When starting this blog four years ago I envisioned myself as a younger version of myself. Meaning, what I saw in the mirror seemed much younger than I really am. This could be a good thing right? I mean, I feel younger and people often state I look younger. But, the reality is, a big part of coming into your own when you get older is accepting that you ARE older.

I have never been into Botox or any cosmetic surgery to enhance my look. I am what I am. I wouldn’t say I would never do any alterations. I may, and want to not regret saying never. Most likely when the time comes, and I see how much it will cost, I will shy away telling myself I could use that money somewhere else.

I’ve noticed as I get older my makeup style and fashion style has dramatically changed. When I was in my 20’s I would wear mini skirts, cropped tops, super high heels. Not all at the same time, but you get the picture. Now, I am pretty uncomfortable wearing skirts shorter than mid thigh. Its not that I couldn’t get away with it, but I would feel “exposed” for the whole day. Pulling at it to make if come down after sitting.

My legs are still shapely, but they have age spots and scars that are not the most flattering. I often will put liquid nylons on my legs to cover them. Sally Hansen makes a cheap one I have used for about 10 years now.

Swimsuits have also changed. No longer this tiny little bikini. I do wear bikinis but they are more modest and plain. Maybe plain isn’t a good word, more…. sophisticated. I’ve never been called “plain”.

I think what has really changed is I don’t think I’m hot shit anymore. I laugh at myself more and realize I am pretty, but have gotten over myself. That doesn’t mean I look at every picture taken and say “hey, I look really good”. By no means is that happening. I do pick at myself while others will say, “I think you look good, what are you talking about?”.

But, I self edit my own thoughts more. I tell myself, “you know what? You look pretty good in that shirt”, or “Hey self, that lipstick suits you”. My self-talk is a bit different now. Sometimes I wish I could talk to my younger self. Tell her not to worry, and that you should be lucky and grateful you look really hot. Or maybe I thought I was hot but really wasn’t. Who knows.

The point is I have accepted my older beauty. Every wrinkle and dark circle under my eyes gets fair approval. I do spend loads of time getting ready and trying to “enhance” my looks. Lets get real; I’m not going to start omitting makeup and cute clothes.

To this was a new start for my blog. I decided I needed to find my “people”. One way is by embracing my age and telling others I’m over 40 and proud of it! I’ve started the journey of rebranding my social media accounts and my blog to reflect this newfound satisfaction and joy of being a woman over 40.

Its not going to be easy given the amount of blogs there are now, but I think this is the only way I will be able to be true to myself. My goal for this year is to be right and comfortable in my own skin and post more meaningful blog posts for those who are over 40.

BTW- this picture was not Photoshopped at all. I wanted to be real. Normally, i would have enhanced it a bit. This was taken at JCPenny when we had our family pics taken a couple weeks before xmas. I needed updated photo of myself for my blog and social media’s. JCPenny doesn’t offer touch ups. That didn’t concern me since I’m a designer and know Photoshop really well. I think it’s a good picture considering its JCPenny and not a high dollar photographer.

I hope this blog helps in anyway. Its hard for us over 40 women to age gracefully with magazines and now social media shoving young-ness down our throats. If I could leave you with a last thought it would be to relax. Most of the time if you try too hard, it doesn’t suit you. Just be true self, even if it’s your older self.