aging gracefully

Why are women sometimes afraid to reveal their actual age? This is something I’ve never truly understood. I think overall women are taking better care of themselves and look better than their age groups did decades ago. Why should we let a number define who we are?

A few quick thoughts on cosmetic procedures

Currently we have several choices available to help us maintain that youthful look. Although when making decisions on cosmetic procedures, I recommend to try to avoid the thought of doing something to look younger or attempting to turn back the clock. Instead, look to make choices with the idea of wanting to look good for your age.

When my children started getting married around nine years ago, I started trying a few cosmetic options. I have tried lasers, injections, and microdermabrasion, but I’m saving that girl talk for another blog.

aging gracefully- under my definition 

I will never forget when Raquel Welch turned 40 years old. She chopped off her hair and said, “This is 40!” She looked fabulous on the cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine. Of course, this was a time when I thought 40 was old. Regardless, at 78 years old she still looks fabulous. Years ago, when women said they wanted to age gracefully, I understood it as they weren’t going to dye their hair, wear makeup, or worry about keeping up with their physical appearance. Keep in mind this phrase was quoted decades ago.

Now since my age puts me under the category of “an older woman,” I want to age gracefully under my definition and that’s being the best version of myself.  I will not hide my age, I’m going to boldly embrace it and redefine the terms for what society labels as an older woman! Can I say Booyah!

My 6 tips for aging gracefully

1. Work from the inside out, you need to like yourself and be happy. That can start with focusing on the positive in your life and being grateful. Everyone has some unfortunate situations in life, but don’t let those instances or circumstances dictate your happiness.
2. Eat Well. I’m not gluten-free, or vegan, and I enjoy cocktails, aka the two-drink maximum that my children allow me. I like food, but I eat with discipline. I try to focus on food that’s good for you, most of the time, but when a holiday or special occasion comes up, I let myself indulge. Then it’s right back to eating healthy again.  
3. Exercise.  I like to golf.  Aside from that, I work out at least three days a week. Whatever physical routine you find works for you, make a commitment to incorporate that into your life on a regular basis.  
4. Laugh and spend quality time with girlfriends, Girlfriends are my soul mates and we can talk for hours without running out of subjects to discuss, we laugh until we cry at times and I enjoy being together   
5. Have a dermatologist, a hairstylist, and a general practitioner you trust and see on a regular basis (not necessarily in that order).
6. Work with what you’ve got. Everyone has a at least one unique feature that they can proudly embrace.

I’d like to leave you with this one last thought, be true to yourself.  Age gracefully by embracing your best qualities. You can’t be the best version of you if you don’t believe that you are. As for me….. this is sixty one!