Well, it’s Back to School time! Some parents are busy shopping for school clothes and supplies while preparing their children for the new school year. I’m busy learning new terms and products that will become a part of my vocabulary and life. This means that I’m back in school to… just not literally. I don’t have school age children anymore. My two children have even graduated from college. Which means I don’t have to shop for school clothes, supplies or pay tuition. Praise God, I’ve graduated from that stage of life!
However, I am busy preparing for this “new to me” era of anti-aging products and techniques. Yes, I am “Gracefully Embracing the Grey” (and all that goes with it). however, the sagging skin is a tad bit different than my hair changing colors. As I’ve said to some ladies, it’s not about the color of your hair it’s about embracing this stage of life. I really don’t care if you cover or color your hair, that’s completely your decision. It doesn’t stop the aging process. This stage of life should be welcoming and not frightening. As I’ve looked at my recent photos, I’ve noticed my cheeks are starting to sag. And I’m not talking about my butt cheeks! They probably are too but I’ll save that for another blog. I’m thinking…when did my face start falling? It is literally sliding off my head! How do I fix this? Is Botox an option? Definitely not a face lift. Or maybe so at this point. Please don’t be offended if you’re choosing or have chosen either of these routes. Kudos to you…that’s just not my plan (for now). I believe in doing what you need to do to make yourself look and feel your very best! But something must change or else my cheeks will be on my neck soon! 😮
Have you started using any “anti-aging” products? Is it possible to truly stop the aging process? I read last year that Allure Magazine would no longer use the term “anti-aging” because aging is natural and will take place regardless of what products are used. I feel the same way. I am embracing this change and invite you to do the same. Now, this doesn’t mean I won’t use products that have Retinol or Collagen to assist me with lifting my cheeks. I’m not sure if it will be a Serum or Cream. Some products indicate they will decrease fine lines, crows feet, dark circles or discoloration in your skin. Wait!!! Did I just say “crows feet”? Where did that term come from? I know it references the fine lines that radiate from the corners of your eyes but who decided we would have crows feet on our face? Why not doves feet? Doves are much cuter than crows!
Then there’s the double chin, raccoon eyes, jiggly arms, muffin top and cellulite. I can go on and on with these terms that are not exactly new to to my daily vocabulary but I think you get the point. I don’t really want to embrace these words. What I want is double blessings, to see raccoon eyes only on a raccoon, a bag of change that’s jiggly, a really good blueberry muffin and absolutely no parts of cellulite. But I must admit that cellulite has found some parts of me. I spent some time researching these terms and products to figure out what would work best for me. After all the research, I’m still uncertain and confused. And while conducting my research, I found other terms: hormone therapy, hyper pigmentation, botox, age spots, and antioxidants. These words never crossed my mind until…
I’ve tried a few products over past few years but always go back to my normal routine which is Olive Oil Soap and Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with SPF30. I’m pleased with this routine but my cheeks are falling. I’m sure consistency is necessary but I didn’t do anything long term. I don’t know if products with retinol or collagen is best. Maybe both are needed. Is one is better than the other? What about an anti-aging serum or cream? I can assume it all works since the anti-aging market is a $250+ Billion industry. And this is annually! Wow! That’s a lot of money on trying not to age! If you’re using something that works for you, continue to do so. I’m not here to tell you what to use or what works best. I’m just discussing these new words that I find myself grasping at the crisp age of 54! Here I am, over a 20 year period. Looking now at my 50th picture, I’ve noticed that my cheeks have fallen since this photo was taken. Four years of being menopausal can definitely change things.
It’s interesting how we progress into a different stage of life then we must educate ourselves on how to be successful in this stage. I knew everything about my body prior to this “Aging Gracefully” stage. Well, that has changed! Almost overnight! I have so much to learn about this new body and I’ve spent my entire life with it. Here I am now, still trying to figure “ME” out! What are you doing to be successful in this stage? Natural products or techniques? Moisturizing? What anti-aging products, masks, DIY facials or masks work best for you? I’m going to have a little fun by adding the facial yoga exercises into my daily routine. I’m not an expert in this area because it’s hard to be an expert when it’s all so new to me. I want to hear what you are doing. Share your aging gracefully secrets with us. If it was as simple as erasing the wrinkles, fine lines and crows feet, most of us would have done that already. I’m back in school again but this time I’m the teacher and the student. Teaching myself how to “Age Gracefully”. I thank God for the internet and google because there’s so much info out there for me to learn. I also thank Him for this new body that I have to learn more about.
Lastly, don’t forget to contribute to our Back to School Book Bag Drive. We are donating book bags to 240 students at Kindezi School Old Fourth Ward during the 2018-2019 school year. Help us to help these kids. Here’s the link to support our book bag drive. Book Bag Donation
Or you can join us for our Old School Masquerade Party. Each ticket includes a book bag donation. Click the link for more information.
Gracefully Embracing the Grey (and all that comes with it)
Seasoned, Unique and Still Beautiful!