I started a conversation with two young girls at a coffee shop the other day (sorry, to my daughter who thinks this is so awkward … Honey, you didn’t know them, so no worries!). These girls were waiting to get a high calorie/high caffeinated treat. I told them that when you get to be “my age” you just can’t have those fancy drinks too often. One asked me, “How old do you think we are?” I told them that I thought they were 19 (I knew they were much younger, but I wanted to see their reaction). They were so pleased that I thought they were older than they actually were.
Forty years from now, they probably won’t be delighted with the same answer.
This brings me to the word, “wrinkle.” This word is cute and would make a fun dog name … no way boys, don’t get any ideas! So, why isn’t IT (a wrinkle) cute? Why do we want to look older when we’re young and younger as we get older? Why aren’t we happy looking great for our age rather than younger than the calendar says?
What does fifty look like anyway? Does it look like me? How about seventy? If you’re lucky enough to get to be ninety, is it ok to look ninety or do you want to look eighty? Why can’t we all agree that wrinkles are beautiful signs of character and growth rather than OLD(er) age.
I take the position that wisdom comes with age. And, if that’s true, why do we feel the need to look like time has stopped? I want to feel comfortable in my own skin (although I do have work out ADD) and not worry about the wrinkles I find on various parts of my body.
Men, same for you.
I really think age is just a number. At 50, I feel great and am in better shape than I was when I was younger. It really is a mindset. As we get old(er) we’re in a much better position to enjoy life — we know more, have solidified our careers and finances to enjoy life to its fullest and we know more about who we are. We can jettison those who are like gnats swarming around our heads and instead spend time with those who really matter and add to our lives.
Just because our hair is a little grayer and thinner, and we are a bit softer, doesn’t mean we can’t maintain an edge and be healthier and happier than our parents at age 50, 60 and beyond (except for you Dad – you’ve been younger than me every step of the way!).
So, let’s start this week off loving our looks, our size, our “issues” and our age. While 50 may not be the new 30, it is unquestionably better than 30!
Have a fantastic day!
theyearof50 