Turning 50 but not feeling old, 5 tips to feel young even when you’re growing old
I’m 50 this year. Haven’t gone pass the birthday yet but it’s around the corner. And how do I feel?
I guess for some people, 50 is old. Okay, not the ancient-relic-kinda old but in certain places, I can already qualify for special senior discount rates once passed my birthday. Growing old definitely has its privileges just that I wish they were given in places that are beauty or fashion related. HA.
Well, turning 50 isn’t exactly a significant milestone for me. It might seem so especially when I’m dedicating an entire post about it. But the truth is: I don’t feel that different from any other years.
Yes, I’m growing older. Sure, I no longer look young. But I definitely don’t think or talk like an elderly. You can call me matured, seasoned, or experienced but I’m definitely not aged. I still have a very youthful outlook on life and I refuse to believe I’ve passed my prime.
I wasn’t always like that though. In fact, I was always insecure about my age. I was always worried about being judged when people learned of how old I was especially being a beauty blogger. Heck…I even thought I had to quit beauty blogging before turning 50!
Thank God–and I mean it–that I’ve gradually grown out of those insecurities. I am less fearful about growing older. I’m learning to accept and embrace my age better.
Anyway, to celebrate my journey of having lived half a century, I thought I’d write a couple of age-related posts to share some of my thoughts and tips and hopefully help you cope with the idea of growing older if that’s your area of struggle.
Growing older doesn’t have to suck and one thing I’ve realized is, you can come across a lot younger if you’ve got your attitude right. So today, I’ll like to share you with five tips on “how to feel young even when you’re growing old”. This is for anyone who feel they are old, or are afraid of growing old.
1. No ‘I’m getting old’ talk
If there’s one thing I dislike, it’s this constant harping of being old. I don’t like to say I’m old just because I forgot to do something or when I feel a pain or ache in some parts of my body. To me, saying ‘I’m old’ or ‘I’m getting old’ too frequently just breeds a jaded mindset. Feeling old is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
So I rarely or almost never say I’m old. I might say that certain activities are more suitable for the young but I don’t hide behind my age and say I can’t do something because I’m old. Doesn’t matter what the number of my age is on paper, I’m really a 20-year-old at heart.
2. Focus on now, look ahead
If time can turn back, I’d like to make different choices in some areas of my life. But I realized that what has passed can’t be changed. So instead of living life dwelling on the past and mentally writing a list of mistakes, I’d rather live my life hopeful, forward looking and focusing on the now and what’s ahead.
Sure I’ll try to learn from some of my experiences but after doing that, I’ll move on. I won’t spend time lamenting about my pains or my struggles. To me, that time has passed and it’s pointless to live life looking back all the time. I have better things to do now and later. I flatly refuse to believe that the best days of my life are in the past.
3. Choose to see the positive
At this point, some of you are probably thinking, “Easy for her to be hopeful. Her life is easy and that’s why she can focus on the future.”
Well, without going into the details, let’s just say my life hasn’t been a bed of roses. I’ve had to deal with very abnormal circumstances for a prolonged season. They were so unpleasant and painful that I should have turned out all cynical and bitter.
But thank God that’s just not me. I’m not a cynic and I don’t wallow in bitterness. Otherwise, I would just spiral into a black hole, turn out all beaten and weary, and feel like an old hag.
Life is a matter of choice. How do you want to live yours? Don’t live life nursing grudges and old wounds.
4. Being enthusiastic
There’s something about enthusiasm that makes one feel young. So I’m glad I’m enthusiastic about my life and I’m enthusiastic about my work. Ha…I’m even enthusiastic about watching K-dramas and anything that is Korean these days.
What I’ve found is that when you’re enthusiastic about something, you will be willing to take on new challenges with a keen attitude. It brings forth a new sense of purpose and a fresh dose of energy–definitely something that makes you feel young all over.
So if you’ve been feeling worn out and wearied, perhaps it’s time to find a new hobby or a new activity to engage in. You need to feed your enthusiasm!
5. Learn not to be smug
You know the saying, “been there, done that”? Sometimes I catch myself thinking that line when I’m in a conversation with someone who is sharing their experience in an area I’m too familiar with. I can’t help but feel smug, wanting to tell the other person, “Oh, I know that better than you.”
It’s not easy especially because I’ve garnered more experience due to my age. However, I’m learning to hold back because such thoughts will cause me to constantly remember how far I’ve come and how old I really am.
Turning 50 doesn’t have to suck
So there. Maybe these are not the best tips to feel young but it is based on my personal experience. You may have also noticed that what I’ve shared are tips that deal with thoughts and emotions. These are important because how I behave, look or carry myself is a reflection of my state of mind. If I can’t fix what’s on the inside, I can never fix what’s on the outside.
I hope what I’ve shared will help some of you cope with the thought of growing old. Everyone will be 50 one day so perhaps the earlier you address this concern, the easier you’ll cope with it. Turning 50 doesn’t have to suck!
Questions: Are you afraid of growing old? Do you think that turning 50 or growing old sucks?
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I’m not afraid to grow old either..BUT i’m definitely scared of looking wrinkly & crumbled while i aged. LOL. You for one do age gracefully. Looking good for someone crossing half a century! I have always believed that age is just a number. It’s your perspective and outlook in life that matters most.
Hello Sesame ! This is my first time commenting in your blog. I have been reading your blog for a long time.
First of all, you definitely don’t look like you are 50!! You look so much younger.
Truly appreciate this post from you, I am in my early 30s and I have definitely learnt something from this post. I like that you have a positive outlook & attitude towards life which I strongly believe determines our happiness.
I know life is never easy to begin with and it is a fact we will have obstacles to deal with, it is just different situations to deal with and the internal pain is something all of us has to endure & embrace with.
Thank you for writing on point 2 – Focus on now, look ahead.
For me, I have difficulty not to look into my past although I know it will hinder me from moving forward. This point serves as a reminder to what our future has to offer and the past can never be change.
Looking forward to more posts from you. Wish you a great weekend ahead!
XoXo
Hi Luisa, thanks for your comments…greatly appreciate hearing from readers who have been silent. ?
It’s not always easy to look past what has happened and move on but looking back is really not going to help either. So you have a choice…what do you want to choose? I always think that hope is the one thing that keeps us going so don’t ever lose that.
Yes, I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to look old. Thanks for your compliment and I’m sure you’ll look good when you come to my age. ?
Awesome post. Totally agree on the “I’m getting old” talk. I can’t stand it when people say that.
Haha…glad we’re on the same page on that! ?
I love your attitude! I was just getting on my Mom about this the other day! She’s 56, and while I love my mother very much, for the past few years I hear her say a lot that she’s so old. My body hurts. I feel so old. I finally just said “Would you stop it? You’re not old!!” I went on to tell her that I won’t be old when I’m 50. (Currently 35)
Yes, please tell your mom to stop saying she’s old…the more she says it, the more she’ll feel so. I get irritated with people much younger than me saying this too.
Thanks for this post Sesame, and happy birthday in advance! You’ve written some excellent points and I especially love #2, it’s always a good reminder. ?
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Thanks for the tips. I will take that in mind always.