Working with (and loving) what you’ve got. By the Autumn of our years, we have learned to accept and love our individual beauty . . . right? As a teen, I used to page through Seventeen Magazine and pick the girls I’d rather look like. Naturally they were quite my opposites: long, straight hair, slim hips, perfect smiles. I had curly/unruly brown hair, was a bit chubby and had a crooked smile.
Now, though I still thumb through fashion and style Instagrams, I don’t find myself wanting to trade places with the beauties. Ironic, because though I am well past prime beauty age, as defined by our culture, I am so much more content. This is easier! I not only accept my fine, curly hair, I embrace it. When it’s hot and humid (frequently, here), my hair gets bigger and crazier. Let it rain!
I did get my teeth straightened in my 20’s, but they are not perfect, just mine. I have a long neck but short legs, so what? I like to wear jewelry that shows off my neck, and skirts rather than trousers (you don’t know where my legs begin!) My skin is palest-pale, so I don’t try to tan, and enjoy wearing ivory mineral makeup.
“Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit”
-e.e. cummings
I am working with what I have, in a spirit of more contentment than my 30 year-old self would have predicted. Not dead yet, and not trying to be something I can never be. One of my favorite quotes from Oscar Wilde sums it up: “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.”
“The most adventurous journey to embark on; is the journey to yourself, the most exciting thing to discover; is who you really are, the most treasured pieces that you can find; are all the pieces of you, the most special portrait you can recognize; is the portrait of your soul.”
–C. Joybell C.
Can you share any ways you are Loving What You’ve Got?
Stay fabulous, xo
Wear what you love, always. Here are some goodies to browse:
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I’m doing my best to work with what I’ve got, although I wish I would have appreciated my fitter, slimmer body more when I had it – I took it for granted because I didn’t have to work for it. My waist is much thicker and just like Sheila, a lot of my clothes don’t fit anymore. Definitely more maintenance is required now.
I just love your blog and I especially love this post. Someone mentioned Botox to me and my forehead wrinkles, and I did think about it briefly, but you know what, I have a very expressive face and it shows. I don’t think I want to go through life without expression. So I guess that’s what I’m embracing, my aging face!
Good morning Nicole and thanks for the kind words. I love an expressive face! Keep embracing yours, and stay fab, xx.
Giving fewer f**ks as I’ve gotten older has been a truly liberating experience. A lot of things that used to bother me just roll off my back now. I don’t like that my waist has gotten thicker as some of my clothes don’t fit, but eh, they are just clothes (I can find more!).
Growing out my grey was a great experience, and I’m cheered to see so many amazing women rocking their own natural colours during the pandemic.
Hi sheila, good to see you! I agree about the liberation that comes with a bit of age. And cheers to all the silver sisters who embrace the natural. You’re looking fab in your black and white plaid coat! Stay excellent, xx.
Last year I had a perfect blonde bob thanks to the ministrations of a top stylist. This year, thanks to chemo, I have a grey crew cut, and I’m kind of loving it! The other day, someone I don’t know (so someone who doesn’t know why I have it) complemented my cut. I don’t know how short I’ll keep it, but I doubt that I’ll go back to the way it was. I don’t feel like that person any longer, and I like the grey.
Hello Margaret. I love your hair story! i bet you own that grey crewcut and look fabulous. Best to you, xx.
Your post share reminded me of a gift of self appreciation and acceptance. one feels in maturity thank you . I have adopted the philosophy of getting myself together the best I can each day and just enjoying life. I also very enjoy your favorites to browse for items to enhance style for fun and creativity.
Good morning Joan and thanks for coming by. Hooray for just enjoying life, it’s a wonderful outlook! Stay well, xx.
I feel like it took me until I was 70 to accept that I was getting older and now I try to find ways to look attractive even with my wrinkles. Best thing I ever did was go gray. I love reading your takes on getting older. Thanks
Hi Louise and thanks for your comments. Going gray is freeing, and, I think, a beautiful way to go. Have a wonderful evening, xx.
what saddens me is that I never thought of myself as attractive in my younger years. When I look back at photos I am surprised at how actually pretty I was. I think if I could have been more accepting of myself I would have had more confidence.
Hello Darby and thanks for your comment. Many of us have this revelation at midlife – that we were perfectly lovely and couldn’t accept it in our youth. We can enjoy our appearance now, whatever our age. Stay fab, xx.
Never too much volume, Patti!! I actually laughed out loud at the wig photo. Thanks for that! I guess I’d have to say that, like you, I stay current with fashion but not trendy and play up my strengths- a big and ever-ready smile and long legs.
Hi Kerri-Lee and thanks for coming over! Yeah, that wig might be too extra even for me. Having an ever-ready smile is a wonderful attribute! rock on, xx.