Discovering Beauty in Aging: A Deeper Perspective
As a seasoned individual in my seventies, I have grown to appreciate the beauty that comes with age. The concept of beauty is in the eye of the beholder is more than just a catchy phrase; it is a profound truth that shapes our perceptions. When you understand that external appearances can be subjective, you can unlock the secret to seeing beauty in the unexpected and the extraordinary.
The Beauty of Aging: A Personal Journey
When I was young, beauty seemed to be a fixed and eternal state, reserved for the youthful and fit. However, as I grew older, my perspective began to shift. Now, I find immense beauty in the resilience and confidence of older individuals who have made a conscious effort to care for themselves. The woman who looks bad-asse and exudes confidence, even in her later years, speaks volumes about her journey and life choices. It is a stark contrast to the youthful beauty that often seems effortless, given to a person with no active contributions to their appearance.
Beauty is Objective: Still in the Eye of the Beholder
The notion that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” is not just a rhetorical flourish; it is a fundamental truth. If we were to imagine an alien species that aged in a manner opposite to how we do—shrunken skin and silver hair representing prime health and beauty—our perceptions would be drastically different. This thought experiment reinforces the idea that beauty is a subjective judgment, not an inherent quality. We project our ideals and values onto the faces and bodies we see, and these projections can vary widely from one individual to another.
Wrinkles: A Token of Experience
In my seventies, I’ve grown to love wrinkles. They are a testament to a life fully lived, filled with wisdom, joy, and sometimes even pain. Each line and crease tells a story, a chapter in the book of a person’s life. In this context, wrinkles are not synonymous with aging or decline but rather with experience and the passage of time. The older cashier who scans my purchases at the grocery store, with her decades of work and dedication, is far more captivating than a flawlessly smoothed model with little to no life history to share.
Appreciating More Than Just Looks
As I've aged, my way of perceiving people has changed. I can no longer separate a person’s personality from their appearance. My sense of sight is no longer the sole judge of beauty; it is filtered through my other senses, which provide a richer, more complete understanding of a person. This holistic approach allows me to find beauty in people I know personally, far beyond the standard of superficial beauty promoted in media and society. When I say, “That person is ugly,” I am only reflecting my personal bias based on superficial aspects. With the wisdom of experience, I have the power to broaden my definition of beauty and allow more individuals to be seen as beautiful.
Aging and Beauty: A Linear Path to Perfection
When I was younger, a small percentage of people seemed beautiful to me. As I aged, my perception of beauty expanded, and now it almost encompasses 100% of the people I know well. This journey to a more inclusive definition of beauty is something I look forward to. It is a reminder that time, experience, and authenticity are the truest forms of beauty. Embracing this shift in perspective not only broadens my horizons but also enhances my interactions and connections with others.
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey of Beauty
Aging does not diminish beauty; quite the contrary, it enhances it. The beauty in aging is a profound testament to the strength, resilience, and lived experiences of individuals. By embracing the diversity in our perceptions of beauty, we can uncover the hidden gems in every age and every person. The journey of discovering the beauty in aging is a continuous one, and the rewards are nothing short of profound.