy novice, of having no pressure to be good, is incredibly liberating. It reminds me that it’s okay to not know things and that the joy is in the process of learning, not just in the mastery.
How to Build a Life That’s Too Interesting to Worry About Wrinkles
My Cure for Aging Anxiety Is an Engaging Life
I used to spend a lot of time worrying about my wrinkles. But then I got busy. I started a new business, I took up a new hobby, I started volunteering. I built a life that was so interesting and engaging that I simply didn’t have the time or the mental bandwidth to obsess about my appearance. The best anti-aging strategy is not a cream or a procedure; it’s a full and meaningful life. If you’re passionately engaged with the world, you’re too busy to worry about a few lines on your face.
The “Authenticity” Filter: Showing Up as Your True Self
The Most Exhausting Thing Is a Performance
For years, I was performing. I was trying to be the “perfect” employee, the “perfect” wife, the “perfect” mother. It was exhausting. One of the greatest gifts of midlife has been the courage to apply the “authenticity” filter to my life. I’m trying to show up as my real, messy, imperfect self. It’s scary, because not everyone will like the real me. But it’s also incredibly freeing. The most attractive and youthful quality a person can have is the quiet confidence of being authentically themselves.
My Manifesto for a Pro-Aging, Not Anti-Aging, Life
I Am Not “Anti” My Own Future
I hereby declare that I am “pro-aging.” I am not “anti” the natural, inevitable, and beautiful process of my own life unfolding. I will not fight a war against my own future. Instead, I will embrace the wisdom, the freedom, and the perspective that comes with age. I will focus on cultivating vitality, not just chasing youth. I will treat my body with kindness and respect. And I will see every new line and every gray hair not as a flaw, but as a badge of honor, a testament to a life fully lived.