Age: What I’ve learned

Although I’m writing this post on my actual birthday, I’ve been thinking about what to write about age for a while. What kind of advice or wisdom can I share that you can benefit or put you at ease? Age is a scary thing for most people, especially women. When you’re younger, all you want to do is be older, but as you get old, you want the clock to turn back or press pause.

I’m not going to lie; I’ve had some struggles with getting older. Things change, your body changes, and either you didn’t listen or thought it wouldn’t happen to you (eek!). But aging isn’t all bad; there are some amazing aspects that I wouldn’t trade for anything. So in honor of my birthday and some reflection, I’m going to share some of what I’ve learned.

Body

Well, as I mentioned above your body changes with age. This idea has had to be the hardest thing for me to deal with while getting older. Your metabolism slows down, which means you have to work extra hard to keep fit. I’m not talking so that you can eat a donut; it means you have to double your workout so you can have an apple. You can forget about that donut (seriously, goodbye).

Once upon a time, I was able to eat a breakfast burrito, pizza, and all of the bread in the world without a single effect. Now, I eat pizza, and it takes a week to work it off. So needless to say, my diet has changed. We call it a “lifestyle” change because it’s not something you can do for 30 days. It’s literally the rest of your life (hopefully, I’m not scaring you yet).

You also start getting softer in places that you never had issues with in the past. My newest addition is a muffin top (where the fuck did that come from?). Although, it’s not all bad. My ass has filled out quite nicely in the past few years.

Skin

When you watch those skincare commercials for older women, you never really think too much about it. At least until you start noticing your skin changing. Your skin starts becoming thinner and saggy (noooooo!).  No longer can I wear drugstore mascara because the skin on my eyelids is not as tight as they once were. Don’t even get me started on my poor neck. Let’s just say I foresee many turtlenecks in my future.

Mind

Now, remember when I said there are amazing things about aging. Well, this is that part. That old saying about “the older you get, the wiser you get” is true. When you’re younger, you think you know it all and looking back you think “I knew nothing.” Not only do you become a wiser and better version of yourself, but you are more open to continue to learn and grow as a human. At least for me, I’m able to think through things rather than jumping to an irrational conclusion and reaction. This is by far my favorite part of aging.

Friendship

It is so much more important to have close personal friendships. When you’re older, you seek out those deeper connections with people. You understand that having a few close friends is far superior to having several friends with zero connection.

Balance

Finding balance has become a priority. When I was younger, I could work every day all day. For me now, it’s essential to have those “me” moments. Self-care has become a routine in my life. Achieving balance is not something that comes easy and is always changing. However, it should be something that you’re always working towards.

Well, there you have it, the good, the bad, and the meh. I’m sure that I will look back on this post one day and have a lot to add because I’m always learning something new. My best advice when it comes to age is don’t be afraid and there are no rules. It’s all about your attitude and what you make of it. For me, aging is not scary. At the age of 38, I’ve fully embraced getting older and welcome the new wisdom. Although my goal now is to be a “hot old babe.” Totally achievable, right.

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Photos by @amc_fotos