I’m becoming increasingly aware of the ageing process and my own mortality. Possibly because my mum has now started to ‘try out’ care homes and my best female friend has just bought a mobility scooter. I’m only in my early fifties but catch myself working out how many years I might have left on this planet, to be active, to work and be in control of my marbles.
I’ve always been self-conscious about how I look, constantly dieting to be slimmer and always looking for that perfect foundation to cover my blemishes. I’m now dying the greying hair and noticing the occasional random hair appearing where I didn’t expect it. When I found a bridesmaid photo from my twenties last week, I couldn’t believe how fresh faced I looked and wished I’d been more grateful for my youthful complexion.
Fortunately, with age comes a certain amount of wisdom. I realise that I can accept not being totally at peace with how I look. It’s human to not want our body to age and to feel a sense of loss of our youthful looks and abilities. What I no longer do is beat myself up about feeling this way. I try to accept that as my life unfolds in the present, and my body is ageing, there is still so much fun to be had. Currently, I’m enjoying learning about achieving optimal health through realigning my circadian rhythm and eating foods that cause my body to rejoice and perform at its absolute best.
So, if you’re struggling with your own body issues, please know that you’re not alone. Find some compassion for yourself and accept that it’s normal to resist becoming older. You’re doing the best you can to deal with everything you’re going through. Your body has carried you around since birth so it deserves your compassion, kindness and appreciation doesn’t it?
If you would like help to apply Mindfulness to your personal situation or circumstance, drop me an email on: juliet@mindfulnessconsultant.co.uk or send me a message on Facebook.com/JoyArises