I wonder how many millions are spent every week on anti-aging potions and “cures.” Wish I had the proceeds, I know that!
My anti-aging beauty regime will be disappointing to those of you who cringe at being called “older,” “elder” or one of the “wrinklies.” It won’t remove the battle lines or sharpen the eyesight or make that arthritic hip move smoothly again. So, you might ask, what good is your anti-aging beauty regime?
It’s good because it doesn’t cost money and we can all do them if we’re willing.
Regardless of how you look,
~~ Smile. Charlie Chaplin, the brilliant comedian, composed a song for his 1936 movie and brings his message to life on the video of “Smile” (www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0m3fRKP9BQ). The words added in 1954 by Turner and Parsons encourage us to “Smile, though your heart is aching. Smile, even though it’s breaking….” Not only will you feel “smiling effects” in your heart, but you’ll receive smiles back. And that feels like a little bit of love. Smile lines are much more attractive than frown lines.
~~ Write a gratitude list. Even if you wonder why you’re still here, you are. So write down five things you’re thankful for each day. If you look in the mirror as you write these, you’ll see a calmer, more attractive you begin to emerge. It’s like magic!
~~ Figure out what you would fight for. Just thinking about what matters adds strength to your face and brightens your eyes.
~~ Laugh. Or at least chuckle when possible. It’s contagious, lessens the unattractive frown or blank look lines, and lightens the heart.
~~ Clean yourself and your clothes. As we age, jumping in the shower is no longer “jumping.” It’s cold nakedness on the way and sometimes hurts tender skin. But smelling good is important to feeling more attractive. And a Tide Stick ($1 at the store) will zap a lot of food and drink drips.
~~ Name the ailments you have with the word “the” not “my.” Don’t own them. It’s the cancer, not my cancer. Studies show labeling has a powerful way of solidifying the condition instead of encouraging it to pass through.
~~ Talk about both positive and negative things. To be neither a curmudgeon or a Polly Anna will add character to your appearance. A well-rounded person looks more intelligent and alive.
~~ Stand or sit tall. What we took for granted in our youth may elude us now. Bent with joint pain, unstable balance or confined to a wheelchair may make standing tall very difficult literally. But it’s an attitude, and “standing as tall as we can” is a way to convey a compelling, brave and proud self.
These anti-aging beauty tips can add a look of “life is good.” Maria Mitchell (who discovered a comet in 1847) said, “There is no cosmetic like happiness.”