Excerpt from Daily Cures, Wisdom for Healthy Aging
I’m going out on a limb and proposing a new slogan. It is about personal pride and acceptance of the aging process. Our culture is so enamored of youth that being old is like a plague. My new mantra is “Owning Grey!” This isn’t about politics or discounts at the movies. I’m also not talking about whether you choose to color your hair or go natural. Personally, my gray will never show. This isn’t about hair color; it’s about being authentic. Growing older is seen as losing the color of life, but let’s look at what we gain with age! How about embracing wisdom, maturity, and life experience? How about being free from peer pressure?
Speaking of gray, my mom had beautiful, thick, salt and pepper hair up until her death. She looked 75 when she was 95! On the other hand, I inherited my father’s thin, mousy brown hair. Consequently, Miss Clairol and I have always been friends. Owning grey is not about the color of your hair; it is about the color of your life! Jenny Joseph wrote these famous words, “When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple.” What does the color purple represent: freedom, pride, passion, personality? You bet! I’ve had conversations with Seniors that worry about wearing a bright color or a piece of jewelry with too much bling. I always encourage people to express themselves boldly. They deserve the freedom to do as they choose. When you are a Senior, there is no such thing as too much sparkle! The color of life comes from the inside out. We can either look at every birthday as losing the best of our lives or starting the best of life.
“It's great to have gray hair. Ask anyone who's bald.” Rodney Dangerfield
Comments