Resonate with all of this, especially the Bertrand Russell quote. I just turned 65, and although I knew my appearance was pleasing to others, I never felt beautiful until a few years ago. 100% believe the adage about beauty from within. Until I learned enough, and grew and healed enough (sexual trauma is the gift that keeps on giving, isn't it) I wasn't really beautiful. Now I find that smiling does quite the trick on those sagging puppet lines (dad's side) so very evident in my resting bitch face. Which, ha, is useful here and there. I am smarter and stronger and beautiful-er and cannot be fucked with. And happy happy happy. Whatever comes.
You had me at “If we’re wise, and I often am no such thing, we will treat our aging selves with love and respect for the time we’ve put in. We will value the vessel we inhabit.” Well, to be honest, you had me before that sentence. I confess it has given me secret pleasure when people tell me I don’t look my age. But then I realize it’s an empty compliment, as if I could not possibly be as beautiful if my face, skin, etc. advertised the age I actually am. Like you, I have no desire to go back to my teens, twenties, thirties, forties or fifties. With every decade I get smarter, wiser. If only we could train ourselves to worship that instead. Thanks for the reminder!
Of course it gives us pleasure. It is a compliment. Where we get into trouble is when we focus our lives on chasing that one thing at the expense of the rest of our lives. You get it- we all do, truly, but we so love to look younger to others....gah.
I can't wait until tomorrow bc I become more beautiful every year! I am 79 and loving my age, all the preventive maintenance I did over the years, walking and in the gym, is now paying off. We have to change the culture to where being old isn't a pejorative. In fact, being "old" is my goal. I want to be independent until my last day. Yes, I've lost height, had cancer (recovered), and a couple other issues but I'm still "me" and I'm still beautiful in my own sight. Thank you for this wonderful affirmation, glad to know I'm not alone! What's wrong with being old? Nothing!
Great piece. There is so much truth and a wonderful mindset about ageing. Beauty comes from within, and with age comes wisdom, self-trust, and self-confidence—all contributors to beauty.
I loved reading this, we are often too harsh on ourselves as we age but the shift happens and we start to look away and to the beauty of nature to remain peaceful and happy.
Great article Julie and so very true about both sexes . I am sorry your brother was like that to you . Yet many say beauty is those who look great , No beauty starts in the heart .No matter who you are , Hugs and peace to you
Resonate with all of this, especially the Bertrand Russell quote. I just turned 65, and although I knew my appearance was pleasing to others, I never felt beautiful until a few years ago. 100% believe the adage about beauty from within. Until I learned enough, and grew and healed enough (sexual trauma is the gift that keeps on giving, isn't it) I wasn't really beautiful. Now I find that smiling does quite the trick on those sagging puppet lines (dad's side) so very evident in my resting bitch face. Which, ha, is useful here and there. I am smarter and stronger and beautiful-er and cannot be fucked with. And happy happy happy. Whatever comes.
This is lovely. Some say it takes all your life to finally fall in love. I would add to that: with ourselves. Indeed.
You had me at “If we’re wise, and I often am no such thing, we will treat our aging selves with love and respect for the time we’ve put in. We will value the vessel we inhabit.” Well, to be honest, you had me before that sentence. I confess it has given me secret pleasure when people tell me I don’t look my age. But then I realize it’s an empty compliment, as if I could not possibly be as beautiful if my face, skin, etc. advertised the age I actually am. Like you, I have no desire to go back to my teens, twenties, thirties, forties or fifties. With every decade I get smarter, wiser. If only we could train ourselves to worship that instead. Thanks for the reminder!
Of course it gives us pleasure. It is a compliment. Where we get into trouble is when we focus our lives on chasing that one thing at the expense of the rest of our lives. You get it- we all do, truly, but we so love to look younger to others....gah.
Will turn 68 on Thursday and so glad I've made it this far. My aim is to be old and bold.
I am all in on that. And to that...off to the gym!
I can't wait until tomorrow bc I become more beautiful every year! I am 79 and loving my age, all the preventive maintenance I did over the years, walking and in the gym, is now paying off. We have to change the culture to where being old isn't a pejorative. In fact, being "old" is my goal. I want to be independent until my last day. Yes, I've lost height, had cancer (recovered), and a couple other issues but I'm still "me" and I'm still beautiful in my own sight. Thank you for this wonderful affirmation, glad to know I'm not alone! What's wrong with being old? Nothing!
Thanks Noel! here’s to being old in the best possible way!
We didn’t become young until we were old …. This speaks to me 😊🙏
This was such a gift to read. I need to bookmark it and reread it every few months! Continuously trying to remind myself that aging is a privilege.
I have to remind myself, too, Anna.
Great piece. There is so much truth and a wonderful mindset about ageing. Beauty comes from within, and with age comes wisdom, self-trust, and self-confidence—all contributors to beauty.
Claudia, when we reach a certain age, with luck we choose to see and acknowledge beauty in very different ways. What a gift that is.
Hanging out at the beach during the King Tides, I want to do that. Correction: I am gonna do that!
I loved reading this, we are often too harsh on ourselves as we age but the shift happens and we start to look away and to the beauty of nature to remain peaceful and happy.
Thank you so much Laura!
Great article Julie and so very true about both sexes . I am sorry your brother was like that to you . Yet many say beauty is those who look great , No beauty starts in the heart .No matter who you are , Hugs and peace to you
Warm thanks Mitch. These things happen to far too many of us. And they carve us into what we can become .
Finally, my life long oily skin has paid off.
While that made me laugh out loud, it most assuredly paid off for my father!
So much wisdom and profound truths here. Your words are comforting and a joy to read. 🩵
Perfect. Every word worthy of believing in. Thank you. 64 this year and every day is this journey. You’ve made the road a little easier to navigate.
Heartfelt thanks, Sandra Kay.