As I celebrate my 59th trip around the sun, I want to share why I'm proud to shout my age from the rooftops. Today, I am grateful for the years gone by and look forward with excitement to entering my 60s.
When I started Silver Sirens at 52, I harboured a secret feeling of being an imposter. Unlike many others, I hadn't yet encountered negative experiences associated with ageing, leaving me wondering if I truly embodied the wisdom and perspective necessary to lead such an empowering community.
However, as the years have passed and I've become more comfortable in my own skin, I've grown into my role as the founder and vision holder of Silver Sirens with increasing confidence. Age has brought with it a sense of authenticity and an ever-deepening connection to the mission of our community— one that celebrates women's beauty, strength, and resilience as we journey through the golden years of our lives.
Now, as I reflect on the path that brought me here, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude and empowerment. It's a profound realisation that my personal growth and journey have mirrored the essence of Silver Sirens, affirming my belief that women only continue to shine brighter each year.
While I've always been open about my age and don't hesitate to share my birthday with others, I recognise that not everyone shares this sentiment. Many of my friends choose to keep their age private; some even consider it impolite when asked about it.
I understand and respect their perspective, even though it differs from mine. I believe that personal comfort levels regarding age and disclosure should be respected, and I appreciate the diversity of views within my circle of friends.
Celebrating birthdays as we age is an empowering and joyful way to honour our journey through life.
Here are five reasons why I choose to embrace my birthdays with pride and enthusiasm:
Embracing Wisdom: With each passing year, we accumulate a wealth of knowledge and experience. Birthdays are a perfect opportunity to reflect on the lessons we've learned and the personal growth we've achieved.
Cultivating Gratitude: Celebrating our birthdays encourages us to express gratitude for the moments, people, and experiences that have shaped our lives. Focusing on the positive aspects of our journey fosters a sense of contentment and well-being.
Building Confidence: As we age, we become more self-assured and confident in our abilities, values, and beliefs. Birthdays provide a chance to acknowledge and celebrate our growing self-confidence and the strength it brings to our lives.
Strengthening Connections: Birthdays are a wonderful excuse to gather with friends and family, strengthening our bonds with loved ones. These social connections enrich our lives and contribute to our happiness and well-being.
Inspiring Others: By proudly celebrating our birthdays and the wisdom that comes with age, we inspire younger women to embrace the natural ageing process and value the unique gifts it brings. Showing that women can thrive at any age, challenges age-related stereotypes and encourages a more inclusive, positive view of growing older.
So, on this special day, I invite you all to join me in celebrating not only my 59th birthday but also the beautiful milestones you've each reached in your own lives. Let's continue to lift each other, share our stories, and cherish every moment as we navigate this exciting chapter together.
Thank you for joining my journey and the Silver Sirens community. Here's to many more years of growth, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
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