A funny thing happens when one turns 50 years old. At least it did for me. I stopped thinking I was special. For decades, I had thought, “I’m going to write that great book that everyone will be talking about,” or “I have a lot to offer, if only people would recognize me for the amazing person I am.”
Then I got older. And I had an epiphany. Perhaps this has happened to you as well. I realized that nobody cares what I do. Almost nobody is paying attention to me. Only I care what I do in life and therefore, I shouldn’t be worried about how I present myself to others (as long as I am happy with who I am and proud of what I do).
When we’re younger, we feel conspicuous. EVERYBODY is looking at us. EVERYONE will notice if we don’t have the latest clothing style or brand or if we don’t drive a nice car. I know I felt that way when I was in my 20s and 30s. It was a recipe for going into debt. And I didn’t get out of that hole until my mid-40s.
Now, realizing that NOBODY cares and NO ONE is looking at me or noticing what I do, I have a certain freedom to simply be myself. And I like myself so much more. I know myself. I know what I will and won’t put up with. I know what I like and what I don’t like. I know what styles and shapes of clothing work for my body. There’s a confidence that cannot be bought, but can be shared. Once we are in our 50s or older, we (particularly women) can feel invisible. But with the right confidence, not only will we not be invisible to others, but we can inspire them with our energy, wisdom, love, and by setting an example of self-acceptance. That can be a contagious thing! Pass it on!
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