I Want My Daughter to Look Forward to Aging More Than I Did

Back in the day, when I was growing up, the idea of growing older was about as appealing as a root canal on a Monday morning. Seriously, I associated it with the smell of soiled nursing home patients and orthotic tan shoes that could rival a fashion disaster of epic proportions. Polyester pants? Don't even get me started. Good lord, what an awful sight. Who in their right mind would want to become that?

The matriarchal role models in my family bought into that aging narrative lock stock and barrel. But you know what? As I have gotten older, I had an epiphany – you can blaze your own aging narrative, and it never has to be that picture. Yep, you heard me right! Aging isn't about resigning yourself to a fate of orthotic shoes and polyester pants; it's about embracing your own unique journey and writing your own rules.

And let me tell you, now that I'm a little older and (hopefully) wiser, I've learned a thing or two about aging gracefully – and it's not just about looking good in those orthotic shoes. It's about feeling good, inside and out. Nowadays, I know that by working out regularly and staying active and fit, there's nothing I can't do at this age. Well, maybe except for fitting into those skinny jeans from my twenties, but who needs 'em anyway?

Old Lady Gains Forever Young Halter Tank

But here's the kicker: aging isn't just about looking good; it's about feeling good too. It's about the self-confidence that comes with knowing you've earned every laugh line and every grey hair. It's about the financial freedom to splurge on that pair of shoes you've been eyeing since forever (no orthotics in sight, I promise). It's about being comfortable in your own skin and having the time – and the money – to do the things you want to do, when you want to do them.

Now, why should my daughter – and yours too, for that matter – look forward to growing older? Well, let me tell you:

1. Embracing Independence: Aging isn't about losing your independence; it's about gaining a newfound sense of freedom. It's about having the confidence and the resources to chart your own course and live life on your own terms.

2. Celebrating Experience: With age comes experience, and let me tell you, experience is worth its weight in gold. It's about the wisdom that comes from living, learning, and growing – and sharing those lessons with the next generation.

3. Chasing Dreams: Aging isn't a countdown to the end; it's an invitation to chase your dreams with renewed vigor. It's about pursuing your passions, trying new things, and never letting age be a barrier to what you want to achieve.

4. Building Relationships: As you get older, you realize that life is about more than just accumulating stuff; it's about building meaningful relationships and cherishing the moments you share with loved ones. It's about creating a legacy that extends far beyond your own lifetime.

So here's to aging – from orthotic shoes to owning the runway. Here's to blazing our own aging narrative, laughing in the face of wrinkles, and dancing like nobody's watching. And here's to our daughters – may they look forward to growing older with the same sense of excitement, empowerment, and joie de vivre as we do. Cheers to aging, my friends!