On Monday, first day of class our teacher asked us to introduce ourselves,including where we were born, our work background, our passions and and idea of the business we would like to create.
As I listened to each and every beautiful story I realized a topic was returning again and again. I started taking notes because when you're looking for something that's all you see and I wanted to keep myself accountable. After the first 13 women had gone through their introduction, we took a break for lunch. And the topic returned quite quickly as we ate and shared about who we are.
After lunch, I excused myself to go take a walk because I'm not used to be sitting down all day and I needed the oxygen. I also didn't know that part of town that well and I wanted to scout some running routes. I found a very nice and large park not very far from the place where the classes are being given. Right now, it's bustling with high-school kids, but school will be out in 3 weeks and I'll have the track to myself (I hope!).
As I returned I decided to let go with the nagging feeling I had all morning and just listen with an opened mind and spirit. But as the first woman who volunteered to tell their story started, it happened again...
Most of the women in the class defined herself by her age. Now don't get me wrong, we can't negate our age and I know that a lot of beautiful women go to great lengths to look younger than they are(see where I'm getting ?)Aging, for a woman, be it that she's in her 20's or in her 60's, seems to me to be the focus point of many hours of worrying. I hear young women worry about getting wrinkles when they should be taking life by the horns, laughing and crying and experiencing all these wonderful emotions that make the palette of your soul. I see women in their 30's desperately trying to hide the fact that they're out of their 20's. I know of a woman who told co-workers she was 29 for 5 years!
What I see is that women let age define their beauty and their worth. How many times have I heard a woman tell me that she couldn't start to run at her age? My answer is always the same : Why, what's wrong with your age? A woman can be strong, beautiful, powerful and yes, sexy at any age.
I don't mean to say that we don't age or that our bodies do not transform with each passing year. It does and we need to address that and stay healthy and informed. But I don't believe that stressing about if will help in any way.
I also understand that publicity bombards us with young girls with breasts under their chin and legs as long (and as thin) as a giraffe's posing for everything from underwear to anti-aging creams. Why do we let this shatter us so?
I would like to see women be proud of who they are! Stop underestimating yourselves if someone tells you you are beautiful (Oh, that old thing...) Let's tell ourselves we are beautiful, strong, able, loving women who will rule the world!
And to all the strong, wise, loving, able, beautiful women that I know; you are my inspiration. Every day, I take a moment to remember you and keep you in my thoughts.
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