Let’s face it. We all want to feel beautiful and we all unfortunately tie our self-worth, to some extent (hopefully a small extent) to our appearance and perceived level of attractiveness.
We all need constant reminders that there are many types of beauty - and I agree that there is beauty in comfort, in heath, in talent (like your musical ability), in hard work, in compassion (like you show your elderly audiences), in nature, etc.
My way of dealing with the inevitable feeling that we are less attractive as we age is to think of what my 87-year-old self would think of me. I believe she would think I look great! That’s enough to get me out of any obsessing and back to thinking of the many other kids of beauty in life.
I love that idea of imagining old you cheering you on and appreciating current you! What a great idea. It brings up the power of gratitude in being present in our lives. Because i work with these elders, I am so aware of how fortunate I am, simply to be able to walk, or to walk quickly. I took for granted so much when I was younger about the wonder of being alive. Young people do not know they are young--they just think that's the kind of person they are--unlike those "old people." Even though they know they will age, they don't know. I still don't really "know" that I'll be in my 80s or 90s on some level, but I have a glimpse of it. I try to enjoy my current older but still not elderly body as much as I can, knowing there's a hopefully wise crone ahead on the road who will have to make do with some changes and who will appreciate me living life to the fullest right now.
Exactly. We need to remind ourselves how lucky we are, but we can never really "know." I give you so much credit for not shying away from elderly people with health issues. Most people would find it depressing, but you seem able to take the lessons they have to teach without being bogged down by sadness, and you actually make their lives better!
Thanks Hippiesq, I appreciate that so much. Well, at times I do get sad. Being an empath cuts both ways. But it's worth it to me, and they truly deserve it. It's my tiny way of bucking the way our culture does not value elders. Even if only a few people read these stories, these special people are honored. Writing these pieces helps me process the sad and depressing aspects, and also helps me unearth the nuggets of meaning. I want to honor these people, even though most of them never will read their stories. It all matters.
I loved this! And I, a fellow, aging brunette, could relate on many levels, including that of watching how my own elderly mother still cares about her appearance. Your work with these elders is so valuable, Elizabeth, and so is your writing.
Let’s face it. We all want to feel beautiful and we all unfortunately tie our self-worth, to some extent (hopefully a small extent) to our appearance and perceived level of attractiveness.
We all need constant reminders that there are many types of beauty - and I agree that there is beauty in comfort, in heath, in talent (like your musical ability), in hard work, in compassion (like you show your elderly audiences), in nature, etc.
My way of dealing with the inevitable feeling that we are less attractive as we age is to think of what my 87-year-old self would think of me. I believe she would think I look great! That’s enough to get me out of any obsessing and back to thinking of the many other kids of beauty in life.
I love that idea of imagining old you cheering you on and appreciating current you! What a great idea. It brings up the power of gratitude in being present in our lives. Because i work with these elders, I am so aware of how fortunate I am, simply to be able to walk, or to walk quickly. I took for granted so much when I was younger about the wonder of being alive. Young people do not know they are young--they just think that's the kind of person they are--unlike those "old people." Even though they know they will age, they don't know. I still don't really "know" that I'll be in my 80s or 90s on some level, but I have a glimpse of it. I try to enjoy my current older but still not elderly body as much as I can, knowing there's a hopefully wise crone ahead on the road who will have to make do with some changes and who will appreciate me living life to the fullest right now.
Exactly. We need to remind ourselves how lucky we are, but we can never really "know." I give you so much credit for not shying away from elderly people with health issues. Most people would find it depressing, but you seem able to take the lessons they have to teach without being bogged down by sadness, and you actually make their lives better!
Thanks Hippiesq, I appreciate that so much. Well, at times I do get sad. Being an empath cuts both ways. But it's worth it to me, and they truly deserve it. It's my tiny way of bucking the way our culture does not value elders. Even if only a few people read these stories, these special people are honored. Writing these pieces helps me process the sad and depressing aspects, and also helps me unearth the nuggets of meaning. I want to honor these people, even though most of them never will read their stories. It all matters.
So good!!!
I loved this! And I, a fellow, aging brunette, could relate on many levels, including that of watching how my own elderly mother still cares about her appearance. Your work with these elders is so valuable, Elizabeth, and so is your writing.
Thank you!
Gorgeous words. Gorgeous thoughts. A truly beautiful attitude for one to carry through one's life. Thank you so much, Elizabeth, for being you.
❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading! :)
Oh, thank you, Elizabeth, for including me in your story. I feel honored. Your work is amazing with the elders.
I remember the great eyelash experience very well. You have eyelashes to envy for sure.
This is a timeless message and one to pass on... Love you my friend!