A few things and thoughts my week has held. I hope you find something of interest.
1.
Between JLo and Betty White is me.
So much of my young woman's beauty ideals and inspiration was influenced by the super models of the '80's, for better or worse. Paulina Porizkova was a favorite. It was fascinating to hear her speak about aging in the public eye, finding her voice, and generally getting a peek behind the curtain of glamor and fashion and hear her real story.
As 58 year old post menopausal woman, I am exhausted by the subtle and not so subtle expectations that we not show age. That the height of success is looking as if a day had not passed in 20 years. That my choices are to either spend a dangerous amount of my life force trying to maintain unrealistic standards of youth and beauty, or wait until I get old enough to be cool or quirky enough to be entertaining.
Or, to not care so damn much. I'm working on that one. It holds the most freedom and self-respect. Not to mention allowing the space to do what is most important to me.
If you want thought provoking, inspiring takes on beauty, style, fashion, in relation to age, race, orientation, gender, ablism, body image, and all the ways who we are is seen and expressed, spend some time with the interviews of StyleLikeU on YouTube and @stylelikeu on Instagram.
2.
We need more stories of older women and I have the perfect person to point you to. My friend Akasha is a wonderful storyteller and she has a delightful podcast, Now That You Ask, Surprising Answers to Life’s Persistent Questions. She shares stories of her life and observations with the depth and humor, and the wisdom that only comes after at lot of time spent exploring the adventures of living.
She is honest and funny, full of eccentric Southern charm and biting wit.
3.
Are you getting good rest? And, when I say you, I also totally mean me. Truly, are you taking breaks and nourishing the garden you are? Are you letting yourself be pollinated by good and worthy energy, people, ideas, and dreams? It is the only way to keep blooming in a times of such great stress and strife. Not to mention the holidays are upon us. It is time to plan for some extra tender self-care. What kindness will you extend yourself?
4.
One day you will look back and see that all along you were blooming.
- Morgan Harper Nichols
I marvel at the garden I've have become. I invite you to do the same.
5.
A wish for your week:
