The media has taught us to be self-conscious about our looks from a very young age.
We watch reality TV where little girls are paraded in makeup and high heels from the time they can barely walk. We photoshop out wrinkles and imperfections to give a perfect - and completely fake - look in all of the latest magazines.
All of that teaches us to be more than we ever can be. It teaches us to set the bar so high there is no way we can ever achieve.
How do we learn to accept who we are?
How do we learn to appreciate all that we have rather than reaching for the unachievable?
Reflect on the real you
When was the last time you looked in the mirror and saw your own true beauty? Did you try and hide the imperfections with makeup? Or notice the crow’s feet forming around your eyes? Did you rub in a cream to reduce age spots? Or pluck away the first signs of gray hair?
Now think of someone older than you, someone you love and respect. Do you think of their graying hair or the wrinkles around their eyes? Or do you remember the kind words they’ve shared with you, or the way they pick you up when you’re feeling blue?
We’re always the hardest on our own selves. People don’t see you for your wrinkles and extra pounds; not if they truly care about you. It’s time to reflect on who you are and what special gift you’re giving to the people in your own world.
Stop criticism
We’re all guilty of criticizing those around us. And we’re becoming more vocal as a society in the way we do it. We yell at each other or tweet incessantly about the things that are wrong. The only thing it does is conquer and divide. Have you found yourself slapping a label on anyone around you? Have you ever told someone they’re: fat, old, ugly, or flat out strange?
The next time you feel anger bubbling up inside because someone around you isn’t doing things your way, take a step back and ask yourself why. Is it important to label? Or is it easier to just walk away and let your criticism dissipate?
Change our society
We can only change our society one person at a time. No matter how you choose to age, do it with grace and style while allowing those around you to do it the same way. Instead of criticizing, share your journey. Make conscious decisions about the way you age, while listening to others without criticism or judgment.
We all earn our laugh lines and our gray hairs from living life our way. They aren’t a sign of getting older; they are a sign of living life gracefully.
The only way to change the way society looks at age is to change the way we look at it ourselves.
How do you look at the aging process?