AGING BOLDLY: DEVELOPING AN UNAPOLOGETIC MINDSET

Let’s talk about something that seems to baffle our youth-obsessed culture: the fact that aging is actually a privilege. Yes, you read that right, a privilege. That’s exactly how I’ve been feeling, and the older I get, the more I am certain of it.  I have sashayed through my life, collecting memories, experiences and stories, (boy do I have some stories) , but most importantly I have volumes of life lessons that I wouldn’t change for anything. Not even a forehead without wrinkles! But, in spite of all that, society still tries to tell me to hush up, “age gracefully,” and apologize for wrinkles and my opinions. And the worst part is when they tell me (or imply) that I should fade into the background. SPOILER ALERT: it's not happening!

How many of you out there agree when I say I'm doing just the opposite? I’m not ashamed, rather proud actually, of my age and will tell anyone who wants to listen.  I’ve earned these stripes (and wrinkles), and I’m not sorry for who I am or what I want. And if you’re ready to own your journey, let’s do it together!

First Things First: Embrace the Power of “No Apologies”

It’s just a habit that’s been ingrained in us all, feeling the need to apologize. Even when we’ve done nothing wrong, nothing at all. We’ve all been there: you walk into a room, notice a stray gray hair in the mirror, and your first instinct is to mutter an apology to… well, to nobody in particular.

The next time you catch yourself about to say “sorry” for something harmless (like taking up space or speaking your mind), replace it with “thank you” or a simple smile. It’s a small shift that can rewire how you view yourself and your worth.

Own Your Style — Inside and Out

There’s a world of difference between “dressing your age” and “dressing in a way that makes you feel fabulous.” Sure, some people might scoff if you decide to don an above the knee skirt and bright red lipstick at 70, but who cares? If it lights you up inside, wear it proudly. The same goes for your mindset. If you love discussing modern art, astrophysics, or the latest true-crime podcast, own it. There’s no reason to tone yourself down.

Style is a personal preference, and I’ve found great options that elevate my look without breaking the bank.  The lightweight jacket below is one of my favorites. It come in seven colors and can be worn with everything from jeans to a pencil skirt and heels.

BUY ON AMAZON

Of course, you can usually find great pieces in many major department stores, boutiques and of course, online. You just need to sharpen your eye and find the styles that represent YOU.

Let’s Talk About the “Shoulds”

By the time you hit 50, 60, or beyond, you’ve probably heard a million “should” statements: “You should act your age.”  “You should retire quietly.” “You should focus on knitting socks for your grandchildren (or grand pets).” Newsflash: There’s no universal rulebook that says you have to do any of these things. If you want to knit socks, that’s awesome. If you want to take a trip around the world, that’s awesome, too. The point is to recognize which “shoulds” actually align with your desires, and which are just background noise.

Be the CEO of Your Own Life

If you’re reading this article, you are probably responsible for your life and all the decisions it requires. It’s likely you’ve been (or are) a part of a couple, which requires even more decision making. And we all know the job description about raising children. It’s like running a corporation and being in charge of every department on a 7-day-a-week basis. You know the corporation can’t run without your directive, and the employees (your children), realize it too, whether they say it or not. We spend so much of our lives being responsible that it’s easy to forget we’re allowed to prioritize our own dreams. Imagine if you ran your life like a business. You’d invest in yourself, manage your resources (time, energy, money) effectively, and delegate tasks that don’t bring you joy (hello, grocery delivery!).

Celebrate the Small (and Big) Wins

One of the best parts of aging is that you’ve had time to rack up accomplishments, both large and small. You may have earned an advanced degree; maybe you ran a 5K or longer race or found the perfect copycat recipe that your family loved. These are all worth celebrating.

I’ve noted my accomplishments on a list in my phone, because they’re an automatic reminder of what I’ve achieved in my life, and a reminder that I have every reason to walk out my front door every day with my head held high.

Surround Yourself with Unapologetic Energy

You know the friend who always complains about “getting old” and insists you’re both too ancient for anything more adventurous than bingo? Maybe you should limit your time with her. I seek out people who lift me up, who applaud my courage, and who remind me that life doesn’t come with a “use by” date.

And if you don’t have friends like that, look online. There are countless Facebook groups, forums, and social platforms dedicated to folks who are aging boldly and living life on their own terms.

Practice (Healthy) Selfishness

“Aging boldly” doesn’t mean ignoring others or abandoning responsibilities, instead it acknowledges that your needs matter, too. If you want a weekend getaway to recharge, plan it. If you want to learn pottery instead of hosting every family holiday, do it. The world will keep spinning, and you’ll return to your loved ones with a fuller heart and a recharged spirit.

“AGING OUT LOUD, No Limits, No Apologies, No Regrets” is not just a catchy tagline. It’s a mindset that says, “I refuse to shrink myself just because the number on my birthday cake keeps going up.” It’s about owning your story, living life with zest, and ditching the guilt over what you should be doing in favor of what you want to be doing.

So go ahead, wear that bold outfit, speak your mind, start the business you know you’d be great at, and treat yourself to that vacation you’ve been eyeing. Because here’s the real secret: there’s no such thing as “too late” when it comes to embracing who you are. And for that, there’s no need to apologize.

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~~~What’s one “should” about aging that you’ve decided to ignore, and how has letting go of that expectation changed your life? ~~~

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Until next time, keep living boldly, aging confidently, and AGING OUT LOUD —

No Limits, No Apologies, No Regrets!

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