Kick and Scream or Age Gracefully
I’ve been working on shifting my attitude about getting older. With each new fine line, sag, and yes, some gray hairs, I give myself a little pep talk. But luckily it’s not always an uphill battle. There are some ways in which getting older is a relief, even kind of nice (wow, did I just say that?).
There’s the whole wisdom-of-experience thing. And as I enter my mid-30s (okay, I know I’m not that old), I’ve realized that thankfully I’m just not as hung up on how I look anymore. And what a relief. There’s a magical and freeing equation that operates like this: the older I get, the less I care about the superficial stuff.
Feeling good matters much more than looking good to me. Making a positive impact on the world matters way more than looking hot in a bikini (and, yes, I still care about how I look in a bathing suit, but thank the lord I don’t panic like I used to, weeks before I knew I’d be seen in one).
That said, I still do my best to look good since that helps me feel good too. Fortunately, I’ve found ways to look good that don’t involve plastic surgery or other terrifying medical procedures. Okay, I admit it helps to work in a spa, where I have immediate access to all sort of age-defying treatments like invigorating facials, relaxing massage, and toning yoga, not to mention fabulous organic products.
Of course by now we know the import of staying in shape, eating right (greens and veggies, healthy oils, minerals, vitamins, and plenty of water) and taking care of ourselves to stay vibrant and healthy. In addition, in my travels and research, I’ve stumbled on more obscure graceful aging techniques like acupuncture face-lifts. Tiny little needles (really, almost imperceptible) are inserted at key points in the face to tone it up. It’s absolutely not invasive, and over time, it actually works to strengthen elasticity in the muscles and settle down fine lines and facial tension. We tested these out briefly at IO, but it didn’t stick (wink. wink). Perhaps someday we’ll offer them again.
So when doubt starts to creep in about aging, I remind myself of this simple and powerful fact: it’s just natural. It’s natural to be concerned about aging. And it’s natural to age. Let’s face it, nobody is getting out of here alive. And if I’m lucky, one day I’ll end up looking like Helen Mirren, who is pretty much a babe, at any age. She’s an elder-hottie with more wisdom and poise than a whole gaggle of cheerleaders.
Don’t be shy, share your age-defying tricks with me for my arsenal. We’re in this together. And you know what they say, “the clock is ticking”…
Ha! Just kidding. Don’t buy into that junk. Throw away the clock. And vow to try, at least, to love yourself as you age. Grace is beautiful, in and of itself. It’s the struggle, the resistance that can make a face and body harsh and more wrinkled than they need to be.
So relax more, and find ways to lighten up in the process.
Aspiring elder-vixen,
Amy
