As I looked at myself in the mirror while applying makeup, I couldn’t help noticing the prominent lines around my mouth, the slight wrinkling of my neck and hands, and the gray hairs glistening through the growth of my hair dye. I was getting ready for my birthday dinner. I turned 48 today and started thinking about the time gone by.
When I woke up that morning, the dread of another birthday weighed heavily on me. Flashbacks of childhood memories brought forth a bitter smile on my face. Roaming freely through the Puerto Rican forests, warm ocean water pampering my feet, and a cool breeze caressing my cheeks while I watched the stars under the dim porch light, are some memories I remembered fondly. Other memories are less cherished.
I’ve been through so much over the years. At times feel I’ve lived more than one life, even the same life twice. I wonder how many people feel as I do, each year they grow older. I’ve heard many people say that age is but a number; I disagree. It’s very challenging to cope with body and mood changes, but what can we do? There’s no stopping the aging process.
I’ve learned age is about attitude, attitude toward yourself, life, and relationships. If you have a positive attitude, then that’s what you’ll receive in return. The same goes for negative attitude. The attitude you display in your daily life is what’s going to show in your complexion, and it’s what others are going to notice. Happiness within yourself will radiate and shine through, not your fines lines and wrinkles. People who notice the happy glow will strive to look like you.
Happiness is a choice, not a right, and certainly not something you learn and gain from others. It’s not something you search for externally. It’s already inside YOU! Practice happy thoughts and gratefulness every day in spite of your circumstances. Soon, you’ll not only start to feel happy but will also start seeing things transform in your life. Once your life has changed from the inside, the outside won’t matter as much.
A week prior to my birthday, I went to happy hour with a dear friend. She’s in her mid-fifties and the glow on her face was contagious. I asked her if she’d had a new haircut, was using a new makeup line or had had “something” done … to my surprise, her answer was, “I’m just happy!” Imagine if everyone could attain that level of auto-realization and utter contentment in our lives! The beauty business would be in great financial trouble.
Start practicing love, happiness, gratefulness, forgiveness, and joy. In a few months, you may want to cancel your three-month Botox appointment, and spend that money on a new pair of shoes.
I turned 48 today
