Age Is Just a Number

What is Age, Really?

“Age is just a number. It’s totally irrelevant unless, of course, you happen to be a bottle of wine.”  – Joan Collins

Age is just a number! We’ve heard this a bazillion times, and read it countless others. So many quotes, but who’s counting? More importantly, what does it really mean?

I think Abe Lincoln said it best: “in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

For centuries, age has been linked to our identity. In our society today, people are being discriminated against based on their age. Fun fact: a recent survey found that a whopping 70% of men lied about their age on dating apps. Quell surprise! Almost certainly because they are trying to attract younger women. Hehehe But in reality both men and women lie about their age probably to maintain social image and foster new relationships.

To me, it literally means how many trips I’ve taken around the sun. ☀️ How many holidays I’ve celebrated with family and friends. 🎉 How many Mondays I’ve woken up feeling like the weekend was way too short. 🥴.  

I also recognize that with age comes wisdom.

Age is a mindset. At this age and after everything I’ve been through (I know we all have our stories to tell), and in-spite of all my bumps and bruises, life has given me so much wisdom. 

How do you accept aging, when today we know that age affects our physical, mental and emotional health. We are DEFINITELY not our grandmother’s generation, or even our mother’s. We have evolved so much in the last few decades, in part thanks to technology. 

Today, women know more and are taking steps to take better care of themselves as we age- mind, body and soul. This includes many things, and also depends on whom you ask. If you ask your doctor, they will advise you to stop smoking, drink in moderation and hit the gym 3 or more times a week. Your aesthetician will advise you to stay out of the sun, use tons of sunscreen, and when all else fails, get the injectables. (PS- I’m all for anything that helps me feel good about myself). 

If you’ve been following me, you will notice a few things about me. For example, I really try not to sweat the small stuff.  If it won’t matter in a year, or 5, then it’s not worth stressing over. I know, easier said than done, but think about it: You are not in the same place today as you were yesterday. Hopefully you’re in a better place, and if not, you soon will be. Baby steps count, just keep moving forward!

I have a few rules I like to live by (and I really don’t even like the word rules, it’s too rigid) but for lack of a better word, here goes. And these are just some of my main ones, there are others:

Practice-self acceptance: Take your power back by making choices that are authentic to you! It’s your life, your choice. Don’t worry about what others think of your hair color choice.

Live with a sense of purpose: This one is big for me. I believe we should all have a sense of purpose, whether in our career, hobbies, or volunteering. I think this especially applies to younger people as well. But that’s a whole other topic.

Prioritize learning: Especially post-divorce! This is another biggie. It’s your opportunity to re-invent yourself.  You are truly NEVER too old to do this. Whether it’s going back to school to get that degree you weren’t able to get. Or taking an online classes to obtain additional certification. Learning keeps your mind engaged by trying new activities.

Stay active- physically: Another biggie!  Exercise (even just taking daily walks) keeps the body and in turn the mind active. Studies prove that exercise enhances mood and self-esteem, while reducing stress. It helps you think more clearly, helps with problem-solving, and keeps your emotions balance. My daughter swears by staying active, and she has shown me a thing or two. 

Define your own path: It’s your life, so don’t succumb to other people’s opinions of who you are or who you should be. That’s all they are “opinions”. Do things that make you happy and give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

I always say, embrace your age, because you will never be this age again!

Cheers!  ❤️🥳🥂