Under a photo with my niece, someone commented, “You’re aging so p.0.0.r.l.y; you look aw:ful.” In that moment, I felt a pang of hurt, a reminder of how brutal social media can be, especially for young women navigating a world obsessed with perfection.
At 50, I know who I am and what I want, yet such comments can still sting.
I’ve spent years cultivating a sense of self that isn’t defined by external validation. I have mirrors, but I’ve learned not to obsess over them. Instead, I choose to see beyond mere appearances.
Someone once said that up until forty, you wear your life on your face, and after that, you start to wear your life on your face. If that’s true, then I should have a pretty face, because I’m genuinely happy with my life.
I reflect on the joy my niece brings me, the laughter we share, and the love that fills our moments together.
Each smile line is a testament to the happiness and challenges I’ve faced, woven into the tapestry of my life. I realize that beauty is not about flawless skin or youthful features; it’s about embracing the journey and the wisdom that comes with it.
As I look deeper, I understand the importance of resilience in a world that often prioritizes superficiality.
I want to teach the younger generation, especially my niece, that true beauty radiates from within and is a reflection of how we feel about ourselves, not how others perceive us.
So, I choose to respond not with anger but with empathy. I remind myself that those harsh comments often stem from someone else’s insecurities. Instead of letting negativity dim my light, I’ll continue to celebrate my life, my experiences, and the love that surrounds me. After all, it’s the richness of life that truly shapes us, leaving an indelible mark far more beautiful than any fleeting standard of youth.
