This aging thing.. is tricky
Getting older is a gift because not everyone gets a chance to do so and live a full a life, so I don’t take it for granted. But sometimes when I see old pictures of me, the person who I was, younger, fit, pretty and carefree, it’s can be depressing. For context, I’m 32 going on 33 this year, so I am not too old but within the last 5 years, I’ve felt myself changing, not only mentally but physically. I’ve gained a lot a in the past few years, I’m never been this size and it’s really starting to get to me because I’ve always been smaller, even after having my daughter. But I’ve been a relationship for 2 1/2 years now, so a lot of the gain has come from that. Which yes I’ve been told it means you’re in a happy relationship, but this last year, I’ve felt so bad about myself. I can’t stand when my bf looks at old photos of me ( even if they’re from a few years ago) because I get in my head that he wished he had that version of me and that’s not where I am currently. Sometimes I look in the mirror and wonder if or when that version of me will come back, I’ve tried but I don’t feel like I am getting anymore. Does anyone else like this sometimes?
@TealSwan Aging can be so tough, especially when our self-image shifts, and it’s hard not to compare ourselves to past versions. It’s okay to feel this way, it’s a process, and being kind to yourself through it matters a lot. You’re more than just a photo or a number on a scale. ❤️
@TealSwan I can totally relate.
However I remember expressing this aging sadness to a guy friend and he told me I was more attractive now than before - because to him maturity was attractive... that gave me an interesting perspective. It's true our bodies are growing old but our minds are getting wiser with age and that creates an attraction of another level.
It's true we can take better care of ourselves to keep ourselves healthy - which would translate into beauty as well. It's something that should remain as our goal.
However when we examine ourselves we should take a holistic approach to body image - including not just physical but mental emotional and spiritual factors . That should make for graceful aging hopefully 🙂
