10 Tips for Aging Gracefully

Aging is a part of life and it is absolutely beautiful. However, often times, we find ourselves constantly going out of our way to deny our age and try to manipulate and change what we simply cannot control.

I was talking to a friend in her mid 30s a while ago. She was telling me about a time when she was walking through a mall and saw a group of skinny girls just chatting away. She was jealous of their tight, clear skins, thin bodies and overall appearances until she overheard their conversations. She eventually realised that those girls were probably no older than thirteen or fourteen years old! She realised she was envious of girls who were young enough to be her daughter!

Age is not only a fear for those who have lived a longer life. We find young girls caking on layers and layers of make up as well as going out of their way to dress and act differently in attempts of being more "grown up." Then we continue to find young adults still nitpicking at every little flaw they possess. By the time we know it, in the time we spent criticising ourselves, we could have instead embraced ourselves and simply live!

Everyone is constantly being pressured to look a certain way, but when will we ever be satisfied? Does the modern day even want us to love ourselves for who we are? We have very little control of the kinds of criticism we receive or how fast we age, but we do have the power to accept and embrace our own beauty. And we all have beauty! So here are some tips I think would help you along the way.

1. Spend lots of time with your loved ones. As the saying goes... "Those who mind, don't matter and those who matter, don't mind." You will always be loved by those who care about you no matter how you look. They won't be counting the wrinkles or blemishes on your face, but the numbers of smiles you will make on it.

2. Keep your heart healthy. And have fun while you're doing it. We all know the benefits of a nice active heart. It keeps us physically and mentally strong, as well as giving that beautiful natural glow that no cosmetics can ever achieve!

3. Live life today and everyday. At the very moment I am writing this blog entry, it is July 19, 2009. There will never be any day like it. Make this day, as well as your other days, last! Pick up a new hobby or do something you've never done before. Always speak your mind. Don't ever let age be your limit. You're going to want to tell lots of interesting stories of your experiences to others, right? Start those stories now and don't stop. Aging is more than just wrinkly skin. Live life while you're still alive. Time waits for no one.

4. Realise there will always be pressure. Everyone is under pressure by the media, society and even other people. We see flawlessly "perfect" people everyday on TV, magazines, movies, etc. That gives us distorted, and often times impossible perspectives and expectations on what it means to be physically beautiful. Although we cannot control the kinds of images and messages we receive, we can control how we internalize those messages. Stop comparing yourself to that airbrushed celebrity. Realise you are not alone in this fight for beauty either. As I said before, everyone is under the pressure. Even that attractive stranger you saw at the beach has his/her own insecurities. We can all relate.

5. Forget about those numbers! Stop obsessing about your age, weight, height, waist size, thigh size or even your finger size. It is one thing to be health cautious, but if you are pulling out that measuring tape every two hours hoping the number you see will change, forget about it. If there is a health concern, contact your doctor and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. You don't need a scale to tell you if you are making healthy decisions or not. Remember that those are all just numbers they will never be able to measure your true value!

6. Live positively and don't be afraid to laugh. Nothing beats a young and open heart. Focus on the things you love. That can include your hobbies, loved ones, and things your love about yourself. Carry yourself with confidence (because confidence always looks good!). Open yourself up to others and smile often! Having a positive body language and a great attitude shines brighter than any cosmetic blush, and you can do it at any age!

7. Appreciate what you have now. We will desire what we don't have, but we will miss what we used to have. Realise what you do have now and embrace it before it's too late. Do not waste time nitpicking and criticising every little flaw.

8. Have fun at your own birthdays! You can learn a lot from small children. They always get so excited when their birthdays are nearing. They enjoy celebrating another year of life and that's how it should be! Adding another year to your age shouldn't scare you. Have fun! Celebrate! It's another day when you can look back at all your achievements and experience as well as look forward to new ones. And yes, make sure to have lots of cake and ice cream!

9. Help out and be active at home and around the community. I personally use volunteering as a self-esteem booster. Sharing your skills and wisdom to help others is a great feeling. Helping those less fortunate will especially put things into perspective and change your priority list. Looks will age and be forgotten, but a kind heart will always live on. It's a fantastic feeling knowing that someone is looking forward to your kindness and generosity.

10. Love yourself. You are who you are so embrace it. If you are unhappy with something specific, you will always have room to improve and mature, and that is okay. In the end, always remember to keep that relationship with yourself strong. You determine your own worth, so make sure you love yourself. You're very special.

Although Beauty and Envi is a blog focusing quite a bit on beauty, I want you to always keep this entry in mind. No fancy beauty secret will ever overpower inner beauty.

Anyway, I would like to thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to read this entry. Remember to live everyday to the fullest and don't be afraid to age gracefully!