This is balls-on accurate! Let's all celebrate aging. #8 really hits... the biggest luxury of age is knowing the storm will pass. And I LOVE the aging grapes analogy... spot on!
Girlfriend, I'm 51 and it just keeps GETTING BETTER! I promise you this, you'll have zero fucks left to give pretty quick, and it's smooth sailing :) Cheers to us old birds who will change the world!
Cultivating this mindset at 38 is key so that when you hit 60, it’ll feel like a breeze and not like Hurricane Katrina. Keeping it real (and real funny) -- I’m here for it. :D
I loved reading this. Thank you for sharing and being real. Some of these are a hard pill to swallow (#4!!) but I’m certain that talking about it is one of the most helpful things we can do. You’re the best!!
1. Start talking to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy as soon you think you should. (I know it sucks because you could be still on birth control!) For us Gen X gals, when we asked about libido problems and brain fog and anxiety the doctor told us to “drink a glass of wine” and relax. HRT was not even in the conversation 15 years ago because some asshole male doctor told us we would get cancer if we took it. Well, guess what? Gen X is not gonna take that shit. There is so much information, and new science, and female doctors and health professionals helping us get the information we need to deal with symptoms of perimenopause and menopause right now. Let them be your guide. The shit works. Listen to them.
2. The definition of sex is broad. School yourself on how to make it good for you, as your body changes, your definition might change too. Penetration is not the end all be all. Check out Dying for Sex for the most modern, sex positive depiction of sexual pleasure ever. Miranda July’s All Fours is groundbreaking (and follower her on Substack!!) Seriously lifechanging.
3. Ageism is real. You start noticing it in your 40’s. Men don’t look at you. In the office, you worry about bringing mom energy when you used to bring the sassy party energy. In your 60’s they won’t hire you. Plan for this. Find your way. Fuck all the people put you into a category and can’t even recognize their own bias.
4. Strength training and MOVING, are so important. Keep your body strong. Don’t be the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” lady. We are strong, but it takes work and practice, but this is even more important after 40.
5. Have fun and do what you like. Find people who exemplify you at your age now. Your younger self is not who you are now. They are different people but keep the the parts incorporated. Hold onto the parts you like, and let go of the ones you don’t. Don't ever stop learning about how you can become a better person. And better to yourself.
6. Try to love yourself when you look in the mirror. Do what you need to (a little botox? Some fancy serums? A cute haircut? Clothes you love?) This will be difficult, but if you do all of the above it will be easier.
I hope that I’m exactly like you when I grow up. 😉 Jokes aside, this is true! I’ve finally realized that this is the me that I’ve got, time to love her.
This is balls-on accurate! Let's all celebrate aging. #8 really hits... the biggest luxury of age is knowing the storm will pass. And I LOVE the aging grapes analogy... spot on!
Queen Amy! Love to hear that #8 resonates - it’s a new one for me but perspective is such a useful tool…who knew?!?
Girlfriend, I'm 51 and it just keeps GETTING BETTER! I promise you this, you'll have zero fucks left to give pretty quick, and it's smooth sailing :) Cheers to us old birds who will change the world!
LOVE THIS!!!!
Cultivating this mindset at 38 is key so that when you hit 60, it’ll feel like a breeze and not like Hurricane Katrina. Keeping it real (and real funny) -- I’m here for it. :D
I loved reading this. Thank you for sharing and being real. Some of these are a hard pill to swallow (#4!!) but I’m certain that talking about it is one of the most helpful things we can do. You’re the best!!
Thank you Sharon!! Give me some tips from 60!!!
1. Start talking to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy as soon you think you should. (I know it sucks because you could be still on birth control!) For us Gen X gals, when we asked about libido problems and brain fog and anxiety the doctor told us to “drink a glass of wine” and relax. HRT was not even in the conversation 15 years ago because some asshole male doctor told us we would get cancer if we took it. Well, guess what? Gen X is not gonna take that shit. There is so much information, and new science, and female doctors and health professionals helping us get the information we need to deal with symptoms of perimenopause and menopause right now. Let them be your guide. The shit works. Listen to them.
2. The definition of sex is broad. School yourself on how to make it good for you, as your body changes, your definition might change too. Penetration is not the end all be all. Check out Dying for Sex for the most modern, sex positive depiction of sexual pleasure ever. Miranda July’s All Fours is groundbreaking (and follower her on Substack!!) Seriously lifechanging.
3. Ageism is real. You start noticing it in your 40’s. Men don’t look at you. In the office, you worry about bringing mom energy when you used to bring the sassy party energy. In your 60’s they won’t hire you. Plan for this. Find your way. Fuck all the people put you into a category and can’t even recognize their own bias.
4. Strength training and MOVING, are so important. Keep your body strong. Don’t be the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” lady. We are strong, but it takes work and practice, but this is even more important after 40.
5. Have fun and do what you like. Find people who exemplify you at your age now. Your younger self is not who you are now. They are different people but keep the the parts incorporated. Hold onto the parts you like, and let go of the ones you don’t. Don't ever stop learning about how you can become a better person. And better to yourself.
6. Try to love yourself when you look in the mirror. Do what you need to (a little botox? Some fancy serums? A cute haircut? Clothes you love?) This will be difficult, but if you do all of the above it will be easier.
I hope that I’m exactly like you when I grow up. 😉 Jokes aside, this is true! I’ve finally realized that this is the me that I’ve got, time to love her.
Truly obsessed with you