Everyone eventually becomes concerned about age and maintaining youth. We can tell how important this is to women just by going through the blogs and videos about how to keep young looking and vital in this world while getting older. I know men have their own concerns as well. I used to think ahead and wonder what I would be like as I aged. Now I know some of that equation. Sometimes I get asked what my secret is for me looking younger than my age. I think it is just plain old genetics. What I have been contemplating lately is what makes me young on the inside. The outer shell can become cracked and a bit wrinkled but the inner self is what keeps us young at heart.
What helps keep us feeling young?
One is movement. I have so many exercise programs that its laughable. I have them here, there, and just about anywhere they can be downloaded or kept. The strange thing is I have discovered just turning on music I love and just dance to it until I feel done. No timer. No plans. No kidding!
Another thing that creates a youthful feeling is nature. There is something about looking out at the world or being in nature that creates a feeling and desire for child like play. The rain is especially inspirational. I have memories of jumping in puddles and laughing out loud. Who says that can’t be done at any age?
Then there is cooking things that remind me of my childhood. I loved to make crepes, cakes, and chocolate chip cookies. Just thinking of the smell creates a feeling of youth and great memories!
I remember to gift myself. I see this in two ways. One is to give myself the gift of love, healing, and sometimes even material things. The other is to be a gift for others. Just writing things in this blog creates a feeling of youth and importance to me.
Loving to play with my cat creates youth in me. I have always loved animals. I believe they are given to us all for healing, emotional well being, and simple pleasure. Finding the pleasure created by animals is just an amazing youthful feeling.
I embrace what I see on the outside of me. This is the hardest part. We are bombed with images of what a woman should look like and there is no way any of us can keep up with those images. Comparison makes us feel older and less useful. Being who we truly are from the inside and out is what creates a feeling of purpose and youthful gain. Sometimes I look at the wrinkles that are working their way on my face and I think to myself, I have them because I have laughed, cried, and lived life. That is a good thing!
Staying young at heart is not hard. I love to create things to wear, purses of the past, and buy vintage things. They keep me feeling like I am living in my youthful past only in the present. It is drawing that experience forward and keeping those items sacred. They are a part of me and embracing them keeps me feel youthful.
I pray. I meditate. I sing (when no one is listening). I love. I am honest with myself. There is one person we can never hide things from and that is ourselves. I and God know the inner workings of my heart and soul. I am honest as I can be with what is going on inside. Those are the things that eventually show on the outside if not dealt with.
Smiling and laughing is a great way to stay youthful and happy. We create our own happiness. All of the muscles of our face determine how we feel. Try it. Smile and you can not be unhappy. It is impossible. Smiling creates a feeling of happiness and also youth.
Can you come up with some of your own?
Loving you from here,
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 