I am not always comfortable in the skin I’m in. I am quick to admit that aging shows, especially first thing in the morning when you need a crowbar to lift up your half open eye lid and your hair looks like you stood behind a jet plane for your blow out. I don’t know if you do this. But, with my recent birthday (and birthday’s before it) I find myself in a spin cycle of self-evaluation. I have to remind myself that chasing youth is an unwinnable war and my face looks lived in (crinkles, platinum grandma highlights and all).
I recently came across a bunch of notes written on scraps of paper. Things that pop into my head and if I don’t write them down straight away they will be gone in a “poof”. If you’re a blogger, I’m sure you know exactly what I mean. If you keep a gratitude journal, blessings journal or diary I bet you do this too. But, the note with the grocery list on it, well I often find myself without that note. It’s usually five minutes after I arrive at the market and have thoroughly sanitized the cart handle and the seat where cute babies sit in their full diapers.
• One note started with, “write an ageing (aging) post” for my birthday.
I’m sure I meant to write something profound, something assuring you that ageing brings clarity and a relaxed feeling of joy. But, I am a work in progress and I am always working towards being happy with the skin I’m in.
• Other notes-Don’t listen to the voice on the anti-aging infomercial.
• What to avoid at your annual “girlie bits” checkup. While you sit in an elegant paper gown waiting for …well..you know.. try to avoid eye contact with the glossy brochures calling out ways to change. How can so many anti-aging brochures have women who are in their mid-30’s representing how to turn back time. Okay, now I’m singing. I love Cher!
Although these upgrades are not for me, I am not saying don’t have an injection or lift what is sagging if it is what you feel will make you smile more when you look in the mirror. Ask your dermatologist about fillers and cool sculpting and whatever it is you feel will improve your self-acceptance. Do it for you though never for someone else. Learn to stifle your inner critic. Don’t judge your appearance too quickly. Consider any physical and permanent changes carefully. Think about it for 30 days. Chances are you might not feel you need it after all. If you think you need to make improvements on the outside go for it. I’m still trying to figure out how to make my eyebrows look like furry caterpillars instead of teeny tiny pencil lines.
Hubby calls me a classic beauty. Mother (aka Mummy) says I look much younger than my years. She is convinced it is because I have always taken good care of my skin and that I have been using Vaseline petroleum jelly to remove my eye makeup since the dawn of time. Whenever you are feeling a bit down about your appearance, ask a loved one how you look.
In addition, wash away the debris of the day. Moisturize daily, use sunscreen daily, exfoliate twice a week and drink lots of water. As we age our skin dries out and loses collagen. It’s important to keep your skin healthy and to have an annual “mole patrol”. Our skin is the largest organ of your body and no matter your age it needs to be treated with care and attention.
• More Notes
• Laughter makes the best lines
• Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
• Keep in mind the never said enough, cliché’ “beauty is on the inside”.
• Continue a healthy skin routine. I love my Olay ProX Advanced Cleansing System with Facial Brush.
• Find the sunny side ( discounts) in receiving the Aarp monthly newspaper. I get letters advertising funeral plans and retirement homes instead of Victoria Secret brochures.
• At the end of the day, wash your face, apply your moisturizer and find your “face” value in being the person you are on the inside and there is no need in seeking validation from others.
Have a little Kum ba yah moment with yourself and know that time and tide wait for no one. But good skin care is for everyone.
The Skin I’m In- My outer shell may have cracks but inside I am solid.
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This was amazing. Funny, yet profound and written with an honesty only maturity can bring. I am so in the same boat. Always wondering if I should fill something or lift something else and always deciding that for a woman over 60 I am doing okay. I keep reminding myself that the judgmental ones will one day be in this same place if they are blessed with longevity. #livelife
thank you, my friend. I don’t think I’ll try any of it. But I think it might be time to change my hairstyle. I don’t know why on earth people seek out and insult others. It’s a good thing we have thick skin ( wink) xo
I am posting on this one since the giveaway (I think it was one) is long over.
I am well over 50 now… and there are days I wake up and look in the mirror and wonder who hat is looking back. I mean, I have aches and pains I didn have before, but inside it’s still me. I wonder sometimes if my husband still sees the 20 year old?
Ellen, thank you. You can always find active giveaways on the giveaway page. I know ageing is tough and I try and stay positive. The alternative is worse, wink. I would guess your hubby doesn’t see the 20 year old you. Wait..let me explain… he sees you, the woman he loves, his beautiful loving wonderful wife, the beauty he married, the beautiful person you are and the beautiful woman he loves and sees every day. Love sees no age. xo
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I am in my early 30’s and losing that youthful look I always had. Gah! Its so sad and Im not going to lie it puts me into panic mode sometimes!
I surround myself with women who are happy in their own skin. They’re active, intelligent, funny and wise. This is one of the best antidotes for aging fear. And I avoid reading any of the beauty/fashion magazines. The ads seem designed to make older women feel lousy about themselves. Great post, Katherine! Hugs your way!
I just turned 40 this year and I have to agree that it is hard to look in the mirror and see new wrinkles, etc. I think women are so hard on themselves in general!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
You made me laugh. 🙂
gwingal
Wonderful encouragement, Katherine! I’m right there with you! Thank you. <3
From Katherine’s Corner Shop, I love the Daily Gratitude Journal.
I love toys thoughts about aging here and will admit I turned 40 this year and for the first time ever had some of my own doubts and insecurities about aging, too. So, it is nice to read what others are feeling and appreciate you sharing with all of us here those thoughts and feelings. Hugs and hoping you are having a good week so far xoxo <3
I wished for a new pair of earrings. The older I get, the less I need. I look forward to my annual birthday tradition of going out with hubby, buying a pair of earrings (supporting local artisans), and a simple, nice lunch out. Yesterday was my birthday!
I think women in general worry about our outward appearance far more than our moms did. It’s the nature of the society we live. I agree that a good skincare routine is a must from tween age on. By the way, I agree with your family. I think you are a beautiful lady.