Did you realise that this year, the majority of the female population will be over 40 years? I didn’t
know that! For me, it means that there are more women now moving into the mid-life category and above so it is important for us to hold that in mind when looking at what the media puts out. Why? Because, as well as the power of coming together, you can find your voice to challenge whatever it is you may want to challenge in the world today
Celebrating Growing Maturity
So why are so many women afraid of celebrating their growing maturity? I am absolutely in the camp that says that ageing is normal and it is about how we deal with it – each in our own way. Yes, it’s true that we may not be that ‘Star’ we thought we would be and applauded by all and sundry for whatever. And everything slowly starts going south; lines begin to appear or become more prominent; may be a few or more grey hairs; have to work harder at exercising, and we can become sad at where the time went. There is a real mixture of feelings. And you can both laugh and cry at the craziness of life whilst still expressing you in the world.
You don’t feel your age as you know you’re not a teenager any more on the outside – even if you do act like that sometimes! No problem with that! And you can be shocked when you see yourself in the mirror. You may also be saying, ‘I look and feel good and now I’m coming out and taking my real power – the power from being myself.’
Enjoy being You
Most of us might be asking ourselves more of, ‘Who is that woman? That can’t be me!! Where did I go to end up here?’ What you did was to live your life – building a career, perhaps making a relationship, having children, growing up (to a certain extent!!) and now it’s really time for you to live your life, not only in spite of your actual age, but in whatever way feels right for you – and maybe when it doesn’t feel right and you decide to give it a try anyway.
I am saying to enjoy being whatever age you are. Live your life and know that living is being yourself and breathe into the fact that you still have got such vitality and lust for life. You no longer conform to rules that once accorded to those being forty and over. You are pushing the boundaries of what was once called middle-age, even if that is your age! You can be young enough to get more out of it, old enough to have experience, and mature enough to laugh at it and yourself.
Power
So use whatever gifts or talents you have and be open to all the opportunities that come your way. Take your power and use it in the way you want to do so.
If none appear on the horizon, go get them, find them, make them happen. Be ready to give and receive of yourself. Shout it from the roof tops. I am here and I am willing to be visible as I have something to offer.
Find your Voice
It’s time for you to be visible and to toast life – regardless of those extra lines and the body spreading downwards. Whether it be with a glass of wine, shaking your booty or singing at the top of your voice, it doesn’t matter – let’s have some enjoyment. There’s still plenty of life available to you – so grab it, take it slowly, jump at it – but take it!
Think about it – what have you got to lose when you find your voice and start speaking out by being visible? You’ll win some and you’ll lose some. And the world will be poorer of you sharing your uniqueness, your power with it. You can start challenging the status quo of society’s rules and regulations in whatever way you see fit to do so for the good of our world.
Life
It’s worth the effort – I know, I’ve done it. I forgot to tell you that in my 50’s, I was in intensive care for 2 weeks with bowel cancer – not expected to live. Here I still am! AND it can be snatched away from you. That’s why I can say there’s much more to you and life so go for it, grab it with both hands!
Breathe into again that inner voice that says – ‘Life is an adventure and I still have so much to give and receive from being part of it’ and let your voice be heard.
Finally, I’ll leave you with ‘You don’t know which way to turn? Don’t turn – go right ahead’.
Interesting stat about women 40+. Is that in the UK, or worldwide?
I don’t think growing older should be anything to be ashamed of. Sandra Bullock was recently named world’s most beautiful women at age 50, and she told an adorable story about her 5 year old son:
“I was putting him to bed and told him that even when I’m old and gray and more wrinkly than I am now, I’ll still love him and want to tuck him in. And he asked me why I have wrinkles, and I said, ‘Well, I hope some of them are from laughing so much.’”
Her son touched her face and said, “You’re not old; you’re just happy.”
Love that photo, by the way.
Thanks, Claire, for taking the time to comment. My recollection is that it was U.K. I have no problem at all with getting older as it’s a normal part of life (if you’re lucky enough). Thanks again x
I have to say Irene, I am loving being in my 40’s. Turning 40 was a big turning point for me. I felt like I had all the cr*p behind me. I feel I am the person I really want to be now. I think at 40+ we have so much to offer the world. xx
I can feel your joy at being the age you are – some aren’t so lucky – and you are certainly offering much to the world xx