“Getting older is inevitable, aging is optional.” – Dr. Christiane Northrup, MD

Are you dealing with depression and anxiety?

Are you struggling accepting your physical appearance?

Are you feeling a loss of your identity, not knowing who you really are?

If you answered yes to any or all of the questions above, then I suggest you continue reading this..

There is something extremely rewarding about learning to accept yourself right where you are, especially when you do it with joyful confidence.

Womanhood is an ever-changing approach that is defined by culture and society. There is a steadily expanding effort to fit our identity into what culture and society deem as beautiful and sexy. We have the challenge of navigating through momentous stages of our lives while trying to fit into all the roles that have been thrust upon us.

We have been instructed about what we are supposed to be, how we should look, how we should age and the ideal, identity, and images we should represent. Our relentless desires to attain the perceived flawless beauty and body image has taken its toll on how we think and feel about ourselves.

What do you like about yourself?

Are you proud of yourself?

Do you think you are beautiful?

If these questions make you feel uncomfortable, or you cannot answer them then you are probably dealing with confusion regarding your identity. True beauty is indeed more than skin deep. It also reflects how we feel about ourselves.

The influence of youth, beauty and thinness in our society dooms us women to eventual failure. We drop favorite activities in favor of the beauty treadmill that leads to nowhere. We starve ourselves, have plastic surgery doing everything we can to repair our aging bodies, as if the natural process of aging were an accident or a disease.

Let’s change that, this year let’s look at not only how we age, but also why change can be good as we experience each new year. Taking those first steps on your journey to embracing yourself and your ever-changing identity will be one of the hardest things you will ever do. But as you experience this new path you will find that it loses its frightening aspects and then becomes instead a joyous voyage of exploration and discovery.

Below are 5 Practical Ways to Embrace Aging

Move often

Moving slows aging at the cellular level and you will experience an increase in energy, flexibility, and an overall sense of wellbeing.

Embrace Simplicity

Simplicity is key, when our homes, closets and lives are full of clutter, it weighs you down. Simplify your routine, cut back on obligations that don’t leave you feeling satisfied. Simplifying and discovering what really makes you happiest is important. Life is too short to fill it with clutter.

Don’t Fight the Process

Aging is inevitable; you can either throw in the towel or embrace it as a natural part of life. You can use Botox, fillers, and all the makeup in the world, but you are still going to get wrinkles and grow older. Do not be afraid to embrace age naturally.

Learn Mindfulness

It is so easy to worry about the future, replay past events, and get distracted by what’s behind us. Meditation and mindfulness brings us back to the present. When we are fully aware of the moment, we are engaged, alive, connected to those around us and what’s happening in front of us. We must learn to embrace the present. Check out meditation apps such as Headspace or Stop, Breathe & Think.

Learn Something New

Life is full of opportunities to learn new skills, discover new talents and grow your abilities. Sign up for a community class. Look online for a list of free courses offered through many universities. Just because we reach a certain age does not mean our brain and cognitive abilities stop growing.

Let’s change our view of that woman in the mirror and come home to self. How are you embracing your age? Comment below!

And don’t forget to join the Facebook group Soul Sister Survivors. Connect with other women just like you and receive overwhelming support throughout this time. 💖