There are so many negatives related to aging, everything ranging from our physical appearance to our general health status is negatively impacted by aging. I think it’s good to find something positive regarding getting older, and embrace it among the sea of negatives that are out there.
I’m 35-years old. (Ouch, that honestly stings to say, because wow, I’m really getting seasoned to say the least. And “35” is a pretty high number. Oh wait, I’m supposed to be discussing the positive side of aging.)
So, only recently have I realized that I truly get better with age in many ways. I can finally understand what Oprah meant when she said, “Life begins at 40.” I was about 15-years old when I heard her say that (I’ve been an Oprah fan for a long time), and I could never understand where she was coming from. I truly thought it was something women said just to make themselves feel better about getting older. Of course I also thought I knew everything at that age.
Now that I’m 35 (ouch, am I really this old?), I can truly say that I get better with age because:
- I’m very satisfied with the many things I painfully obsessed over in my teens, 20’s, and even early 30’s. Things such as hair length, hair type, weight (I was either too thin or too heavy), complexion or skin tone, my hands, my knees, my feet, you name it, there would be some point that I would wish I looked “better” in a particular area. I realize how insignificant those things are in the grand scheme of LIFE despite the emphasis that society places on them. Those things do not contribute to what’s most important in life: Health, strong sense of self, strong spirituality, health, and loving, healthy relationships.
- I’m okay with being quiet and introverted and realize that I’m never going to change, and why should I have to? I used to desperately wish I could be the popular, social butterfly who loves to party. I’m actually a bit of a wall flower, and that’s really okay. I can make my impact in other ways besides being the life of the party.
- Becoming a wife and mother, and experiencing, living, and growing in these roles are gifts that make aging a worthwhile treasure .
Art credits: “Butterfly” by Michael Wallace.
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What about you?
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