The concept of aging evokes a mix of excitement and trepidation within me. On one hand, there’s the allure of cozy comfort—think granny panties—but on the other, the daunting reality that I’m not far from the time when I might need Meals on Wheels. This duality is emblematic of my feelings towards growing older: it’s both thrilling and frightening.
You may contest that there’s little to look forward to as one ages, but have you spent time with the elderly lately? They are no longer pressured to volunteer for school committees or to keep up with the relentless pace of life. They can stroll at their own pace without fear of judgment, and the expectations of yard work or daily workouts simply vanish. Aging may confer some delightful advantages.
The essence of growing older boils down to one’s mindset, and I’m committed to becoming a remarkable older lady. Picture me donning oversized hats, speaking my mind, and discussing my body freely—whether relevant or not. The prospect of aging feels liberating, and I choose to embrace it.
However, I am equally determined to avoid embodying certain stereotypes of old age. I will not be the woman who admonishes young mothers to “put a jacket on that child!” or who insists they “cherish every moment because it goes by so quickly” (both unsolicited comments I’ve received). I firmly refuse to be that person.
Instead, I envision myself sharing relatable stories. For instance, I’ll recount the time my toddler toppled an entire display at Target and crashed his cart into an unsuspecting gentleman. Or the moment my kids loudly questioned why I had hair “down there” in a public restroom, eliciting chuckles from bystanders.
Rather than advising new mothers to treasure every fleeting moment, I’ll suggest they sneak a treat into the closet and indulge for a moment of respite—parenting is undoubtedly one of the toughest jobs out there. And I’ll reassure them that they are doing better than they realize.
I aspire to be the elder who pays for a young mother’s groceries when her child is having a meltdown, or who offers a hand instead of criticism when little ones misbehave. I want to be the type of woman who whispers encouragement to a frazzled mom, acknowledging that “kids can be a handful, can’t they?” or who brightens a child’s day with silly faces in the grocery line. I will gladly let a young mother cut in front of me—not that I’m in any rush.
I’ll treat a young mom to dinner simply out of kindness, without offering unsolicited advice on managing her energetic children. I’ll ask the server to deliver a note praising her kids for their behavior, even if we both know they were less than angelic.
As the older neighbor, I’ll always have sweets on hand for the kids and won’t scold them for playing in my yard. I’ll dress freely and candidly express the thoughts we all share—without ever pointing out that a young mom looks worn out or disheveled. Instead, I’ll tell her she’s a young fashionista, even if we both know that’s a stretch.
If I know her well, I’ll offer to babysit while she runs errands or bring over soup if her kids are under the weather. I won’t comment on her children’s lack of socks in winter or their perpetually messy faces. Rather, when I see a young mother juggling chaos, I’ll smile and affirm that she’s doing a fantastic job.
And I certainly won’t utter the phrase “it goes so fast.” I understand that such words can burden a mother who is already grappling with guilt, despite her remarkable efforts.
I’m making this pledge now so that I don’t forget the challenges of motherhood: the isolation, the longing for support from those who have walked the path before. I may even give her a hug and reassure her that everything will be alright—because it truly will.
For further insights on navigating motherhood, check out our posts about home insemination kits, such as the 18-piece kit and the 21-piece kit, which provide great resources for those on this journey. Additionally, Science Daily offers excellent information on fertility and related topics.
Summary:
Aging can be both exhilarating and intimidating, but it’s essential to adopt a positive mindset. I promise to be the supportive older woman who offers kindness and encouragement to young mothers, rather than criticism. I will share relatable stories and provide comfort, emphasizing the importance of compassion over judgment.
Leave a Reply