Don’t Let Age Change You—Change the Way You Age
Aging has no rulebook or manual—no definitive guide on how to navigate adulthood. What we have instead are societal perceptions, many of which have been around for far too long.
Yes, aging brings inevitable changes: menopause, shifts in muscle quality, decreasing bone density, a slowing brain, and greying hair, to name a few. However, the good news is that we have the power to influence and improve how we experience these changes.
Before diving in, it’s essential to acknowledge that not everyone gets the opportunity to grow old. Many lives are cut short far too soon. Aging is a privilege—one to be grateful for, not wasted.
And about wrinkles—love them! They are lines of wisdom, growth, and laughter. Be proud of them.
Taking Ownership of Aging
The first step in redefining aging is to stop making excuses and recognize it for what it truly is—a choice. Time will pass regardless; how we use and perceive it is entirely up to us.
For women going through menopause, one of the first things I encourage is to stop labeling themselves.
How often do we hear:
- “I’ve gained weight because I’m menopausal.”
- “I forget everything because of menopause-related brain fog.”
I used to say these things too. But I realized something important—I am more than menopause. I am more than my age.
Yes, I now exercise harder than I did in my 20s. I no longer drink alcohol. I’ve chosen a plant-based diet. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to. HRT didn’t work for me, and I wasn’t interested in relying on a long list of supplements. I had to find my own way.
The Power of Choice
Every aspect of aging involves choices. And sometimes, those choices are difficult. But we must choose our “hard.”
My 40s have been an incredible chapter—full of lessons, growth, and, hopefully, many more insights to come. Here are a few:
- Do what makes you feel alive.
- Discover what truly brings you joy.
- Stop labeling yourself and remove unnecessary limitations.
- Be kind—both in your thoughts and actions, toward yourself and others.
I recently came across a Peanuts cartoon where Charlie Brown tells Snoopy, “We only live once.” Snoopy replies, “Wrong. We only die once. We live every day.”
Don’t wait until it’s too late to start living. Every day is an opportunity.
We are older today than we were yesterday, but younger than we will be tomorrow.
So as you embrace this moment—this day filled with opportunity, hope, love, and possibility—remember:
“Don’t let age change you. Change the way you age.”