Confessions of an ‘Anti-Aging’ Addict
I have a confession to make... For decades, I bought into the beauty industry's biggest lie. Maybe you have too? It's the one that whispers (and sometimes shouts) that our worth is tied to looking younger. That aging is the enemy. That we should spend countless dollars and hours fighting against the natural flow of time.
The Pursuit of Eternal Youth
I spent years believing that my face and body needed to be "fixed" and that with just the right products, I could somehow freeze time. (Good luck with that, past Alex!) My bathroom shelves were lined with expensive creams promising to erase, tighten, and restore. Each one came with hope in a jar – hope that this would be THE ONE to make me look 35 again.
But here's what I eventually realized (and it hit me like a face full of cold cream):
🍃 Those products weren't making me happier.
🍃 The constant focus on what was "wrong" with my face was actually making me feel worse. (shocking, I know)
🍃 And I was contributing to global waste with all those plastic bottles and packaging.
The turning point came when I looked in the mirror one day and asked myself: "What if there's nothing here that needs to be fixed?" What if the lines around my eyes are evidence of decades of laughter and joy? What if the softness in my jawline is just part of my body's natural evolution? What if – and this was the revolutionary thought – aging isn't something to wage war against, but a privilege to embrace with grace?
Finding a Better Way
That's when I started exploring face yoga and other natural approaches to beauty that work WITH my body instead of against it. Practices that honor the journey my face has been on instead of trying to erase it.
I'm not saying I don't still want to look my best. I absolutely do! (I'm only human after all) I've just redefined what "best" means. My best now means:
A face that reflects vitality and health
Skin that glows from proper circulation and relaxed tension
Facial muscles that are toned the same way I tone the rest of my body
And most importantly, a genuine smile that comes from self-acceptance
I'm curious... have you ever caught yourself believing the beauty industry's "anti-aging" messaging? And have you ever wondered if there might be another way? If you're nodding yes, you're not alone. I'll be sharing more of my journey (and what I've discovered works better) in this blog.
Until next time, remember – every line tells a story, and yours is beautiful.
Even the ones you're not so fond of... especially those.