In a world inundated with filtered selfies and carefully curated images, the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards on social media can feel overwhelming at any age. Yet, amidst this sea of perfection, there’s a growing movement toward authenticity and self-acceptance- ageing gracefully. I love seeing the images of women growing out their greys from a variety of age groups. Women posting on TikTok of what real women’s faces look like. A real sisterhood to keep alive the real images of what aging women look like.

Finding Confidence in Imperfection: A Garden Snapshot

I recently decided to open a personal Facebook page. Sharing a picture of myself in my garden felt like the right move to let family and friends know it was really me and not a scam account. It’s a photo that truly captures who I am at this point in my life, wrinkles and all. Sure, I may not look as young and fit as I once did, but that’s okay.

As I contemplated whether to delete the photo, the lyrics of Stevie Nicks’ song ‘Landslide’ popped into my head. It reminded me that growing older is a natural part of life, nothing to be ashamed of. Yet, I couldn’t help but notice how society, especially on social media, seems to expect women to meet certain beauty standards.

Embracing Change and Priorities: Living Life Authentically

You know what? I’m nowhere near meeting those so-called standards anymore, and you know what? I couldn’t care less! Haha! It’s a weird but pretty darn cool place to be. As I ease into my mid-forties, I’m feeling more like the real me than ever before. I’m way more into checking if my tomato seeds have sprouted or how much rain we’ve gotten than worrying about what I look like. These days, I’d much rather chat with friends about their latest recipes or the insights they’ve had about life. It’s all about embracing the simple joys, you know? My insta stories are filled with garden videos and weather updates, random footage of frogs and of course my cat.

Cultivating Sisterhood: Empowering Women in Ageing Gracefully

In the midst of societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards, it’s crucial to foster a sense of sisterhood and support among women. As I navigate my own journey of embracing authenticity, I’ve found solace in connecting with other like-minded females who prioritize the simpler joys of life. Together, we encourage each other to break away from the confines of societal expectations and celebrate the beauty of imperfection. Nature is perfect in its imperfection as are we. By embracing our femininity and supporting one another, I hope we are paving the way for a more inclusive and empowering world where women can thrive authentically.

Sharing the Love: Growing Gardens and Cooking Together

There’s something truly special about coming together to share our passion for gardening and cooking. Whether we’re chatting about planting seeds, picking ripe veggies, or swapping recipes, these moments are pure magic. I love sitting down with friends, digging our hands in the soil, and learning from each other’s experiences. It’s not just about growing food; it’s about cultivating connections and embracing the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. Sharing the knowledge we have learnt from others, our mothers and grandmothers is so important. We have access to more information than ever before and at times it gets overwhelming. So coming back to real authentic information and skills feels soothing, like a relief from being out in the world.

Embracing Aging: Sharing Wisdom and Love

As we embrace the journey of aging, let’s celebrate the beauty of our smile lines and the wisdom in our gray hair. It’s our time to shine, to share the knowledge we’ve gained over the years, and to uplift the generations of young women coming up behind us. Let’s support and love each other, nurturing a community where authenticity and self-acceptance reign supreme. And let’s not forget to look to the women who have walked this path before us, for they hold a wealth of wisdom and experience just waiting to be shared. It feels like we need to remind all our girls that it is ok to just be beautifully you.

Anyway, just some of my musings today. You are beautiful, don’t forget that.