• Cart
  • Checkout
  • My Account
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter

Aging Schmaging

Women's Issues Midlife And Beyond

  • Aging Schmaging
  • Home
  • Shop
    • Art
    • Cards
    • Photography
    • Scarves
  • Playshops
  • Blog
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Musings About Aging / The face in the mirror…

The face in the mirror…

September 6, 2011 By Gail 2 Comments


I was talking to an acquaintance today and she mentioned that her sweetie of fifteen years had gone to the Burning Man event in Nevada. She said she reacted strongly when he called and casually mentioned the nudity and shenanigans that are part of the Burning Man environment.
At first I wasn’t sure what she meant by “reacted strongly,” so I asked for clarification. Her response, “Well, at my age it’s hard to compete with firm bodied twenty four year old women traipsing around naked. I felt threatened.”
I stared at her for a moment trying to comprehend her insecurity. This woman is a head-turner. She has glowing skin, an enviable figure, classic good looks, and lives a holistic centered life. I arched an eyebrow and told her I was surprised by her feelings given her obvious physical and spiritual attributes. She nodded with a frown. “I believe I am beautiful. Yet there’s something about knowing I’m perceived to be less than I was when younger that makes me feel anxious.”
It’s hard to argue with those feelings. I distinctly remember the day when men started flicking their eyes past me and focusing on my daughter. Somehow, in the time it takes a hummingbird to flutter, she had gone from being my little girl to a sexual object in men’s eyes. It was jarring. My daughter didn’t welcome the attention then, nor does she now, but her youth and beauty became magnets for men of all ages. Meanwhile I began to become more and more invisible. I’m like clothes walking around with no person inside because I’m over fifty and a woman.
While I’m in a fairly good place about my status as a culturally fading flower, I’m still shocked when I hear other older women tell me they no longer feel attractive. In my view the years have added exquisite layers to their once upon a time, youthful-but-blank, base. Older women have stories to tell and feel-them-to-your-soul hugs to give. Their faces and bodies have laughed, nurtured, and grieved. You know, actually lived life? Youth is great, but aging is precious. I believe time is the gift and not the enemy of true beauty. Why are we so insecure when we’ve been given so much?

«
»

Filed Under: Musings About Aging

Avatar photo

A Message From Gail

Through my blog and website, I hope to share beauty, laughter, inspiration, aging & midlife lessons and advice on dealing with menopause. I will also devote time to integrative health and healing tips and news. I want feedback and questions because, while we may be sharing the journey, every woman has her own experience and her own story.

Get Our FREE 
Coloring Book!

Comments

  1. Cristin Gourley says

    October 6, 2011 at 10:29 pm

    It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or advice. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I want to read even more things about it!

    Reply
  2. carnival cruise baltimore says

    October 7, 2011 at 11:42 am

    “I like not only to be loved, but also to be told I am loved.” ~ George Eliot

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Download
Our FREE
Coloring Book!

Get Updates – Signup

Once a month one lucky winner from the sign up pool will receive a scarf courtesy of Aging Schmaging. Good luck!

Categories

  • Giveaways
  • Menopause
  • Midlife Sex
  • Musings About Aging
  • Recipes
  • Remembering
  • Sharing
  • The Best Part Of My Day

Recent Posts

  • Past, Present, and Future: What I am Learning as My Husband Recovers from A Stroke By Gail Gates
  • In One Stroke, My World Changed
  • Christmas Fingerprints On The Surface Of My Heart
  • Tears Water A Memorial Garden
  • Crap Wildlife Photography: How I received 1800 “Likes” From A Fugly Photo

Navigate My Site

  • Almost Done!
  • Free Coloring Book
  • Menopause And Women In Midlife Blog
  • Playshops
  • Privacy Policy
  • Return Policy
  • Shop
  • Silk Scarves Playshops Registration
  • Sitemap
  • Success!
  • Testimonials
  • About
  • Contact

Recent Posts

  • Past, Present, and Future: What I am Learning as My Husband Recovers from A Stroke By Gail Gates
  • In One Stroke, My World Changed
  • Christmas Fingerprints On The Surface Of My Heart
  • Tears Water A Memorial Garden
  • Crap Wildlife Photography: How I received 1800 “Likes” From A Fugly Photo

Connect With Me

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Featured From the Shop

  • habitoi silk scarf Habatoi Hand Painted Silk Scarf 101 $35.00
  • grand marais summer solstice Grand Marais Solstice $10.00 – $45.00

Copyright © 2023 · Gail Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Cleantalk Pixel