The Bright, Beautiful Side of Age

The Bright, Beautiful Side of Age

The Bright Side of Aging by Tracey Clark

I remember turning 40 and feeling on top of the world. I felt wise and confident, beautiful and even ageless. So, this is what everyone that had turned 40 before me had talked about? “Life begins at 40” some would say, and I could feel it in my body and my mind. I was ready to begin another amazing chapter of my life.

But, now I’m 46 and I have to say, over the past few years I think I have been mourning the quick-fleeting agelessness I felt at 40. I figured I’d have most of my 40s to feel it. But, that hasn’t been the case. Perhaps it’s because the last few years have brought with them some challenges from personal struggles to body breakdowns to hormonal changes. I mean, at least 2 of the 3 of those do have something to do with my age but for some reason, I just wasn’t anticipating them to happen to me. Not so sudden anyway. It’s been an adjustment, to say the least.

When I got the invite from Susannah Conway to share my thoughts and feelings about my age, and all the awesome things about it, I will admit I laughed out loud. But, it was the kind of laughter that comes from knowing that it was no accident that the invite came now, in the midst of my “adjustment” process. Thinking, reflecting, and writing about all the awesome things that have come with age is exactly what I’ve needed to stop focusing on the negative things and start acknowledging and appreciating all the positive things. I recently read a quote that said something like, “Which side has the greener grass? The side you water.” Well said.

And with that, I am choosing to get out my watering can. It’s true, my age has brought with it so many wonderful gifts. Regardless some of my physical and even some mental complaints (damn you hormones!) I wouldn’t change where I’m at for anything. I am more grounded and self-assured, and sure-footed than I’ve ever been. I’ve got a better outlook. I’m kinder to myself. I’m more resilient in almost every arena. I’m sure of who I am and what I believe. And perhaps where all of these things come to light for me—in the brightest and most beautiful ways—is through motherhood. As I have gotten older, so have my children and I now have two daughters—10 and 16—who I know are benefiting from me being a more experienced and balanced woman than I was when they were younger. I feel more confident in my guidance, more wise in my tutelage, and happier with myself, who I am and where I’m at than I was years ago. And the woman I am now makes the mother that I am now so much better for myself and my girls. I can feel it deep down. And that is an amazing feeling.

Although I might still be adjusting to the older me in body, I can tell you true, that I’m feeling pretty awesome in heart and soul!

Happy Birthday Susannah and thank you for encouraging us to celebrate our age. I’m so glad you did.

8 Comments
  • Traci
    Posted at 18:06h, 05 February Reply

    !!! Those socks!

  • Susannah Conway
    Posted at 23:29h, 05 February Reply

    oh, love, this was perfect. I’m so glad you answered the call because this is what i needed to hear. In among all the rah rahs we’ve been shouting, the gentle truth is also told. and like i said: it was perfect. Thank you so much, honey xxxx

  • Kim Hacking
    Posted at 09:00h, 08 February Reply

    this.
    this is beautiful.
    thank you for sharing.
    xo

  • Cathie
    Posted at 15:39h, 09 February Reply

    This is wonderful Tracey. I’m about to turn 42 and I’m feeling the body breakdown too. This is so well written. It resonates so much with me. I too feel so much more grounded and content with things and where I’m at as a mum which is more important than anything. xo

  • amy bader
    Posted at 13:29h, 10 February Reply

    yes, yes, yes. Like Cathie, I just hit 42, and while at 40 I felt exactly as you described … I’m now already feeling a bit more of breaking down. (gah, the mental thing is KILLING me!)

    yes, thank you for speaking the gentle honest truth. I too feel confident I have more to offer my children, and I hope in particular to my daughter — to help her find these truths earlier in life than I did.

  • shelley
    Posted at 15:18h, 23 February Reply

    well said dear one
    godspeed

  • Mary Cardini-Anderson
    Posted at 10:05h, 03 March Reply

    Love your socks! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

    Mary from NH

  • Ashley Schultz
    Posted at 17:13h, 03 March Reply

    I came here via Becky Higgins’ blog. I enjoyed reading this post and pinned it for future reference. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

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