Introduction
Let's Lighten Up
The first-age defying step is to not take aging or yourself so seriously. There are days when we won't look so great. It happens to every one of us eventually. I laugh sometimes when I get out of bed. I could scream, but laughter is a better alternative, especially when I think about legendary beauties who could not handle their changing looks and cocooned themselves in their apartments. Garbo comes to mind, but there have been many others.
Of course, we can't look twenty forever, and we have to accept that life and our looks are changing. We've lived, and it's life affirming to honor our lives by looking into that mirror and saying warmly, "Hello, old friend." Then promise to pay tribute to that friend by doing a little something that will make it more pleasurable to look again tomorrow.
Growing Old Gracefully
The very word grace means there is something inside of you that will never age, can never grow old. So many women I meet confide, "I know I'm getting old. I see the lines and the sagging. But I don't feel that way. I want to match that feeling inside." In this era, we can make things come together. We have many options.
Some results will come from a bottle, but most will not. Some will take concerted effort, but more important will be a change in attitude. There are other alternatives that can take a little (OK, a lot) of time and money.
It will be your choice how far you want to go, being totally objective and realistic when you look into that mirror and picking back up what you've let slip.
Juggling aging with beauty can seem daunting. My intent is to take the fear out of aging and putting some fun back into your age-defying routines. Each time you do something for yourself, you'll start to feel better, more at ease in your skin. This will create a glow from inside. Trust me, it will be duly noticeable on the outside.
You'll learn what worked at twenty won't succeed at forty. Things you did years ago are now not only not necessary but outdated. Like spending hours on your hair. Sure, it looked great teased and sprayed, but not only will it date you, it's no longer necessary. The good news about the years is that there are new techniques that shave off the beauty routine minutes. Soft and natural is the way to go so you can prevent looking like a caricature of your former self. You cannot hairspray the years away. It's time to move out of the time warp.
Make Peace with Your Age
You'll never be eighteen again, and all things should and must pass. Time heals and time teaches. We can't have exactly what we think we want: that young, perky body to go along with our years of wisdom.
When should age defying start? Early. As soon as possible. It starts with good habits. Some we never had, but it's never too late to start--simple habits like wearing sunscreen, eating the right foods, and giving up or at the very least moderating alcohol and smoking.
When does it end? It's doesn't. Giving up on your looks is akin to giving up on life. As long as you can gaze into a mirror, as often as you interact with anything or anyone, you owe it to yourself to do something.
It's respectful to your spirit, and it's a sign of respect to others.
