Body Image

As we age and our body changes over time, we can become somewhat preoccupied with our body image and how we have measured up over the years. It's important to be comfortable with that. Women in particular may feel rather disconcerted about their physical appearance over a certain age. We may think we're either being looked over, or over-looked.

Self-acceptance is a life-long journey. We are always growing and changing and essentially becoming the sum of our experiences. Life may not have gone as we planned or even hoped, but it is important to take your place.

As with most things in life, it matters to try your best. Most importantly, it needs to matter to you! I'm a big believer in effort. Trying to do a good job for your own sense of satisfaction. What makes me feel good? You've got to try. Sure there are days you just want to skirt under the radar so to speak, but the people who matter will know. Yes, that's you.

When we try to keep our bodies, trim, properly fed and rested, well-kept, in other words, we do have a sense of healthy pride. It affects how we do everything. Ever catch yourself in the mirror when you've made that little bit of extra effort? It does make us smile. And the other side of that is catching yourself in the mirror when we've not been taking good care; it brings us down like a landslide. We feel even worse than we might think we look.

The numbers on the bathroom scale matter. So do the inches around the waistline. So does your muscle tone and the texture of your skin and hair. We can and should be our best investment, our strongest relationship and our most trusted friend. It is important to have those little conversations with your self. Encouragement, positive self-talk and gentle reminders that you're honestly checking in and caring about the answer.

Aging and gratitude for a life that we have the good sense to live well. It's a reward in itself. Treat yourself well, manage your stress, feed your body, mind and spirit. It will show. Hold your self with the purpose you were given. If you are not sure what that exactly is, start looking for it. Do things that make you feel good and are rooted in kindness, sincere self-kindness. Growing older is a privilege not every body gets to live out.