Is Youth Really Better?

I had a whole other post ready to share with you today, but when I saw this, I had to follow my heart and share it with you instead.

One of the biggest obstacles to accepting our body is coming to terms with the aging process. We live in a society that promotes, distributes and practices the idea that Youth is Better. That our body should look like it did at 18 for forever.

Hello, denial of reality!

I mean, we are all going to age—if we are lucky. In fact, we are all aging right now.

So, why can’t that be viewed as a privilege? Even an honor?

I know for me, I like WHO I AM so much better now at 38 – with wrinkles and cellulite and chin whiskers, than I did when I was 18. I look back on my 18-year-old self (pic below) and remember how insecure I was. How afraid I was, but didn’t want to let on.

I was consumed with being the best and being liked the most because that is how I knew I was loved. I thought I was too fat, not popular enough, and that life owed me for all I’d been through.

Oh, sweet girl. I look back at her and that time in my life with such compassion now. I didn’t know what I didn’t know and that’s really ok.

Thank goodness for the aging process. For maturity and growth. For the unfolding of a deeper understanding of love – what that means and looks like to me. I am so so grateful to have lived 38 years on this planet. I hope I get to live another 38 years and more! Celebrating every wrinkle, grey hair, saggy part and all.

It’s rare to find a female role model willing to show her body without shame – and that is what I have for you today.

I was so incredibly inspired that I had to share her with with you. Her name is Lucy Hilmer and she has photographed herself in her skivvies for 40 years. She says:

“For 40 years, I’ve photographed myself on my birthday wearing nothing but my white Lollipop underpants, shoes and socks. I made my first Birthday Suit self-portrait in Death Valley, CA in 1974. Without fail, I’ve faced my camera every April 22nd since then to create a coded history of one woman’s journey through time.”

Her photos are stunning and a clear demonstration of the honor and privilege of getting older and living a well-lived life. May looking at her work inspire you to be kinder to yourself and your very hard working body. May it support you in coming into greater acceptance and appreciation for all your body is and does today and always.

Click here to see Lucy’s gorgeous photos.

After you do that, I invite you to come back here and share your experience in the comments below. What stood out to you? What came up for you in your own relationship to the aging process. Let’s start a conversation in the comments.

I am celebrating your magnificent body today. May you pause for just a moment (or more) to take in her generosity, unconditional loving, beauty and radiance. You both deserve it.

With loving,

Amber