76th Birthday Blog
Four years ago, at age 72, I ventured onto Social-Media with one post on Instagram. I had just read an article on Influencers and that was the first time I had ever heard that term. So, I googled it to find out if there was anyone my age talking about creating your own style as you age, maintaining your passions and embracing who you are at every age! At that time, I did not find any but I have since found other incredible women doing just that.
I really never understood societies attitude toward aging. I started my Instagram with mixed feelings and goals. Even at a young age the negativity surrounding aging bothered me. Instagram gave me a platform to share my thoughts and ideas. The one purpose that has not changed is my desire to in some small way contribute to changing the dialogue regarding aging. I am now 76 years old and have no desire to portray myself as younger. I don’t want to look or be 66. I don’t want to look back, I don’t want to hang onto years that have passed. I am too excited to see what is to come! I am still learning new things about myself and every day is a chance to do better than I did the day before.
I know that at 76 I am going to look old because I am old! I have lines and sagging skin; but I do not see that as a problem. I see that as normal. I have no desire for cosmetic procedures because when I look in the mirror, I want to see me, not some artificial version of myself.
Life has purpose and how sad it would be if one’s purpose was only to hang onto ones youthful appearance, as today’s young girls seem to think. When I see the young women on social media jumping on every new procedure, tool or supplement for looking younger it makes me sad because they are setting themselves up for great disappointment. Eventually they will lose the battle and despite their best efforts they will still age. The problem is not in the aging it is in their view of aging.
The only way that view is going to change is if we as older women show them that aging is a gift, something to be embraced, valued and shared. A culmination of years of discovery and learning that allows us to be the best version of ourselves. Then when and where we can, helping other women to do the same.
Right now, I am thankful for every day that has passed and every day that is still to come. I am thankful to be able to communicate with all of you on the wonderful social media platforms that you have all so kindly decided to Follow me on. My prayer is that in some small way we can all be part of changing the dialogue related to aging.
So, this year on my 76th Birthday I feel more fortunate than ever. Not only to have made it to this point in my life surrounded by a wonderful family and friends but also to have found this amazing community of women on Social Media kind enough to follow along with me.