When you hit a certain age, the barrage of marketing aimed at making you feel insecure can be relentless. Look younger! Smooth out those wrinkles! Lift your skin! Countless companies are eager to convince women that their natural aging process needs fixing — and honestly, it’s exhausting.
Recently, a woman named Carla Thompson had an eye-opening experience at an airport that she shared on social media, and it quickly gained traction. The post resonated with many, as it voiced a sentiment so many women have felt: enough is enough with the pressure to look perpetually youthful.
As Carla was making her way to her gate, a salesman approached her, dramatically predicting her age to be 12 years younger than she actually is. His flattery quickly turned to concern about her skin’s appearance. She recounted their conversation:
Man: “Your skin looks so natural! You aren’t wearing any makeup, right?”
Carla: “Um, noooo?”
Man: “Let me guess your age…” He then guessed a number that was significantly lower than hers.
Carla: “I look my age, and that’s perfectly fine.”
Man: “Well, let me show you our face serum to prevent deeper wrinkles.”
Carla: “And what’s wrong with looking 40?”
Man: “Let’s discuss those bags under your eyes…”
Carla: “If I have bags, I’m grateful for them. I have a little one at home and haven’t slept in years! Plus, my husband loves how I look.”
Man: “But by 50, those issues will be irreversible without surgery!”
Carla: “What’s wrong with aging? My husband and I look forward to growing old together!”
What an empowering stance! Aging is a part of life, and it’s natural. Sure, it can be tough. We’ve all had those moments where we pull our skin back and wonder when it started to sag. But who decided that aging was something to be ashamed of?
Carla pointed out that refusing to accept self-loathing as the beauty norm is, unfortunately, still a radical idea today. It’s not about criticizing those who choose to use beauty products or undergo procedures; it’s about promoting the message that you are beautiful just as you are. Your wrinkles are a testament to your experiences, not flaws.
Instead of succumbing to the narrative pushed by an industry that profits from our insecurities, let’s celebrate every age we reach. Making it to 30, 40, 50, and beyond is a gift that not everyone receives. So, who cares about what the world thinks?
Carla encourages women to support brands that promote self-love instead of self-hate. This is a movement worth joining — let’s say no to companies that thrive on our insecurities.
If you’re interested in learning more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on infertility FAQs from the CDC. And if you’re considering self insemination, don’t forget to explore at home insemination kits from trusted sources as well.
To sum it up, aging is a natural process that should be embraced, not feared. Let’s celebrate our journeys and the wisdom that comes with each passing year!