5 Thoughts on Aging Beautifully

Download my Aging Manifesto!

It’s talked about as “middle age”, but who am I fooling? Maybe I’ll live to be 100, but “middle” is much easier to hear than “closer to the end.” Aging is something I’ve decided to make peace with, and I hope these pointers will help you do the same.

Sadly, I’ve spent a lot more time, energy and money avoiding the inevitable than embracing it.  One of the reasons I chose to start blogging is because I realized my old way of thinking was keeping me frustrated, self-conscious and at the mercy of the latest marketing fad.  When it came right down to it, none of my anti-aging efforts fooled anyone.

Most people live and die with their music still unplayed. They never dare to try.

Mary Kay Ash

Those who age admirably have one thing in common:  they haven’t bought into an “old” mindset.  They aren’t trying to cram themselves into someone else’s mold; they stay active doing things they love.  They have dear friends and stay in contact with them.   They have a great sense of humor and take setbacks in stride.  They have a genuine interest in others and find their own stories a bit boring.  They listen easily and offer an encouraging word.

In an effort to weave these qualities into my everyday experience, I’ve come up with an “Aging Manifesto”.  It’s a mindset that is helping me age beautifully. Feel free to take inspiration from my 5 thoughts and craft your own Aging Manifesto.

I am PRO-AGING.

I will erase the words “anti-aging” from my vocabulary, along with the philosophy that youth is more valuable than maturity and experience.

I don’t want to be 20 again, but I also need to accept the fact that I’ll be spending more effort on self-care if I want to stay healthy.

I refuse to compete. 

I will celebrate life in all its phases and stages.  My motivation is achieving my personal best, not “keeping up” or looking or acting like something I’m not.

No matter what your age, look back at the past is one of the most aging behaviors anyone can have. This can easily become a group dynamic, so watch who you spend the majority of time around.

I will promote others. 

I have an abundance of gifts and experiences and choose to share them in any way that might move someone forward in life, rather than living in the past.

How many women have you rubbed shoulders with who embrace this philosophy? I can count them on one hand. A “scarcity” attitude, at any age, is extremely aging. Sure, you risk being taken advantage of and being dissapointed, but think of all the collaboration you stand to gain!

I love laugh lines. It means you’ve had a good life. The most beautiful women – Audrey Hepburn, Lauren Hutton, Ali MacGraw – all embraced the aging process.

Aerin Lauder

I have not “arrived”. 

I will seek out and embrace those who are generous or provide a positive message.  I will humbly ask for and accept help when I need it.

In the blogging world, this one can be a challenge. I have made a deliberate decision to ask for help from the young whipper-snappers who grew up using social media. Digging in my heels and refusing to ask for their input will not only age me, but will keep me from success.

I will live with great anticipation. 

When I look for blessings, I will find them all around me.  Even though hardships will come, I choose to believe they are a pathway to greatness.

It takes a strong, courageous woman to be optimistic about aging. Aging can mean we need to ask for help, and that’s humbling. But if we stay in the “safe zone” and stop pushing our boundaries because we’re afraid to look silly, we’ve already lost the aging battle.

You’re imperfect, and you’re wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.

Brene Brown