The age of beauty some might say, are the best years of our lives. We have defined curves and turn heads as we walk passed someone, our skin is taunt and glowing, our teeth still have that naturally white spark and our eyes still glisten with a willingness to embrace the yet unknown.
…..and eventually, we transgress into dreaded era called "middle age". It seems to creep up on us, staring us in the face when we look in the mirror. Little wrinkles begin to form around our eyes and lips, our skin just isn't as flexible and glowing as it once was and whatever happened to those curves? That transitional period of going from the age of beauty to recognizing the beauty of age is a slow process of denial, a need to cling on to our youth with both hands, not willing to let go. It's an era filled with lotions and potions, hair dye and sometimes even plastic surgery, all in a drastic effort to hold on to the outer beauty we've called our own.
During this process of transgression, we slowly begin to see appreciate the inner beauty. Not just that of others but our own as well. We've had life experiences that all the money in the world couldn't buy, our level of understanding and the wisdom that comes along with it has taken life itself to a whole other level. Most of us now own our homes, the children are grown and life just isn't as hectic as it used to be. Sure, we still want to look our best but when meeting others, we know to look beyond that which meets the eye and seek the true reflection of those we meet. We seek their inner beauty and are aware of the value of that which lies right out of sight.
When all is said and done, the era of recognizing the beauty of age is where life takes on a deeper meaning. Where family and friends are truly valued for whom they are, where simply everything is calmer and more focused. It's also the era where we begin to trade parenthood for the wonderful world of grand parents.
I've said good bye to the age of beauty and welcome the beauty of age with open arms for if you'd ask me, I wouldn't trade all I know, all I've learned and the beautiful grandkids I have today for all the money in the world.
The age of beauty was a wonderful place to have been……..but after accepting and then embracing the beauty of age with open arms, I can't help but wonder if it isn't our reward for having survived the age of beauty in the first place.
