Why does everyone always ask my age? Is it really that important or is there no other way to break the ice? And trying to guess will get you nowhere. Guessing high will be insulting and guessing low in an attempt to flatter doesn’t work either.
Age – it’s only a number; its how you feel that matters most. We’ve all heard that before. And it’s true! Someone’s age is personal and if they don’t want to share then you can’t (and shouldn’t) keep asking. But your age is nothing to embarrassed or ashamed of. It’s natural to age. Would you really think it’s ok for a woman in her 70s to look the same as a woman in her 30s? It’s the pressure of society – I get it, but that doesn’t mean you must succumb to it.
I recently read The Longevity Book by Cameron Diaz. This is the second book of hers’ I have read and can’t say enough good things about how beneficial they are for females to educate ourselves on our health and bodies. To this day, I haven’t picked up a “fat pill” (aka bagel) since reading her The Body Book many years ago. Understanding and caring for our health and bodies is the absolute best gift we can give to ourselves and our loved ones. And finding ways to educate ourselves on better understanding the process of aging such as seeking resources such as these two books is a great start.
There is nothing we can do to stop the process of aging, but there are many things we can do to age well. To understand the needs of our bodies as they change from our 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and into our 80s will make all the difference in how well you get to enjoy life from one decade into the next. From your brain to your skin, each part of you requires attention and care.
As we age, there are things about our bodies that change, both internal and external. Please don’t be naive to think that only what you see in the mirror are the portions of your body susceptible to aging. The internal parts age as well. Your heart is likely the most perfect example. And who doesn’t want to take the absolute best care of their heart. These internal parts of our body cannot be seen so educating yourself and being apart of the conversation to spread awareness leads to improved health. Listen to your body, respect its changes, seek education, and gain awareness into how your whole body is aging.
In our 20s, we feel invincible, but the truth is the aging has started and there is nothing we can do to prevent it. By our 30s, you may have noticed that first gray hair. In your 40s, there may be differences being experienced in your menstrual cycle. Once into your 50s, you may notice your skin changing texture – hello wrinkles. But these are all normal and expected changes associated with aging. Yes, any type of cosmetic procedure can make you appear younger than your age, but your cells know the truth. It’s not smart to deny it’s happening just because you may or may not be able to see it happening. There are many ways to fake it and look younger, but the only way to actually feel younger is to embrace your age. Love every single one of those candles on your birthday cake. You have earned each of them!
There is no magic potion to prevent aging (yet), but there are many tools to protect ourselves as we do and make the process easier. Aging is a slow process. You don’t just wake up one morning with wrinkles after going to bed with a line-free face. The process is always occurring, and it can be beautiful when well understood and prepared for. Embrace your age for what is and as it changes through each decade. Your health is truly the only thing you have.
Stop worrying about the first gray hair, dreading midlife, terrified of the menopause transition, or fearing adding an extra candle to the birthday cake. We’re all getting older – accept it! And just learn to deal with it better.
With all that said, I still do not like being called “Ma, am.” 😉
Real Life Talk 