Aging has certainly come with its share of surprises. For instance, those pesky chin hairs that seem to multiply overnight, or the gradual decline of firmness in areas that once felt resilient. And let’s not forget the delightful morning ritual of navigating stiffness like a penguin for the first 20 minutes after waking up. While these changes can be disheartening, there are also some unexpected perks to growing older.
My favorite revelation? I’m no longer shy about voicing my opinions.
As I age, I find myself caring less about whether my words might offend someone. It’s incredibly empowering. I’ve always been the type to avoid confrontation, often silencing my thoughts out of fear of seeming argumentative. Saying “no” was a challenge; I often found myself overcommitting simply because I couldn’t muster the confidence to decline.
But now? If you test my patience, you better believe I’ll speak up. If you cross me, I’ll respond. I’ve become boldly assertive, and I don’t hesitate to decline requests without feeling the need to justify my choice. “No” is a complete sentence, and I’ve embraced that.
Quick quiz! What do I no longer concern myself with?
- a) A damn
- b) A shit
- c) A flying fuck
- d) All of the above
Correct answer: d!
I can’t pinpoint exactly why age has shifted my perspective. Perhaps I’ve come to understand that life is too fleeting to spend it trying to please everyone else. Maybe I’ve finally recognized that my thoughts hold equal value to those of others, and I deserve to express them. It’s possible I’m speeding toward a curmudgeonly old woman phase, but I’m not about to question this newfound freedom.
What I do know is that it feels liberating to advocate for myself. I’m no longer burdened by self-imposed obligations that stemmed from my inability to say “no.” I’m not replaying past conversations in my mind, wishing I’d said something different. I’ve let go of pent-up feelings because I’ve learned to express them. I’m prioritizing my desires over others’ expectations.
Being assertive is key to achieving my goals. Confidence transforms mere wishes into reality. I’ve lost patience for adhering to societal norms about how I should think, act, or react. After years of personal growth, I refuse to keep my authentic self hidden.
Ultimately, I can either assert myself and speak my truth or live in a cycle of doubt and regret. I choose the former, even if it ruffles some feathers.
Now, don’t misunderstand me. I’m not transforming into an abrasive person; there’s a significant difference between being assertive and being aggressive. I’m not out to provoke others for the sake of it—that’s not my style. I’ve simply given myself permission to express how I feel.
If someone doesn’t appreciate my honesty, they can take a seat—multiple seats, actually. Their happiness isn’t my responsibility, and that realization is incredibly freeing.
While my skin may be developing more wrinkles, my resilience is growing stronger, and I wouldn’t trade that for youthful elasticity. If you’re interested in exploring more about the topic, check out this resource on treating infertility, or learn about at-home insemination kits over at Make A Mom for additional insights. You can also read more on this blog about home insemination to keep engaged.
In summary, aging has brought me a newfound assertiveness that I cherish. This stage of life allows me to prioritize my own needs and express my opinions freely, leaving behind the hesitance and regret of my past.