I saw this come through my email, and I knew I needed to wait until I had some downtime to sit and read it. Age 52, soon to be 53 here and yes, this all really resonated with me. I mean all of it. One of the things that I've noticed is how I don't like to wait for things anymore, like I have less time to hold off on stuff...like writing a novel (I'm in the middle of this,) doing all of the things with my kids when there is a chance to, etc. Also, things are starting to sag and fall, and I look at my body and appreciate it and think this thing has hauled me through life for 53 years--wow, and look at it still moving and grooving (even more now since I'm also less embarrassed to dance around and move it now that I don't really give a f--- what people think;.:)) Thanks so much for this. A lovely reminder of why I am happy to be the age I am. xxoo
our bodies at 53 and 56 are simply amazing...when I am in dance class and I see how I can do things I actually never could before, because I never tried, I marvel. I think we get to this age and just care less about failing and just DO IT...because there is joy in doing and living and not always being the best or being perfect. There is so much beauty in that....happy almost birthday to you Nicolle...xx
The portrait of your grandmother made me think of my two grandmothers, it felt like you described them. Never in pants, always dresses, never drove a car. Their caring, their love for good food. You are so right about aging now, our life is really different. Thank you for this marvelous writing. My 60th birthday is coming up in two weeks, I felt a bit sad about it until now. You changed my perspective. 🙏🏻✨
This really resonated with me, too. My grandmother was a big part of my life when my mom joined the workforce in the late 70s. I love the idea that she was helping my parents give us a life and opportunities that they didn’t have growing up. Reading this, I could see her chalky face powder, bright lipstick, and curl-and-set hairdo. This is the best kind of essay, Christene. The kind that takes us back and makes us feel longing for another time and brings us forward feeling hope and excitement for what’s to come. Thank you for your beautiful writing!
Oh Christene, I loved reading this Substack so much. It's so timely. I am grieving the lives of my former selves and suddenly realized how...much of a privilege it is to be grieving them while still alive and well. Thank you for penning this.
I turned 50 this year. Perimenopause is killing me, plus all the travel for work, never felt as out of shape as this year, but I never been much in love with the way I look and present to the world as I’m doing this year. Never got that many compliments as well. And I think is because I’ve been true to myself than ever. Plus, I have my own list of Care/Don’t care, highly recommend to work in one!
Hallalujah Doodee! One of the joys of gaining wisdom is putting it to use in our own lives...it feels so liberating to have a shift in perspective as we age...You’ve always been a keen observer, but I’ve noticed that your insight has deepened with time…you bring great knowledge and perspective along with your experiences and I am enormously grateful to have someone in my life that shares such sage advice. x
Christine! I don't know why I hadn't signed up for this before but I am glad I did today. I am listening to your playlist and smiling about the "dancing" do's, because this is how I know you! Dancing, with red lipstick and the most beautiful energy! Cannot wait to start fully reading ATA. xxx
Just turned 62 and I hear you. Love your lists! One of my favorite sayings is that “Aging one more year is a gift, and it sure as hell beats the alternative “.
Happy Birthday! DVF said in her documentary that she is not ashamed of aging and wrinkles. It's a privilege to age; not many people get to do it. "Age means living. You shouldn't say how old you are, you should say how long you have lived".❤️✨
I saw this come through my email, and I knew I needed to wait until I had some downtime to sit and read it. Age 52, soon to be 53 here and yes, this all really resonated with me. I mean all of it. One of the things that I've noticed is how I don't like to wait for things anymore, like I have less time to hold off on stuff...like writing a novel (I'm in the middle of this,) doing all of the things with my kids when there is a chance to, etc. Also, things are starting to sag and fall, and I look at my body and appreciate it and think this thing has hauled me through life for 53 years--wow, and look at it still moving and grooving (even more now since I'm also less embarrassed to dance around and move it now that I don't really give a f--- what people think;.:)) Thanks so much for this. A lovely reminder of why I am happy to be the age I am. xxoo
our bodies at 53 and 56 are simply amazing...when I am in dance class and I see how I can do things I actually never could before, because I never tried, I marvel. I think we get to this age and just care less about failing and just DO IT...because there is joy in doing and living and not always being the best or being perfect. There is so much beauty in that....happy almost birthday to you Nicolle...xx
Excellent Care/Don't Care list❤️
Thank you Maria...I love you!
The portrait of your grandmother made me think of my two grandmothers, it felt like you described them. Never in pants, always dresses, never drove a car. Their caring, their love for good food. You are so right about aging now, our life is really different. Thank you for this marvelous writing. My 60th birthday is coming up in two weeks, I felt a bit sad about it until now. You changed my perspective. 🙏🏻✨
I'm so glad Ruth....happy almost birthday. What a gift to be 60!! Or any age, it's all about what we're doing with it/you know?
This really resonated with me, too. My grandmother was a big part of my life when my mom joined the workforce in the late 70s. I love the idea that she was helping my parents give us a life and opportunities that they didn’t have growing up. Reading this, I could see her chalky face powder, bright lipstick, and curl-and-set hairdo. This is the best kind of essay, Christene. The kind that takes us back and makes us feel longing for another time and brings us forward feeling hope and excitement for what’s to come. Thank you for your beautiful writing!
Oh Christene, I loved reading this Substack so much. It's so timely. I am grieving the lives of my former selves and suddenly realized how...much of a privilege it is to be grieving them while still alive and well. Thank you for penning this.
Thank you Tommy...I appreciate you so much. Happy happy holidays to you, too! xx
I turned 50 this year. Perimenopause is killing me, plus all the travel for work, never felt as out of shape as this year, but I never been much in love with the way I look and present to the world as I’m doing this year. Never got that many compliments as well. And I think is because I’ve been true to myself than ever. Plus, I have my own list of Care/Don’t care, highly recommend to work in one!
"but I never been much in love with the way I look and present to the world as I’m doing this year." YESSSSS Maria, YES.....and same same same🎯🎯
Happy Birthday and thanks for this delightful piece.
And how wonderful to still have your mum in your life and to honour those who came before.
Thank you Chris...I absolutely agree❤️
🫶🏼
This is such a moving piece, full of gratitude and gumption, tenderness and wisdom. Happy Birthday, beautiful friend! ❤️
Thank you dear Jolene....I adore you
❤️
Hallalujah Doodee! One of the joys of gaining wisdom is putting it to use in our own lives...it feels so liberating to have a shift in perspective as we age...You’ve always been a keen observer, but I’ve noticed that your insight has deepened with time…you bring great knowledge and perspective along with your experiences and I am enormously grateful to have someone in my life that shares such sage advice. x
What a beautiful thing to say....how lucky am I to know you and love you...xx
Christine! I don't know why I hadn't signed up for this before but I am glad I did today. I am listening to your playlist and smiling about the "dancing" do's, because this is how I know you! Dancing, with red lipstick and the most beautiful energy! Cannot wait to start fully reading ATA. xxx
Lulu
and most importantly Happy Birthday! 56 never looked better!
Thank you Lulu! xx
Lulu!! My sister in Monday morning dancing….im soooo happy you’re here….and on the “dance”
Floor!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
“The baby on my lap… Christene.” ❤️
🥹
Just turned 62 and I hear you. Love your lists! One of my favorite sayings is that “Aging one more year is a gift, and it sure as hell beats the alternative “.
Exactly...and happy birthday Maria!
What a liberating, gorgeous tribute to letting go. Happy birthday!!
Love this and love you! Wise words and well said as always. ❤️
Thank you my dear!
Thank you for your wisdom, Christene! “Perfect is boring.” I love it and love being here. Happy birthday ❤️❤️❤️
Happy Birthday! DVF said in her documentary that she is not ashamed of aging and wrinkles. It's a privilege to age; not many people get to do it. "Age means living. You shouldn't say how old you are, you should say how long you have lived".❤️✨
Amen, Natalie...AMEN...also Diane FOREVER...and Ever!