My mother thinks I'm crazy and that I will think differently when I am older, but I have always said that I don't want to do the things women typically do when they start to age. Things like "dress for my age", cut my hair short, dye over my greys, etc. Although I have fallen prey to the media/society when it comes to physical insecurities about my body, I have always felt that growing old is a blessing. It's something that we should celebrate. I never really understood the whole never wanting to age thing.
Disclaimer: I am 25. So yes, I know many of you are thinking "just wait until you're 35, 50, 65" but hear me out.
The last couple of generations have been some of the longest living generations in the history of the world. There was a time when aboriginals in Canada were wed when they were 13-14 years old and 35-50 was considered old age. I feel like we should be proud of the fact that we are living so much longer (hopefully) instead of trying to stay young forever. It is a testament to how technology and medicine have grown and progressed. We have become so much smarter and therefore have found ways to continue to enjoy this wonderful home we call Earth for many years more than we have previously. If living a longer life isn't worth celebrating, then what is? I feel like when we are stripped of our titles, our possessions and all of our money, all we have left are the relationships we have built and our experiences we have lived through.
I strive to live in the moment, do what I love and surround myself with the people I love every single day and I believe that is the key to living a happy and fulfilling life. *knock on wood* If something happened tomorrow and I passed on, obviously I would be upset about not being able to continue to live but I wouldn't regret not living my life because I am happy with where I am and what I am doing. That is what living in the moment means to me.
My mother always said that I gave her grey hairs. And I 100% believe her. When I have kids and they give me grey hairs I will stand proudly and say "Hey! I got this grey hair because my kid just fell off their bike for the first time and it scared me to death. But I lived through it and I'm ok." Grey hairs and lines around our eyes and mouths represent stories, experiences. Why would we ever want to cover them up?
yep- i've always said I wouldn't dye my hair either, and so far so good (i even stopped highlighting my hair completely!).
ReplyDeletei agree with you 100% too- we should be proud of our laughter lines, our wrinkles and life badges that mark our wisdom.
i'm going to admit that I recognize I will most likely feel the pressure to cave, I may cave... but I am hoping (and working actively) that i won't :)
I also think it's important and necessary to start having these types of thoughts, plans and discussions earlier- instead of in the moment or timeframe so that it's easier to feel good and solid about your decision- so 25 is the perfect time.