Let me start with a confession: turning 50 in 2023 hit me harder than I expected. Let’s be honest - we’re all naturally curious about each other’s age. But wow, does age bring up a rollercoaster of emotions!
Recently, on separate occasions, my students, colleagues, and friends casually asked me how old I was. And guess what? Every single time, I stumbled. Awkwardness? Check. A weird urge to justify my age? Double check. (Seriously, what does that even mean?! 😂)
With my students, humor became my shield. I confidently declared, “I’m 21!” Cue the laughter. 😂 But with adults? The truth had to come out, lol. Secretly, I felt a little too relieved when they reacted with shock and said, “You don’t look your age!”
Surrounded by young adults at work and in social settings, I’ve been grappling with a strange internal struggle: why does my age feel like such a sensitive subject? The fact that I hesitated to say my age out loud - as if it were some shameful secret - was a real wake-up call. 🙈
Clearly, I’ve got some unpacking to do around my feelings about aging! Looking back, I realized I’ve wasted far too much energy feeling “old” every time I hit a milestone birthday.
Those Sneaky Gremlins Called “Age Shame”
Reflecting on my feelings, I realized I’ve been letting those sneaky little gremlins called “age shame” mess with my head. You know, those brutal whispers like, “You’re too old for this!” or, “You’re past your prime!”.
And then there are the harsher ones: “You will become less desirable as you age!” or “Attraction is all about youth.” And let’s not overlook this other major blow: “Don’t put your face out there - are you ready for the judgments as you age?”
It’s like these gremlins are auditioning for the role of my inner critic, determined to keep me second-guessing myself. It’s an internal monologue running on a loop, feeding my insecurities. And honestly? It’s exhausting!
In a Society Obsessed with Youth
It doesn’t help that we live in a society where aging is so often portrayed as a decline. Wrinkles and gray hairs are treated like failures.
Just scroll through social media and see the cruelty celebrities face when someone posts a “before and after” photo of their aging process. It’s disturbing how natural aging has become a target for public ridicule.
But here’s the truth: aging isn’t a flaw; it’s a journey.
Flipping the Script
Inspired by my 15-year-old Tibetan Terrier, Tintin - who lives unapologetically and full of love - I’ve decided it’s time to flip the script. Instead of letting “age shame” get the better of me, I’m learning to embrace aging without fear or apology.
According to Brené Brown (self-help guru), letting go of shame is deeply connected to vulnerability. She teaches that vulnerability requires the courage to be open, share our stories, and allow ourselves to be seen, even in our imperfections.
Vulnerability feels scary. But if it’s also where we find authenticity and the strength to let go of shame, then finding the courage to be vulnerable is well worth the effort.
So, standing up against age shame, I’m choosing to see every laugh line and wrinkle as a badge of honor. They’re not signs of decline; they’re proof of resilience, growth, and a life filled with memories.
Pu-Erh Tea: A Lesson in Aging Gracefully
Speaking of resilience and growth, let’s talk about Pu-Erh tea - the perfect metaphor for aging well. This fermented Chinese black tea, like a fine wine, only gets better with time.
Its earthy, complex flavors deepen over the years, making each sip rich with character.
But Pu-Erh isn’t just about taste - it’s also packed with benefits.
It aids digestion, reduces cholesterol, and boosts heart health. This tea embodies the balance of aging gracefully while gaining strength and value over time.
Much like Pu-Erh tea, our experiences, challenges, and triumphs add depth and richness to our lives. Aging doesn’t make us invisible. As we age, we become a rare, multifaceted gem that grows more precious with time.
Aging: A Journey Worth Savoring
As I embrace this chapter of life, I’m determined to make peace with aging - one day, and one cup of tea, at a time.
My mission? To create a mindset where age is celebrated, not feared; where wrinkles are symbols of wisdom, not wear and tear.
So here’s to raising a cup of Pu-Erh tea to the beauty, richness, and magic of aging. Life, like a perfectly brewed tea, is about savoring every stage.
What’s your take on aging? Let’s sip, reflect, and celebrate together.
Shop now for our Divine KapiTea Organic Pu-Erh Chinese Black Tea 👇
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