How To Embrace Aging

As youth obsessed as our society is, there is an ever growing appreciation and respect for women over 50. Even the sheer number of us will soon overtake our younger counterparts. In America, people 65 and older will soon outnumber those who are 18 in less than 15 years, according to a recent Census survey.

As the rest of the world slowly catches up to how we, as strong women, have always viewed ourselves, there is an opportunity for growth. Often stifled, expected to conform to the societal norm of "little old lady" and subjected to outdated ideas of how a woman over 50 "should" act, we at Carolily believe in breaking the mold. We've had it with rules and expectations. We are divine, complex, beautiful beings and we will age any way we see fit.

If embracing your age is a relatively new venture for you, first of all, welcome to the good life! Those in our Inner Circle are unapologetically themselves and we strive to build a community where women feel free. If you are feeling a little shy about letting your true self shine, here are our five tips on how to embrace aging.

Five Ways To Embrace Aging

1. Take Time For Reflection

   The majority of our behaviors and reactions are more subconscious than conscious and are the result of a lifetime of societal conditioning. Experiencing shame or embarrassment because of grey hair is one such conditioned response to a naturally occurring event in our lives. When we feel a certain way about something, we like to take some quiet time to think about why. If we feel compelled to look or talk a certain way, we ponder the motivation behind these feelings. If we aren't making the decision from a place of empowerment, it is likely coming from a place of fear. Fear of rejection, fear that we are not worthy anymore, fear of acceptance. Once we get to the root of how and why we feel the way we do about our aging bodies, we then have the opportunity to move past these limiting beliefs and step into our truest selves.
   
   

2. Figure Out What Makes You Happy

   Sometimes we need to actually sit down and remind ourselves what makes us happy. The things society says "should" make us happy rarely do. Perhaps you have always wanted to travel abroad on a solo trip, but worry about what your partner may think. Maybe you've wanted to stop colouring your hair, but were concerned your colleagues would make a comment. Every day is an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and the things that really, truly bring us joy. Once we have made a list of what makes us happy, it is then our responsibility to do those things! It isn't simply enough to identify what they are. You owe it to yourself to go out and celebrate every day by doing what you love.   
   
   

3. Try New Things

   Trying new things will seem so much more exciting once you have worked through your fears and identified the things that bring you joy. As we age, we bring with us a wealth of knowledge and experience that is unmatched. Age can also bring feelings of boredom if we are not constantly pushing ourselves and experiencing the world around us. With so many places to visit, dishes to try, hobbies to learn and people to meet, there is really no need for the mundane. The entire world is out there, ready for you! 
   
   

4. Match Your Style To Your Personality

   Our clothing, jewelry, makeup and hairstyle choices speak for us before we even have a chance. What kind of statement is your style making about you when you enter the room? Is it saying the right things? What a privilege it is to be able to dress for ourselves, however we see fit. Practice gratitude for this incredible privilege, that many women in the world don't have, by expressing yourself through your wardrobe! We have never limited ourselves to one style of clothing' we dress depending on our mood. Sometimes we wear a t-shirt, cropped jeans and cute sneakers. Other days, we are dolled up in full makeup, a slip dress and heels. The way we present ourselves is such a beautiful way to express our unique personalities!
   
   

5. Consider Aging a Privilege

   Not everyone has the privilege of growing old and this is something we are acutely aware of the older we get. As friends and family begin to pass away, we find ourselves ever more grateful for waking each morning. When we view every day as the ultimate gift, living it to the fullest comes easily. We often contemplate our mortality and how we would want to live out our last week. We then make a concerted effort to live that way every day. If it isn't something we would want to do during our last week on earth, then it probably isn't something that needs to be in our life at all. 

Age Your Way

The most freeing part about aging is that you now realize you don't have to try and please anyone but yourself. You don't have to age any particular way. You don't even have to have it all figured out! Every day when you wake up, it is a fresh start to be whoever you want to be. If you make the most of every moment, it won't difficult to see aging for exactly what is it- a privilege.