When I look at myself in the mirror, I see more than just my reflection; I see the passage of time etched in defined lines, the evidence of laughter imprinted as laugh lines, and a vision that's a tad bit blurrier than it used to be. Perimenopause, menopause, hormonal imbalances – once distant words are now my reality. I remember my mom and aunts discussing these stages of life when I was a kid, never imagining that one day, I would be having the same conversations about my own experiences.
It felt so far away then, yet, here I am, embracing the changes that come with age. The reflection in the mirror may showcase the external signs of aging, but within, I don't feel old. To my nieces and nephews, however, I may represent the epitome of adulthood, and it's intriguing to wonder what they perceive when they look at me.
I remember reading an article from The Wall Street Journal about a year ago stating that millennials no longer feel young at 43. However, for me, it's not about feeling old. There’s something special about being in my 40s. It's a time of freedom, where I can make choices based on my experience and knowledge. I now have the resources to travel, enjoy good food, and shape a better life for myself.
Despite the occasional twinge of sadness associated with the passing of youth, age is just a number. Turning 44 last month, I find myself straddling the line between feeling young and acknowledging that I am no longer in the springtime of life. Sara Campbell's relatable post on no longer fully functioning without reading glasses struck a chord with me – something I also didn’t think I'd need until recently.
I was proud of my perfect 20/20 vision, so when our neighborhood optometrist told me I’d need glasses, I felt a wave of resistance swell inside me. Eventually, I succumbed to wearing reading glasses every day. My partner's collection of generic ones, which used to seem odd to me, now makes perfect sense. I now have several pairs scattered around the apartment, always within an arm's reach.
One of my friends recently shared a photo with me from ten years ago, and it made me think about a very different time in my life. Back then, I was constantly on the move and always busy. Who was I ten years ago, and what kind of changes happened during that time in my life? It's interesting to think about these questions and to feel a sense of nostalgia and introspection.
Yet, amidst the inevitable changes, some things remain constant. Birthday parties and a love for karaoke with friends are timeless joys that continue to bring happiness. The impermanence of life becomes a profound lesson, teaching us that everything is in a constant state of flux – within and around us.
As I navigate the waters of my mid-40s, I'm learning to embrace the beauty of aging. It's not just about the external changes but the internal growth, wisdom gained through experience, and the freedom to be authentically myself. So, do I feel young or old? Perhaps a bit of both, and that, in itself, is a beautiful journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
I’m curious to know…
What are some things you love about being your age?
What’s one life lesson you can share about getting older?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or hit the heart below.
Being in my eighties, I smiled when reading your article about being in your forties. I remember similar throughts when I was in my forties. For the record, being in my eighties is the easiest and happiest decade so far. Fewer responsibilities, way more freedom. A while ago it occurred to me that nobody needs me. I'm happy that my most precious people still seem to want me around. But being neither needed nor dependent felt surprisingly liberating!