Develop A Fitness Habit
September 10, 2015
Monochromatic Slit Maxi Dress And Leggings
September 14, 2015
This week I turned 48 years-old. I can’t really say that the day itself made much of an impression on me. I didn’t feel the ground shift or sink ever so slightly as if to say, “your foot is just one step closer to the grave.” No, it was just a normal day with some very nice greetings on social media and a yummy chocolate pie baked by my dear husband.
I confess I haven’t always greeted past birthdays with the same indifference. In fact, I remember 43 to be a particularly jarring birthday number. It was then that I realized I was now well ensconced into my 40’s and there was no turning back. But then that is the point, isn’t it? There is no turning back! Age happens to all of us; regardless of nationality or income bracket. We all are born to eventually die and aging is the natural process of things. When it comes to beauty – embrace it, don’t hide from it.
Embrace Your Aging Face
It can be hard to watch things shift, furrow and sag. I wish that I could say that the wisdom of age has washed away all vain pursuits, but this does not appear to be the case for me. I still enjoy my makeup, creams and lotions. Not only that, but what do I do? I go out and start a fashion and fitness over-40 blog at 47, which means I will writing about these subjects and posing for pictures for years to come.
But, I realize now that putting it all out there has actually helped me to embrace aging. I have no incentive to hide from my age or try to pass as younger than I am. Instead, I can embrace my face, smile wrinkles and all, because it’s a part of myself that I can share with other women and they can relate to.
Embracing your aging face doesn’t mean you stop caring, it just means you accept that the face you have today is not the one you had a decade ago. You are a work in progress…just as a painting results from stroke upon stroke, so your face bares the touch of time, year upon year.
Be Proud Of Each Year
I realized a while ago that I had two options. Either I could try to trick people into thinking I was younger than I was or I could focus on being the best I can be at each age milestone. I figured the first option was really a losing battle…so, you get to 65 and people think you’re 60…in the end you are still won’t look 25 or even 35 for that matter!
But, if I make the determination to be proud of each year, then I can focus my energy into being a healthy, well-adjusted, purposeful and appealing woman at whatever age I am. There is something about this perspective that instills greater confidence and determination to make every year count.
That’s why you may have noticed the one streak of white in my hair. I am still crazy about all things fashion and style. What’s more, the style-minded side of me will never change. Still, I just wanted one little token to show that I know my age and I am OK with it! But, that doesn’t mean I can’t still rock a pair of heels with the best of ’em!
So, happy birthday to me…all 48 years!
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34 Comments
Hi! This is my first visit and I will definitely be back. You have a great positive attitude. Have a great weekend.
Thanks Katie…so glad you stopped by!
YOU LOOK like a FUN person……………
I do not know know a lot of FUN people these days!
I shall FOLLOW YOU and I hope you shall Follow me.
I’m older then YOU……….and your right to talk about the age thing with other bloggers is HELPFUL.WE ARE IN MASS Out there……..
Jennifer & Heather sent me!
Well, hello lovely lady!! We have but one life to live and a short time to live it, so I do try to embrace joy every way I can.
This was such a lovely post! I am 60 and would not be 30, 40 or even 50 again if I had the opportunity. This has been a trying year with aging parents, hip replacement, and the death of a dear friend…looking forward to 61!!
Outlook and perspective really make the difference, Cindy. That’s a tough list…hopefully, you’ve got most of the bad stuff out of the way now!
Shellie, thank you so much for your inspiring post!! I look forward to seeing more of your features!! I hope you will visit soon!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Thanks so much, Karena. I will pop over soon!
Congratulations Shellie, this awesome post was in the TOP SIX most clicked on Fridays Blog Booster Party #24. It will be featured on Friday.
Kathleen
Thanks Kath, I’ll be looking for it!
Happy 48th birthday Shellie! Although I am 10 years older than you I couldn’t agree more with being you. I have finally learnt to be comfortable with me and that started at 50! It is a feeling of freedom to be yourself. Of course I still like to wear makeup and nice clothes but that isn’t the ‘be all and end all’ for me now. Love and family are top of the list!
Very well said, Sue. It doesn’t mean we stop caring about how we look, we just start caring more about other important things!
I’m always so amazed by you! Great post! Pinned and tweeted. I appreciate you taking the time to party with us. I hope to see you on Monday at 7. Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
Happy Birthday!! That’s exactly why I don’t “photoshop” out the wrinkles & marks in my blog…we should be proud of what we look like!! We need to keep yelling these sentiments off the rooftops so everyone else can join in!!! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Exactly!
Nice done. PS: You look lovely for any age. 🙂
Thanks Paula!
My SIL told us not to tell any of her friends her age. She’s over 50 but doesn’t look it. I think that’s ridiculous to keep it a secret! Be proud of who you are! Be happy you’re healthy enough to KEEP aging and, as a woman, we should speak well about aging, midlife and being our true selves.
Yes Cathy, I have never quite understood that either. I guess I have always been the kind to say, “Here I am, ya gotta love me!” I am so glad you stopped by!
Happy Birthday! I celebrated my 62nd birthday on 9/15 and I feel like I’m finally comfortable admitting that I am in my 60’s. I still care about my looks and fashion, while embracing the wrinkles. But I draw the line with hair….love my talented hairdresser.
Happy 48th year Shellie, you are so lovely and I am sure you will be for the next 40+ years.
My husband and I are at the stage where we don’t even think about the number of birthdays. We are most thankful for each year regardless of what the number may be. Mentally we don’t want to define ourselves by a certain age number. Inside we feel young, of course when we look in the mirror there is a conflict. (LOL) It is not a matter of pretending that we are younger than we are, it is keeping a healthy mental attitude to life. Not being afraid of change or of learning new things. I hope that makes sense.
Hey Kath, I don’t think we ever get to old to be young at heart…I totally understand what you are saying!
Welcome to the club! I always prided myself on not looking my age, but I guess I never realized, even though I don’t look 51 -almost 52, I no longer look as if I’m in my twenties. Wow, you just put everything in perspective. I suposse we need to embrace the fact were still here and to just cherish aging slowly.
Perspective is so important, Stacey. We can always look as good as we can for our age and that is an accomplishment in itself…so glad you dropped by!
Happy birthday! and I am so onboard with the idea of looking really good for your age rather than trying to pull off the “spring chicken” look and failing dismally. ~ Leanne
It really is the only way to go…chasing youth leads to inevitable disappointment because you can’t turn back the clock!
Hello Shellie,
Happy belated birthday! I have to say you look amazing! I just turned 45 last week and you know, I wasn’t depressed about it. I remember when I was in my 20’s, I can hear myself say I was going to dread my forties. Basically, I thought my life was over. 🙂
I was so wrong. My kids are grown so I can go where I want and not worry about a sitter. Now it’s worrying if they’ll throw a party while we’re away, hehe. I have more time for myself and the hubs and I feel great. I can stand to lose 15 more pounds but that’s another story ;).
What I’m trying to say is that I love me now more than I did when I was in my 20s. I was trying to stay young and thin but now I’m like love me as I am baby, hehe. I’ve embraced my wrinkles and grey hair. I love your white streak by the way! Not sure how I’ll handle the sagging boobs but I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. 🙂
This is my first time at your blog…I really enjoyed your post and will definitely be back. Have a great week!
Cori
Yes Corina, freedom is a big plus of getting older…that helps us get through when everything else starts to go South!! Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to seeing you again!
Happy belated, Shellie! I just turned 47 in August so I know exactly what you are talking about. Rather than try to fight a no-win battle, I decided to embrace my aging self as gracefully as possible. Mind you, I don’t particularly like the fact that my boobs hang lower than before and my bras now cost more to keep them where they once were, but it’s not something I can change. Women should definitely embrace it, even the crows feet, and the never ending sparkles appear in their hair.
I hope your birthday was a special one!
B
It really is all about perspective. It doesn’t mean we don’t stop trying to look our best, we just don’t try to be something we aren’t! Thanks for stopping by!
Well we must be nearly birthday buddies, because I also just celebrated a birthday this past week! (I’m a 30-something.) Happy birthday to you! I just love your attitude about looking the best you can where you are. It’s something I definitely need to embrace, especially now that my baby is getting older and I have a little more time for such things. 🙂
Hey Jamie,
I am so glad you stopped by! Yes, I don’t think we ever get too old to care aboutour appearance as long as keep a healthy perspective.
Happy Birthday to you indeed beautiful Shellie!! I couldn’t have said it better myself! I love how you embrace not only your life, but the lives of others with such warmth and grace! You’re beautiful inside and out and I wish you a magnificent weekend!!
Thanks Andrea…just trying to be salt and light! Thanks for the encouragement.