Aging Gracefully

“The true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows.  The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.” ~ Audrey Hepburn

On a recent visit to the dermatologist, the doctor remarked on my product of the 80’s skin…my tennis playing, swimming, tanning oil, beach going, outdoor enjoying, sun kissed, skin.  “‘Your skin is quite healthy,’ he said, ‘even after all of these years in the Arizona sun…your more olive-tone most likely has saved you from too much damage…you do; however, have what I like to call, wisdom marks, but they can be removed.’”  “‘Thank you kindly,’ I said, ‘but these marks hold fun memories with a special story to tell, so just a little brightening cream will do!’”

I embrace the “marks” of my years as they are a reminder of the fun & joy of living life!  About 15 years ago I read one of Dr. Andrew Weil’s insightful books,  Healthy Aging.  The biggest take away, which has stuck with me over the years, is this: when we allow instead of fight inevitable aging, we are giving our body permission to relax into this natural life process.  Replacing defy & battle with embrace & enjoy,  allows us to be comfortable in our own skin & simply glow from the inside out!

As I approach my 56th year of life, I have been thinking about what being a woman and aging gracefully means to me.  Following are attributes I feel deeply in my heart and soul… always wanting them to reflect outwardly: caring, kind, determined, natural, deep, nurturing, creative, fun-loving, passionate, introspective, elegant, resourceful, gracious, peaceful, dedicated, thoughtful, soulful, real, gentle, respectful, sensitive, intuitive, lovely, soft, warm, tender, strong, endearing, graceful, and wise ~

Aging gracefully ~ allowing the glowing light from within to sparkle ~ a fun & madly beautiful story to tell… punctuated by life living, illustrated by wisdom marks & edited by a dab of brightening cream!  And the story continues…

♥️, Jana