Do you hear me?
Do you see me?
Does what I say matter?
Oprah once said, that in all her interviews the common thread was that all each of us really want and need is to be heard, seen and validated.
When I started writing these blogs, my desire was to have a conversation with you. I wanted to share some honest storytelling and possibly undo a lifetime of conditioning so entrenched in our core that it no longer makes sense.
Let’s get the conversation started so we can all be seen and heard. More to come about this at the end of the post.
I once thought that when I retired, I could do the things I really wanted to do. That thought came from a lifetime of hearing exactly that. The false promise of ‘Freedom 55’ was spoken everywhere.
How crazy a thought.
I now know that you should always do the things you want to do when you want to do them. There is no waiting until anything and the best news is the passion does not stop as we get older. It should be ramping up.
Five years ago, I heard this unsettling noise in my soul. I was looking for role models to kickstart the movement of embracing life at any stage. Something to help encourage me to live big dreams fearlessly. Like minds, to embrace our differences, and rally together to celebrate our age, our wisdom, our positive thoughts and explore what is ahead without fear.
I could find a few strong women – Oprah, Marianne Williamson and Ariana Huffington. They were far and few.
Now, today, we are no longer in hiding. Social media is flooded with powerful strong minds encouraging us to look forward.
It’s not the hundreds of posts encouraging you to stop colouring your hair or to embrace fine lines or the five makeup tips for mature women. We are more than that. So much more.
One of the silver linings of the pandemic is we all have had some time to be still and do some soul searching. It’s like a vibration on a musical instrument that you can hear and feel.
It’s the movement I feel in my core and I speak about – to show by example that collectively we can help each other be seen and be heard.
So how do we do this?
You don’t fade away, you show up.
You do what is right for you, rather than conforming.
Know you will be loved without judgement.
It is about self love.
It is about self care.
It is about getting to know yourself.
It is about knowing your value. It is about all the things that matter, while letting go of what doesn’t and the wisdom to know the difference.
And, celebrate what you do for you.
I’ve been so moved and honoured by the many hundreds of comments you have shared with me about aging gracefully, not quietly.
Stories about what inner beauty means to you, how to thrive no matter what age and how to create a powerful attitude as you move forward. Your comments have not only inspired me but each of us to live life fully each day and not have our lives dictated by a timeline or a ticking clock.
Speaking of sharing, here’s some exciting news. We are planning a community forum on my site and when the time comes, you will receive a special invitation to join and share your stories and experiences.
Until then keep showing up, being seen and keep creating a space for others to share.
We all need kindness now more than ever.
Love and gratitude
Xo
Vita
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