I just turned 33 today and was looking at pictures of myself in my 20’s and feeling low about where I am now. Do you have any advice as far as not dreading getting older and being able to accept myself and not live in envy of my younger self for the rest of my life??
-Jessica B
Hi amazing and beautiful 33 year old! Happy Birthday!
I think this is a beautiful question. Everyone has a year where all of a sudden they begin to see the changes that are occurring in their bodies.This is 100% natural and can be really difficult in the culture that we live in.
We have two choices: We can choose to dwell in our old photos and envy our youthful bodies, skin, glow, etc. OR we can rewrite the narrative and choose to appreciate these bodies that have held us all of these years by treating them with kindness and compassion.
The former leaves us feeling pretty shitty and leads to wanting to numb out the discomfort by whatever creature comforts we choose. The latter helps us connect to our agency and own our precious, beautiful lives.
While closing your eyes to ALL of the messages you are being inundated with daily is virtually impossible, rewriting a narrative that makes your soul feel good is a way to actually enjoy this body that’s held you until this point.
Once you’ve rewritten your narrative (For example- I am wiser and all the life I have lived makes me even more beautiful), begin to show gratitude for your body for all its done for you thus far. Then begin to look at is as though you both are a team. This actually makes it easier to tune into what it’s telling us…it’s thirsty, tired, hungry, etc. When we work in congruence with our body, we appreciate it more and it serves us even better.
Finally- go through your social and comb through it with a fine tooth comb. If you come across an account that makes you feel shitty or not good enough, unfollow! If they are close to you and you don’t want the drama- the muting option is a fabulous alternative. Then seek out accounts that are empowering and ones that remind you to own who you are and how you show up in this world. Because my dear, there is NO ONE like you. And as cheesy as it sounds, it is true. That is your superpower.
xo
Kelly Elizabeth