What is it about time? The modern world has us ticking to the proverbial clock and not the sun or the moon, as nature respects. I’ve come to recognise that there are varying considerations around time. There’s the day-to-day consideration around the 24-hour cycle. Then there are the long-term considerations in years, specifically age and milestones.

 

At 6-7 years, you should start Grade 1, depending on where you live; by around 18-19, you should complete school; by 22-23, you should have some formal qualification and have entered the workforce/economic hub, all things considered, and so on.

 

Doesn’t always happen, but we try.

 

If you know me, you know that I am a stickler for the 24-hour cycle. It’s there to guide us and help us flow through the day. The kids need to be at school at 07:30, school opens from 07:00. So, for me, that means aiming to be there at around 07:15/07:20 the latest. Doesn’t always happen, but we try.

 

Managing one’s time well means that there’s no need for rushing. In my world, planning begets calm. And calm begets peace. And peace brings a happy life. But in the Universe’s wisdom, I must contend with a partner who doesn’t seem to understand that rationale. Anyway, none of that here.

 

That’s the aim, right? To look younger than you are. That’s an industry funding the lifestyles of a portion of the anointed 1%.  

 

Today, I want to focus on the element of time that scares the heck out of most people, aging. What’s the best compliment you can give a woman over 40? Or even over 30 (cause there are some who consider themselves ‘old’). “Oh, you don’t look a day past [whatever is appropriate]”. That’s the aim, right? To look younger than you are. That’s an industry funding the lifestyles of a portion of the anointed 1%.  

 

Here I am. I’m looking at my next milestone birthday in 2022 and I have two questions. Or as my 8-year-old says, I want to say two questions. What is a 40-something-year-old supposed to look like? And who made those guidelines? Especially for women. Cause we all know that silver-haired men have been sexy foxes all their lives.

 

Here’s something else I’ve noticed, pre-COVID-19 of course, as it’s difficult to see faces with masks now. I would look at the man or woman at the traffic light, those selling or looking for donations, especially the women with small children and at a quick glance, the sun-beat, dry and worn face looks much older than it is. There’s a high probability of nutritional deficiency, not enough water or any liquids, no multivitamin supplements (where they’re most needed), and so on.

 

I want to faint when I think of three.  

 

And then there’s childbearing. It’s no child’s play. It takes a toll on one’s body. Some of us have only done it twice. Our mothers, grandmothers and maternal ancestors did it several times. Up to two-digit numbers. I want to faint when I think of three.  

 

The point is that life happens, and our physique is a representation of that life. You drink excessively, you’re going to pay the price. You eat unhealthily, no exercise, ditto. Stress and anxiety also play a massive role in aging. I’m convinced that this health pandemic has not only accelerated digital transformation, it also has a hand in age acceleration. The stress of avoiding COVID-19 is massive, let alone dealing with actual infection. Side note, just get the free vaccine.

 

On the plus side though, I’m loving the plethora of mature influencers who are living examples that ‘age is nothing but a number’. And not R. Kelly style. This is for those who live their purpose and passion. Not hurting anybody. These are not people who want “70 to be the new 50”. No. They wear their wrinkles and grey hair with pride. Elon’s mother comes to mind. A supermodel and businesswoman at 73. But my current fav is Iris Apfel. The girl is 100 and still killing it in business, has endorsement deals.

 

Let that sink in for a moment. She was signed by IMG as a model in 2019 at the age of age 97. I have another lifetime to get there if my Source obliges. My sister was killed in a car crash at the age of 16, a baby. I have lived three times longer than Bronwyn. And the biggest lesson from COVID-19 is the daily tutorial on gratitude and being present.

 

Nobody wakes up like that. Ever!

 

So dear hearts, stop creating more angst by trying to look a particular way. Leave that to the celebrities with their army of stylists, hair and make-up artists, dieticians, plastic surgeons et al. Nobody wakes up like that. Ever!

 

There’s also no life handbook that stipulates timing, for anything. There’s no race. So, even the popular “stay in your own lane” is slightly convoluted as it implies competition and a set path. There’s just a course. A unique one for each unique soul.

 

What you must do is focus on health and wellness of the body, mind, and soul. There’s nothing more beautiful or appealing than a radiant spirit. No lashes or nipping and tucking can ever give you that. And it’s free. Available to all. And most importantly, stop creating boundaries for yourself. It’s never too late to go after what you want. As long as you are alive and have your breath aka Spirit within, you’re good to go.

 

I’ll leave you with these beautiful words from Ms Apfel. “I never think about my age. Maybe that’s the ticket. I never think about it — it’s a passing thought. It’s just a number … I’ve found that work is very healthy for me. I love what I do and I put my heart and soul into it”. Taken from her book, Accidental Icon.

 

Wishing you bliss wherever you are. From the late bloomer-in-chief.