Embracing Aging: A Journey of Gratitude and Reflection
Aging is often perceived as a dreaded passage marked by declining vitality and societal pressure to maintain youthfulness. But as I recently celebrated another birthday, I found myself pondering a different perspective: aging is simply a testament to the privilege of being alive.
The Indignation of Age
When a few friends asked if I was hitting a milestone birthday, my immediate reaction was a mix of shock and mock outrage. “How dare you!” I thought, clutching my metaphorical pearls, as if the mere suggestion of a ‘round number’ belittled my journey thus far. But why did it sting?
Celebrating Life and Longevity
Rather than succumb to pressure, I embrace my age with open arms. “Aren’t I privileged to be here?” That’s the mantra I hold dearly, especially coming from a family where longevity isn’t a guarantee. Gratitude is my guiding principle; I’ve made it through challenges, and for that, I celebrate every wrinkle, every laugh line.
The Social Media Dilemma
Scrolling through social media, where every post seems dedicated to collagen, miracle creams, and age-defying products, can feel overwhelming. Just recently, I stumbled upon a new trend: scalp oil! Are we now worrying about our scalp’s youthfulness? Where does it end?
While vanity is a universal trait, I find the expectations placed on women to adhere to beauty standards frustrate me. For instance, why is it that if a man my age has just a hint of a belly and escapes the complexities of beauty routines, he’s deemed a catch?
Navigating Beauty Standards
Let’s unpack this a bit: as women, society expects us to wax, thread, inject, and peel—all in the name of defying age. If a guy simply manages to not completely fall apart, he’s celebrated. Computer says no to that nonsense!
As someone who experiences the reality of aging, I embrace the idea of looking my best but without succumbing to a full-blown cosmetic routine. A bit of SPF, hairstyling, and maybe some creative contouring will do. After all, in my mind, I look fabulous!
A Life Full of Close Calls
Gratitude isn’t just a philosophy for me; it’s a lesson learned through experience. I’ve stared down death on four distinct occasions. Each brush with fate has deepened my appreciation for life, making every birthday feel like a victory.
The Cliffs of Australia
The first brush came when I fell 120 feet from a cliff in Australia. In a heart-stopping moment, as I plummeted toward the ground, my life flickered like a film reel—moments of joy and regret colliding in my mind. I survived, landing in the water but unable to move.
I was rescued and rehabilitated, and soon enough found myself dancing again, just months later, under the sunny skies of Hawaii.
A Brush with the Oceans
My adventures didn’t stop there. On a whale-watching trip in South Africa, our boat nearly capsized. I found myself drifting amidst the waves, surrounded by whale sharks—the very epitome of grace. As exhaustion took over, the thought of drifting away among these majestic creatures crystallized my resolve: life is fleeting.
Speedboat Shenanigans
Another brush with death occurred on Lake Barringo in Kenya, surrounded by crocodiles. When the boat engine cut, the experience turned into a race against time—but fortunately, my husband prevailed.
The Moral of the Story
As I reflect on these moments, I recognize the inherent sexism in how society treats aging. So the next time you find yourself contemplating a cliff dive or boat ride, remember my tale. Say no! I want to make it to the next round birthday celebration.
Aging may come with its challenges and societal expectations, but it also brings a deeper appreciation for life. So here’s to getting older—because after all, getting older just means I’m still alive, and I am privileged to be here.
