Slaying the Aging Game: Women in Their Prime
The aging game, in my experience, has never been about fading into the background; it's been about coming into my own, more vividly and authentically than ever before - sometimes loudly. This journey through my decades has been less about conforming to societal expectations and more about understanding and embracing my true self, my strengths, my desires, my vision for a good life. But I only learned that through the years, only through age.
In my earlier years, the societal narrative on aging often felt limiting, as if each year was a step away from my prime. And that 40 was really the end? If I am being honest I found the under 30, under 40 lists suffocating. If I wasn't on one, would I be even seen? Never really seeing examples of women that were soaring in that decade and beyond…but those were the old days. I am on the cusp…not quite a Gen Xer and not quite the Millennial - true Xennial middle child. But as I ventured through my thirties and into my forties, I began to see things differently. I realized that with each passing year, I wasn't losing my essence; I was deepening it. Each experience, each challenge, each triumph added layers to my identity, making me more resilient, more insightful, more knowledgeable, more than enough.
In my professional life, I noticed a shift as I grew older. The wisdom I had accumulated over the years became one of my greatest assets. My decisions were more informed, my strategies more thoughtful. I was no longer the young ambitious woman trying to prove herself; I was a seasoned professional, confident in my abilities and my perspective. But none of that came easy, it only settled through an internal battle that I thought for over a decade.
Creatively, my later years have been my most fruitful. The fears and inhibitions that held me back in my youth have given way to a boldness in my expression. Whether it's through writing, art, or any other form of creative outlet, I find myself more willing to experiment, to push boundaries. It's as if the accumulation of years has given me a richer palette to draw from.
The beauty industry's narrative on aging used to be a source of apprehension for me, we all have seen the 90s depiction of what a woman should be. Nowadays, we have a different depiction of what that should be (in fact it changes with the trends) but what is consistent that it continues to be an external narrative that drives this, not a womans’ choice. But as I embraced myself as I am, I found myself less influenced by these external messages. My definition of beauty evolved to include the lines of laughter and the marks of wisdom, and a few grey hairs that my years have gifted me. Not trying to hide them with procedures and clever photography, we are as we are, why hide it? How can we be our true selves if we are hiding behind a mask that society expects us to wear? I would argue its harder to wear the mask then just be yourself.
But this journey hasn’t just been about external accomplishments. It's been deeply personal and spiritual. With each decade, I've become more attuned to my inner voice, more self aware of my needs and wants, more aware of my spiritual needs. My relationships have grown richer, my sense of self clearer. The depth of my conversations, the quality of my connections, the understanding of my own emotions – all have been enriched by the years.
As I stand today, embracing my age, I see it not as a countdown but as a continuous journey of growth. Each decade has been a chapter in my personal story, filled with its own lessons, joys, and revelations. I've learned that aging isn't about reaching a destination; it's about the ongoing journey of becoming more authentically myself.
In sharing my story, my hope is to inspire others to view their journey through the decades not with apprehension but with excitement and openness. There is a profound beauty in growing older, a beauty that lies in the wisdom, the experiences, and the unique perspectives that only time can bestow.
