One of the questions I ask when women submit their photos to the Face of Fifty Gallery is "What's the best thing about being in your fifties?" And the vast majority have the same reply phrased in many different ways, "freedom." Freedom to do what I want. Freedom from expectations. Freedom from caring what others think. The fifties are indeed a liberating time. It's a shame that we have to wait so long to gain this insight, wisdom, and release. But I also suppose we had to wait until the time was right. Right for us to be able to handle all that comes along with being free. We know what matters now, and we aren't so easily impressed. We know and truly understand the truest form of freedom is being able to finally be who we were meant to be all along, and that's really the best thing! (photo credit: Amazon)
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3. Health- When you're younger you take your health for granted, but as you get older you realize the saying "health is wealth" is so very true. When you take care of your body, it will take care of you. As we age, it's important that we do whatever we can to stay strong, and healthy so that we can live independently and vibrantly. What is something that matters most to you? (Photo courtesy of Jessica Felicio via Unsplash.com) I spent some time ruminating on the topic of the very first blog post for the Face of Fifty. I wanted it to be inspiring and insightful, while also being funny and fierce. But as the days passed, I realized it should be something more– a plea to women.
As women, especially black women, we often aren't allowed to be who we are fully, completely, without judgement or shame. Well, to hell with that! At this age, we've earned the right to finally be at peace. Peace with our hair, our bodies, our pasts, our minds, our thoughts, our decisions, and our feelings. Embrace who you are fully. You've mothered, cared for, pampered, supported, and put everyone else first for far too long– now it's YOUR turn.
Three questions to ask yourself TODAY: 1. What do I like to do? (Don't consider anyone else.) 2. What is the best thing about me? (Don't name anything about your appearance.) 3. What am I good at? (Don't hold back or try to be humble! Maybe you can't sing but perhaps you're great at math or baking or decorating.) Now take these answers and consider how you can create more joy and purpose in your daily life. As you enter the next decades, stages, and phases of your life, how can you become happier, healthier, and more at peace? It might involve being alone. It might be scary. It might be uncomfortable. It will definitely require change. But you must do it. We do not have the luxury of time. I implore you to put yourself first, starting TODAY. It's a choice you won't ever regret! (Photo courtesy: Kampus Productions via Pexels) |
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December 2022
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