There’s no question, we live in a youth culture. We idolize the young. Once upon a time, our celebrity
heroes were considerably older than they are now. Today, we look at teens and young adults as the ideal. Then, not suprisingly, many of them collapse under the pressure. Britney, Lindsay, Mary Kate and Ashley, and so many more so prominent they don’t even need last names. On the other side, the older stars (and older regular folk) are subjecting themselves to repeated surgeries and injections in order to “look young” (which of course actually succeeds in making them look weird).
Recently I heard an interview with Kathleen Turner. At 58, Kathleen may not be as promient as she was in the Romancing the Stone (1984) and Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) days, but she is still active and acting. During the interview she was asked about getting older in Hollywood and she replied, “It’s foolish to try to turn back the clock and I don’t want to.”
I agree! Often groups of people will get into conversations that lead to questions like “If you could go back to any age, what would it be?” I always say, “I wouldn’t.” I love where I am. I have made mistakes. I’ve had difficult times. I’ve had great times. And there is so much more ahead.
Most people will say they would go back to their teens or twenties. Personally, I wouldn’t go back then for any amount of money! I look better now. I’m more confident now. I know what I want now. I think, for most of us, if we really thought about it, those years weren’t nearly as great as what we have and can create now. Except maybe the energy level. *wink*
Kathleen also made the comment, “I’m so much more interesting now.” I agree, in general, older people are more interesting. We’ve had more experience, we’ve developed our opinions and confidence. I know I’m waaaaaaaaaaaaay more interesting than I was 20 years ago.
Of course there are interesting, confident young people and ones who are living an incredible life and know what they want. And, in 20, 30, 40 years from now they’ll be even moreso.
There is no point in pining for what was. As long as you’re growing and experiencing life, it can only get better. So go out and live!
- Play
- Try new things
- Take risks
- Learn
- Laugh
- And tell yourself positive things when you look in the mirror.
It only gets better. Keep living!
Hugs, Christie