by Joyce Bueter

Created on: October 08, 2009   Last Updated: October 12, 2009

Growing old with Grace

I don't feel like I am getting old. I still feel on the inside like I did when I was in my thirties. My thirties were my apex years. I knew who I was, I was aware of my capabilities, and as a person I was self confident and secure. As I said, that is still the way I feel on the inside.

But, when I go past a mirror and chance to glance at the image, I am slightly surprised to see an aging matron staring back at me in a surprised fashion. I am saying to myself is that me? and the image in the mirror nods its head and says yes, this is us so get used to it. I refuse. I am still fighting. It is disconcerting to realize that your youth has passed you by and you are marching along the road to senior citizen status long before you thought you would.

The aforementioned mirror is no longer my friend, no, no, no. Looking into one of those things with a great deal of concentration is a mistake. It will only lead to negative thinking. The phrase not by the hair on my chinny chin chin may take on a personal meaning. There is no use in doing that to yourself. Let me tell you what I have found when I am forced to look into one of those dratted things. I find the dimmer the light the better I look, so I have begun taking light bulbs out in the bathroom one by one. It's getting pretty dark in there but I am looking pretty good if I do say so myself.

Ladies, you are free to use this beauty tip if you wish because it really does help with the self esteem problem. What you don't know won't hurt you; unless of course you happen upon a mirror in a well lit room then the jig is up. At that point you are on your own until you can get a grip and convince yourself you saw a picture with a nice frame but the subject matter sucked.

Now I realize that I will not always be as young and gorgeous (ahem) as I am now and at some point I am going to have to face up to reality. But I'm not quite ready for that now even though it's getting more difficult as time goes by. I'm quite all right with stumbling around in a dimly lit bathroom, avoiding mirrors in public places and fudging on my age when forced to divulge it.

You see, I don't think self delusion is always a bad thing; it may help you get through the worst years of your life.

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