Aging As Me
Aging women lose themselves and become invisible. I lived it. I persevered. I’m aging as me. As the NOT Invisible Woman, I’m sharing tips for better aging and DIY tricks for concealing body flaws.
When all is said and done, the human body is the perishable packaging of our consciousness, or the soul, if you will. A person shouldn’t be measured by her appearance or age, but by her character and personality. Unfortunately, this isn’t common wisdom. People discriminate based on age (ageism) and judge harshly every imperfection.
Meanwhile, we look in the mirror and very few of us identify with the person we see. Most of us see ourselves in the mirror as we were in our prime. (Identity doesn’t necessarily change with age!)
We are aging – or are already old – but we aren’t dead or incapable, and we certainly shouldn’t be invisible! Being invisible is accepting society’s prejudices. Don’t join the prosecution; STAND UP FOR YOURSELF!
It takes time and effort to craft the image of an attractive woman. Aging is highway robbery. Worse: while everybody rushes to support a robbery victim, in the case of aging, people shame the victim.
Once the aging process gains momentum, you stand to lose the self-image that took years to create. Your image became your trademark and habit. You have clothing that makes you feel like a winner. But now the things you love don’t look good on you. (In case you’re wondering: that’s why so many women become invisible with age.)
Perfection is a myth. Beauty isn’t perfection. Think of Sophia Loren. Did you ever see her in a miniskirt? You’ve seen her beautiful face, doe eyes, shapely body, and magnificent cleavage. You assume she’s perfect. Maybe, maybe not. One thing is for sure: she mastered the art of beauty. We’ll always think of her as gorgeous.
The art of beauty is knowing what to show and what not to. It is also what you make of what you’ve got. And yes, baby, no matter your age or body flaws: you still got it!
Take me: I’m old. I have an assortment of flaws that I don’t share with the public. I’m in good shape and a sharp dresser. I’m still an active participant and a contender. Winners and losers are declared when the race is over. I’m not defeated because I’m still in the running. How about you?
I felt too young to look – or be treated – like an old lady. (I am a lady, but “old” isn’t my middle name.)
So, as we age, the freedom of expression through fashion goes to hell and quickly. What’s left? Spacious “tent” dresses, jackets, etc. They cover body flaws, along with the rest of you, that is still lovely. But not everybody is comfortable looking like an old couch. I tried the look and it REALLY didn’t work for me. It was killing me, my temperament, my joie de vivre… I wasn’t myself anymore.
I studied older women. Some were invisible. Some went on a limb with fashion, which was too much for me. Others, yet, developed original styles, which stand out from the mainstream. Some of those are beautiful, and there is a variety of styles to find inspiration from, but in some way, they make the wearer look like an outsider. I needed to be myself while still a part of the crowd.
I kept looking at my closet filled with fine, designer clothing, knowing full well that I had nothing to wear. Then one day, I decided to take charge of each issue that was bothering me and devise practical solutions. Let me tell you, it was a long streak of failures… But I missed being myself so much that eventually I succeeded. At what? Getting old WITHOUT losing my mojo, style, personality, or sense of belonging.
Am I old? Yes! Am I imperfect? Yes! But I’m alive and now, I’m enjoying the ride!
In my personal evolution, I developed several strategies and tricks that transformed not only how I feel about myself but also restored my self-confidence.
If you too, are young at heart, try some of my tips for better aging and DIY tricks for concealing body flaws. Some will help you. Some may not. Still, with Not Invisible Woman or without, FIGHT TO STAY YOURSELF REGARDLESS OF YOUR AGE OR IMPERFECTIONS!
Look how vibrant Autumn is! Golden Years come with power and experience. Don’t allow anything or anybody to make you feel invisible! Take charge of aging and body flaws.
