There's this weird obsession in our culture with permanent youth. I get why people want to look younger, our culture considers youthfulness to be synonymous with relevance. I also get that when we're young everything feels so free, and easy. But what ever happened to revering the old?
I want to be a wrinkly old lady one day.
To me, when I see an old woman, or man, with a face full of lines, I immediately think of all the stories they have to tell. They have lived a full life, full of laughter-caused lines around the mouth, worry-caused lines on the forehead. Their body sags from hard work and years of wear and tear on the body. They shuffle down sidewalks because their hips have worn down from all the miles they've put on their legs.
I want to earn my old age.
It seems that people forget that old age is a privilege denied to many. My own mom died just a year shy of sixty. Her youthfulness never left her, and she left with very few wrinkles on her face. I want to live past the age of firm, wrinkle-free skin. I want to live past the years of my blonde hair, and see it turn silver. I want to look back on the years and see that I beat everything, and was the strong woman I've always wanted to be.
I want my children's children to ask me what it was like 50-60 years before they were born. I want them to ask me about the scars I carry on my skin, and on my heart. I want them to look at me with a funny expression and, with all the kid-honesty they can muster, tell me, "Grandma, you're so old." I want to laugh and say, "I know, isn't it great?"
I want to them to see that old age is beauty. I want them to grow up knowing that all of the phases of life are important, and if we stick in one for too long, we will miss something amazing meant for us. Old age is something we should all seek, because it means we beat the odds.
We didn't get taken down by cancer, illnesses, or heart attacks. Our back breaking labors didn't break us. Our broken hearts didn't ruin us. We lived and we lived well. So, friends, let's cherish those wrinkles. Let's cherish the years as they pass, full of life, and importance, and let's add chapters to the book of our lives.
I want to live long and well. Don't you?
++ How do you feel about aging? Do you think aging is terrible or a good thing? Share in the comments!
[Photo Credits: Old Woman, Old Couple]
Life is a journey of shared experiences. I am perfectly content to be older and wrinkled; my focus is not on trying to be something I am not capable of being (like 20 years younger), but instead, being healthy and vibrant. My grandfather used to say that if an older person had a lot of wrinkles, it meant that they had a life of laughter and adventure. He was a wise man. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think he was right! I don't think I'd want to stay in one period of my life forever... My 20's were awesome, but I really think my 30's are going to be better. My teens were ok, but way too full of angst, and being little meant I couldn't do anything for myself. I rather like who I am right now.
DeleteAs I'm in my 40's now, I can tell you that the (late) 30's bring change and I love my 40's so far. There is a freedom you find within yourself - you cease caring about the minutia, and it's pretty liberating! Only good things to come Lana! :D
DeleteSo beautiful and a great perspective on life. Lines of wisdom and life. Great post!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm glad you stopped by the blog.
DeleteThis is beautiful! I would love to age like that too. And hopefully, be wise by then!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I hope I'm one of those old genius folks when I'm old and wrinkly. "Sit here sonny, and I'll tell you the secret of life."
DeleteBeautiful post and I agree the obsession with youthful appearance is kind of sad! Like you said, so many people don't get the privilege of living long enough to get their laugh lines badge. I'm with you, I hope I get to!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I hope I have another 50+ years in me at least.Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI agree! I was just talking to my family about this while we were watching Dancing With the Stars. So many women in Hollywood who are in their 60s and 70s feel like they need to look like they're still 30. Ick! Unnatural- kinda freaks me out. I say- live it up! Go grey, wrinkle it up- like you said, 'they've earned it!'
ReplyDeleteAMEN. I just want to be me, and be able to say, well this wrinkle? I earned this during the hardest two years of my life, and I beat my challenges! They're like trophies.
DeleteWhat a beautiful and thoughtful post. I agree, wrinkles should be a badge of honor that you've made it this far in life. My mom is my hero, and I don't even register any wrinkles or grey on her - her awesomeness outshines everything!
ReplyDeleteI love that you have such a mom! Thanks for reading.
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