Comments on: Ageless Beauty

By: Jane Purcell

Jane Purcell — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 16:07:33 +0000

Karen, as I reflect upon your thoughtful post, I am re-thinking the meaning of some common expressions–often well-intended expressions. Now I realize that underlying them is the assumption that aging–or even physical “differences” in young people–are deficits. You use a great word for this: they are “anti-“. Examples include “young at heart,”and “beautiful on the inside.”
There also some expressions that (I think) send unfortunate mixed messages. “She has an old soul” refers to a wise young person and seems to assume that wisdom in youth is rare (although, being 54, I can see that age and experience can increase one’s wisdom:). “She has brains and beauty, too,” can imply that this particular pairing is rare.
None of these expressions sits well with me. Thanks to your post, I finally see why. They are all “anti-.”
You’ve given me a refreshing and heartening alternative: “Beauty is ageless;” and “continue the conversation” imply equality (and embrace variety) from the outset. No particular status or condition starts out superior. At 54 and counting, I feel that my playing field is level and always will be, even if some in society don’t–yet!
Now that I no longer need to start from a place of justifying myself, I’m ready to “continue the conversation.”
Please keep spreading the word!

By: Karen Sands

Karen Sands — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 17:19:12 +0000

In reply to Dawn Howard Weaver. Dawn thanks for your words, and for taking the time to reach out. My daughter’s name is Dawn too, and she has a 4yr old daughter who I adore as well. Both of them are constant reminders as to why I do what I do for, about, and with women of every age and stage!:) So I’m right there with you! Its hard sometimes, especially after having kids, then later as we enter menopause…our bodies shift as they are meant too…yet we don’t get the acknowledgement and appreciation from marketers et al for our miraculous bodies. Our deep inner feminine beauty truly shines vibrantly through from the inside out, not the other way around. So bravo for you to “get” this knowing now, it will serve you well as you move through your life course. Your daughter is so fortunate to have you to reflect back to her who she is and is becoming because of how you hold your own sense of being a total woman, not a cyborg type of perfected woman. As I head into my 70th yr. on the planet there are those days when I’d like some lifts, tucks and elongating would help!:)) Still, I cherish that I earned these wrinkles, the drooping parts, and the right to own my beauty! And yes I’d love this message to reach girls and women whatever her age or stage. Please keep this conversation going in your own way in your life. Again, thank you for YOU are inspiring me!:) Karen

By: Dawn Howard Weaver

Dawn Howard Weaver — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 20:50:08 +0000

Wow! Karen. I wish young girls could see this and know how truly wonderful they are and that holding themselves to the standards of our marketers is just not possible. I watched a video recently of a real size 4 woman in her underwear – she was beautiful – but what they did to her to market that picture left the magazine ready photo not even recognizable as the original woman. They elongated her neck and legs – made her eyes and lips bigger – made her skin flawless – every where they could change her they did. Unbelievable. I often have to remind myself of this as I look at magazines or see commercials. I want to embrace more fully who I am as a 40’ish woman. I have a young daughter so I have to be especially cognizant of telling her how strong and fit she looks rather than how skinny she is or how great she looks. I am on the watch at all times of uplifting her in a way that she can recognize her own self worth at the forefront of who she is not her looks – which is hard because she is truly gorgeous. This isn’t just coming from a mother’s perspective – she gets told this all the time. So, my job is to love myself and to teach her the same. Thank you for this. It is quite inspiring.

Dawn

By: Karen Sands

Karen Sands — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 19:08:15 +0000

In reply to Lyndah Malloy-Glover (@nbalance2).

Means so much that you reached out. I don’t know if you have these moments, but after writing you wonder who will read my words today, or will my thoughts just drift into the ethers? Yes we have to own this truth about our ageless beauty first, then reflect it to/with each other…then the world will too. And if the world doesn’t at least we know we women know the truth:) Thanks again, and let’s keep on keepin’ on. And do return often please:) Karen

By: Lyndah Malloy-Glover (@nbalance2)

Lyndah Malloy-Glover (@nbalance2) — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 18:43:54 +0000

Fantastic post Karen! You said all the things I say to myself and others about the refusal from the world to respect women and the aging process that is unique to females.

Aging in women is not not a virus that needs to be attacked and or destroyed. Heck, it is a reality and a little help to assist us to do it with grace would be a move in the right direction from a cosmetic perspective.

In the meantime we can love and approve of ourselves no matter the age and do all the things that keep us healthy, vibrant, and looking good at any age!

Live your light!

Lyndah