Reflections

(PRWEB) February 15, 2004 --Several readers have questions about women and aging. Ive put them in this months column to share with you!

Q: Im turning 40 this year and I dread it. People say life begins at 40 but I dont believe it. Whats the truth? - Jenny, NY

A: There are some fearless women who would agree that life does begin at 40 thats for sure! Women facing their forties are also at a point in their lives where their intellectual capabilities, emotional maturity, personal and professional achievements are at their peak. These aspects of a womans development are certainly positive. The truth is if youre not aging, youre not alive. Embrace the gift of living to be old. You cant have a future any other way.

Q: My friends tease me because I dont tell them my age. Im not hiding it; I just think people categorize people when they know their age. Am I right or are my friends right to tease me? - Sally, NJ

A: I think you are entitled to handle the issue of your age your way. You have explained how you feel and that should be sufficient. Pre-conceived notions of age do exist and they can affect how others see you. Do your friends readily reveal their ages and if you dont, so what? Its not their decision. If they continue to make you uncomfortable, perhaps you need to make some new more enlightened friends.

Q: Why is there so much emphasis placed on a womans age? - T.F., Atlanta, GA

A: Thats because women are expected to remain forever young, an impossible task. From Hollywood to Hoboken, in our youth-driven society, women are pressured into believing that true beauty resides only in the young. I dont think Sophia Loren, Lauren Hutton, Goldie Hawn, or Pam Grier would agree, do you? The evidence of age is superficial -- on the surface. The gift of age is inside -- it resides in the heart, the character, the wisdom gained through the years and in the soul. Thats where the real beauty can be found, regardless of age.

Q: What do you think about plastic surgery? - Anna, VA

A: Whatever makes a woman feel good about herself, and helps her remain self-confident and vital is what is important. It is an individual decision. I personally believe that developing and refining your wisdom, serenity, good character, and gray matter are the true markers of age, not whether your hair is gray or you have wrinkles.

Q: Whats does to grow old gracefully" mean now that Baby Boomers are getting older? - Robin, TX

A: Youre very perceptive. There has been a shift in our collective thinking and Baby Boomers have a lot to do with it. Earlier, it meant allowing your hair to go gray, not trying to hold on to any semblance of youth -- all external manifestations of age. Now, women are growing old graciously" and their gray matter matters more that their gray hair. To be proud of who you are, where you are for the things you have learned, peoples lives youve touched, enduring relationships, the wisdom only time can teach and sharing your life with those who love and accept you as you are, in my mind, is how that phrase is best defined.

A POEM ABOUT AGING -- visit http://www.yswoman.com/reflectionspoem.pdf

© 2004

About Dr. Cecile Forté...Dr. Cecile Forté is a professional member of the National Speakers Association. Dr. Forté received her doctorate from Hofstra University. She has gained national prominence through television appearances, and her keynote/featured speaker presentations and seminar sessions take her to conferences and media events across the country. A motivational speaker specializing in relationships, women's issues and performance/productivity enhancement, Dr. Forté is a corporate consultant and author of six books including Wise Woman Dont Have Hot Flashes They Have Power Surges!, A Womans Wisdom and Stolen Love under her pseudonym, D. Reid Wallace. Send inquires to Ys Woman, Inc, 1078 Route 112, Suite 179, Port Jefferson Station, New York 11777.