There are some women who age gracefully.
It’d be fair to say I’m not one of them, and I have no intentions of starting either.
“Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
I suspect Dylan Thomas wasn’t talking about gray hairs and wrinkles, although I certainly am.
Aging is not for the faint of heart. Nor the vain, which is more in line with my values, since my ticker seems to be holding up just fine.
I first noticed the signs of decline in my early thirties, and lately they seem to be picking up steam. Me no likely long time; having trouble expressing displeasure, in an articulate manner, is another unfortunate side effect.
The first real indignity was the gray hairs. Seeing them sprout at my temples like a fifty year old man certainly didn’t help matters.
Shortly thereafter came the slow and subtle signs my skin was losing elasticity. Small wrinkles crept in around the corners of my eyes, which some people refer to as laugh lines; I call them bastards. When I see teenagers prance by, I could care less about their exposed midriff, strange piercings, or size. All I see is gloriously beautiful skin, unfettered by sun spots and time.
Recently I noticed any excess baggage in my body, or cushioning for lack of a better word (see note about articulation above), has packed up shop, which wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing, except it’s made a direct beeline to my stomach. Poncho’s paunch has grown, while my arms and legs still resemble twigs. I’m like the odd little pincushion dolls my grandmother used to keep in her sewing kit. I mentioned it to my doctor at my last physical, and by mention, I mean I threw myself at her feet and said, “God help us. What’s happening to me?” Her response was less than ideal. “This happens to woman in their thirties. It gets worse in your forties too.”
Thus far, I’ve done my best to ignore the signs since I prefer to live in Denial, also known as the land of perky boobs, impeccable skin and flatter bellies. I’ve compartmentalized my issues, wrapped them up into a pretty little bow covered in glitter, and tossed them into the recesses of my mind, only to be taken out when confronted with another new symptom, which has happened yet again.
Before I explain this latest assault on my body, I need to fully impress upon you why it’s so egregious. Men, cover your ears.
There is power in a woman’s breasts.
They have the power to inflate your mood, bring life to a dull sweater, or stop an otherwise civil human being in their tracks. They say strength comes from within, and I’m here to tell you it’s in a woman’s cleavage, in the gentle curvatures of her skin, and in the rise and fall of her chest.
My breasts have been an asset of mine for as long as I can remember, and while proper support has always been a factor, I could still count on them for their upbeat and youthful attitude. So you can imagine my horror when I happened to glance down one day and catch a glimpse of what appeared to be a weathered canvas, left out in the rain too long.
I am heart-broken over this latest indignity. One might even say deflated.
I will add this latest injustice to my other symptoms and do my best to pretend it doesn’t exist, since I’m not sure what other options I have, aside from getting everything nipped and tucked and then I’m certain my neck will look weird and ancient by comparison. So yes, this one goes into the ball wrapped in glitter, which I will hurl as far back into my mental recesses as I can throw.
Then I will carry on, with my head held high, my shoulders back, and my once perky cleavage pushed forward.
“Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
Thanks to Amanda Spoons for letting me Think Out Loud today.
What signs of aging have you noticed? How are you coping? We could form a support group.Any practical suggestions for reversing the effects?
Love this. I only started noticing in the past year that I was getting older. I’ll be 30 in two months, but the past couple years I seem to strain my back simply getting out of bed and I noticed bags around my eyes that don’t go away.
Also, last year I spotted one long, completely white hair. I pulled it out and it’s never returned, but it was a promise of more to come.
sara @ real fun food recently posted…conquering the three peaks
Ahhh, the dreaded first white hair. I’ll be here for you when the next one comes. Hopefully that’s many, many years from now. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
Gah! You mean -this- is what I have to look forward to?! I turn 30 in 4 months, and while I haven’t noticed anything too drastic in terms of wrinkles and grey hairs, I can definitely tell that my body is starting to change — not for the better! And it sucks because I have to work so much harder at what used to come effortlessly. Can I hope against hope that I end up being one of those women who age gracefully? Humour me…
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. thinking out loud #94 .
I’m happy to humor you, and I’m sure you will age gracefully. In fact, I know it.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
Well, on the upside for me, I never had boobs to begin with so there’s nothing that can start to sag in the breast-area. Everywhere else though? It’s a lost cause.
Abby recently posted…Thank You for Shopping at Kohl’s
Damn gravity.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
yup same. but i think the eye bags even it out for me. Oh well! I like to think i’m like a fine wine.. keep aging and i’ll damn fine later, which cheese. haha right Meghan?
There you go. I will just think of myself as an aging cheddar and all will be right with the world.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
Well, unlike those in the previous comments…THIS girl will be 46 in 2 months and I am totally cool with that! My gray hair gets colored on a regular basis, the random stray dark hair (yes, just one) that grows in a rather defiant manner on my legs (never in the same spot twice) no longer goes undetected as my “middle aged” hunting skills have become very keen…
As long as you keep smiling, the lines on your face ARE laugh lines…frown and they become a haggered road map that leads to old age.
My boobs. Well…they have been up, they have been down, they fed a baby, they rose, they fell and much like the south…They will not rise again. When I lay in bed at night and read a book, they are no longer in my way because they so politely slide to their respective place in my armpits so I can see the book resting against my flat (and thankfully reclined) tummy.
I am not growing old gracefully…I am on my own damn program and the calendar doesn’t faze me! ☺
You are so freaking awesome! Namaste, my friend! ♥
Michelle @ Run Bake Blog recently posted…Thinking out loud…
I LOVE this!!!
Lucie@FitSwissChick recently posted…My story part 4 – Drugs and Love
You are fabulous just as you are, one errant gray leg hair and all. Your comment was the BEST! You’re right about the laugh lines, and you had me rolling out loud about your breasts falling sideways. Ain’t that the truth!!!
I can only hope to look half as good as you at 45 or 46 in two months.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
I am in complete agreement…I just turned 42 and though I’ve had the recent dreaded “are you pregnant?” question I laughed it off. I earned every one of my wrinkles and kind of like the new character in my face plus after years of living in the spotlight of the ballet world I am happy to blend in a bit and ease off from trying to keep my body a certain way just to fill someone else’s idea of what is perfect.
So the paunch is a bit annoying I must admit though somehow I care a lot less as the years go by (:
You have a great attitude Natasha. I’m hopeful as time goes by, I will care less about the paunch as well. It seems as soon as I get over each indignity, a new one pops ups. Ah, the joys of aging and despite having a predominantly younger audience, I am loving hearing from my ‘experienced” crew because of this post. Thanks for chiming in. I appreciate it.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
You have a great attitude Natasha and I’m hopeful the passage of time will ease my acceptance of the paunch. It seems as soon as I become okay with one thing, a new indignity creeps up. Ah, the joys of aging.
I am loving hearing from my more ‘experienced’ audience because of this post though. Thanks for chiming in. I appreciate it.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
My eyes are SURROUNDED by laugh lines. I like them. My boobs? I think they sink, day by day, but I don’t really notice, or, I just didn’t compare. When I wear my sportbra or other bras, they pop out the top like they should do. Nothing against some fakeness, right?
I am ok with my aging so far. And yes, if something really, really bothers me I go and look for Nip. Or Tuck. Totally.
Lucie@FitSwissChick recently posted…My story part 4 – Drugs and Love
I would LOVE to see all the laugh lines around your eyes, especially because I know they come from a place of laughter and happiness.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
Thanks for being so real and honest about the struggles of aging! I guess I know some of the things I have to look forward to now…I’m going to revel in my young days while they last!
Yes, enjoy them while you can. Live it up and then keep living it up when the signs creep in.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
I think your boobs are still fabulous. And you’re hot. And hilarious and inspiring and funny and cool and really smart. Just, you know, for the record.
Carly @ Snack Therapy recently posted…No Food Left Behind
I like your record.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
I hear ya. I’m in my early 40’s. I think the most disturbing thing for me, was the ‘back fat’ that (it’s okay, just breathe) showed up one night and is just hanging out…
You’re doing fine though….don’t you worry. Working out, drinking insane amounts of water, eating as healthy as you can….and moisturize. Everywhere. And don’t forget your ahem ‘decollete’ cuz…well, just don’t.
Again happens. The alternative – Joan Rivers-esque syndrome. EEEsh.
Shannyn recently posted…Roasted Cauliflower – (Not a quilt pattern, a recipe)
Back fat….what? Oh no, I’m definitely not ready for that.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go moisturize. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
Oh sweetie…. your dr. was right. It DOES get worse in your 40’s!!! LOL…
Sorry….I know that’s probably not what you want to hear 🙂
Damn you Caren. Alright I’m covering my ears now and singing “I’m not listening.”
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
Haha this is awesome…but if you ask me, you age like a fine wine (or cheese)- you only get better with time :)! I’m at the ripe age of 26 although if memory serves right, I am meant to start applying under-eye cream anytime now! Apparently it’s a must after 25!
Khushboo recently posted…Snackity Snacks
Yes, start applying the eye cream now, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen.
Now about that wine….
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
I still remember the comment made by Friend #2 after Friend #1 had her (long desired) boob reduction. Friend#1 named her new boobs Mary Kate and Ashley because they were so perky and she felt so much better, and commented that Mary Kate and Ashley were staring at the computer screen.
Friend #2 replied that Thelma & Louise were looking at the keyboard.
Kirsten recently posted…Tamale Pie with Hatch Chiles
I love this comment because I adore Thelma & Louise and have no interest in Mary Kate & Ashley. Then again, maybe that’s a symptom of my age. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
Mmmkay lets talk (i’ll preface with I’m 31). First this: “which some people refer to as laugh lines; I call them bastards.” LOL yes. i’ve been noticing those lately. second- i no longer roll my eyes at teens in their absurd outfits either, i just want their skin elasticity! every size thigh looks adorable when you have teenage skin. third- fat no longer fills in the same way as it did in the 20s and it certainly doesnt fall off after a “good eating week” quite like it used to… yo no comprendo. (however, im still waiting for puberty to kick in when it comes to boobs- you cant miss what you never had.)
Charlotte @ Commitness to Fitness recently posted…Vintage Commitness
I covet skin elasticity like it’s my job. It’s a problem. 🙂
hahaha! Love this, I swear all my weight goes directly to my belly. I would prefer my boobs but apparently only the gentically gifted get that.
We need to find a way to get into this genetically gifted group. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
Hahaha literally right after I got married, I started noticing grey hairs. I’m blaming them on my husband 😉
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables recently posted…Crispy Tempeh Strips
Wedding planning can be stressful so he’s certainly responsible for some of them. I blame the patch on my left side on the Hubby and the right side on work. Ha.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
I had large and in charge boobs growing up, and then I matured and lost weight and well..they turned into pancakes. Needless to say my chest is NOT a strong suit of mine, and must always be supported.
Brittany recently posted…Walk the Katwalk
You had them and lost them? Awww, I had no idea. I can only assume it was fairly traumatizing.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
You know what’s funny about this…I hated when they were big. I was ecstatic when they shrunk, but they’re just not the perky 25 yr old boobs I’d care for. Such is life. HA.
Brittany recently posted…Random Things
Well then I’d say it worked out fairly well for you, and by fairly I mean great. My boobs can be the ying to your yang. 😉
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
Mmmm pancakes. LMFAO!
GiGi Eats recently posted…In-N-Out of My Kitchen
Girlfrienddddd you have the boobies of a goddess! Seriously, I tell Arman this all the time! Is that inappropriate??
I’m totally crazy when it comes to aging and legit check my face everyday for wrinkles and hair for greys. I think/know I have nothing to worry about but I grew up in a fam which put a lot of pressure on aesthetics. We’re talking 14 year old Davs would get sent to get anti-aging facials (I wish I were kidding). I think one day I will learn to accept the process of aging as a good thing, but we’ll cross that bridge when I come to it 😉
Davida @ The Healthy Maven recently posted…Vanilla Mango Smoothie
For some odd reasons (maybe because I’m immature…nah) it gives me great pleasure when others talk about my breasts in a positive manner. One of the best compliments I had (although it was years ago) was a friend of a friend assuming they were fake. I should buy stock in Victoria’s Secret.
Wow, anti-facials at 14. Holy crap that’s crazy. Maybe you can show me a thing or two about skin care lines this fall then. 🙂
I’m not accepting it. I’m good with that.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
Here is what I think about aging:
It’s the only thing we all do.
So let’s be the babes who do it well.
It’s only our back ass-wards, consumer driven, mildly psychotic, youth obsessed nation that devalues aging. In other culture, women are venerated as they get older.
And why not? We are crafty – we can make entirely new people. Let’s see a dude do that.
I will rage against the dying of the light. I love being in my 30’s. I wouldn’t go back to my 20’s if you paid me because I was a goddamn idiot. Now? I’m a little less of an idiot. When I die, hopefully all of my idiocy will have leaked out of me.
I think you’re mind is top notch and your sense of humor is one of kind. Thigh gap or no. Let’s careen into our 40’s dragging our friends and lovers behind us, shall we?
Lindsey @HalfDimeHomestead recently posted…The Top 10 Movies to See This Winter
I would agree with you about my thirties. My twenties were fun (my god they were fun) but I feel more centered, more in line with who I am and more confident now than ever before. Those are the upsides to aging. It’s all this gravity stuff that’s for the birds.
Here’s what I think about Lindsay:
You rock! And you do it well!!
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
I’ve had a wrinkle in my forehead for as long as I can remember – because I LOVE TO SMILE, which is NOT A CRIME – but as I get older, it definitely gets BIGGER LOL!!!! I’ve also noticed….. That….. I ache a tiny bit more? Oh well, I am just going to keep on living and living a healthy lifestyle at that! 🙂
GiGi Eats recently posted…In-N-Out of My Kitchen
Man if smiling were a crime, we’d be a whole world of trouble.
I’m pretty sure our only option is to carry on, head held high.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
I knew Yolanda, Lisa and Kyle would finally have an effect on you.
Just kidding. And I also didn’t divert my eyes, ears or my nose as requested.
FACT- I don’t believe for one second your in your thirties.
FACT- I genuinely don’t think you show any signs of being in your thirties- visually speaking.
FACT- Age any way, shape or form as you please- age doesn’t have an effect on personality.
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Copycat Lindt Truffles
Right?! I think we should blame the Housewives for this mess.
I knew you wouldn’t divert anything.
I love you, in a completely platonic manner. I am married after all.
I also have the energy of a twenty year old and the humor of a ten year old so I think those things all combine with my real age to make me like 25.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
I didn’t even know you were in your 30s! Based on your pictures I thought you were more like 28-29! So there ya go.
I think there’s a lot to be said for good nutrition, not smoking, not drinking excessively, and being stress free. Even without a crazy skin routine, I think these things can be really helpful in aging gracefully. Or at least that’s what I like to tell myself!
Chelsea @ Chelsea’s Healthy Kitchen recently posted…Beast restaurant
I puffy heart you. I’m actually mid-late thirties.
Yes!! Getting an adequate amount of sleep is so important too. Makes a world of difference.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
I’ve started noticing skin stuff more and more. I’m trying very hard to ignore it. At least the boobs aren’t a problem. I still think yours are exquisite, btw.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Falafel Waffle
I like to think mine are still exquisite too. I’ll probably still be saying that when I’m 80.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man
I dunno everytime you post a picture I find myself staring in awe of you and your magical boobs 😉
I love how open and honest you are here and it make the (lack of) gracefullness that much more refreshing.
As for the laugh lines I say keep at them! I’ve got a lot already for someone my age, but that doesn’t stop me from loving them every time they come up in a picture where I’m caught mid-belly laugh.
See there is a ‘magical’ power in a woman’s breasts.
Thanks buddy. Sometimes I like to put it all out there; to hell with societal norms. I’m still laughing and using a hopefully great eye cream in the meantime.
Meghan recently posted…Time Waits For No (Wo)man