Finding me

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I live in an area that is abundant in old people. They’re EVERYWHERE. Every corner I turn, there’s a granny lingering. The other day I realised I’ve been judging them, but not in the way you think. Maybe I judge them on how slow they put things on the conveyor-belt at the supermarket, but only mildly. I promise.

Since moving here I’ve been judging them, and judging myself. As I see elderly women, I find myself wondering what I’ll be like when I get old.

I met a woman the other day, who was stunning. Her outfit was perfection, and her make-up… oh man, she could do her make-up better than I’ve ever been able too. Or will be able to. Her handbag was draped over her wrist, and she was petite but strong at the same time. I stood there in awe of how amazing she was. Don’t worry, I didn’t just stand in front of some random woman, with my mouth agape. I was with a friend, and she was her friend.

“Do you know how old she is?” my friend asked.

NINETY. She looked 60-something. The lady had aged well, and has so much grace. I knew I was most definitely not that woman. I wish I would be, but something tells me that I’m not going to change quite that dramatically in the coming years.

Then there are the women who have absolutely given up on their looks. The bra is off, boobs are swinging and the hair is wild. I like those women. It’s like, ‘screw you, I’m going shopping’. There’s nothing I love more than throwing a bra off and relaxing so there was a chance that I might become those women. Maybe.

But then I was doing my shopping and I saw her. I saw me. Me in forty-odd years. This woman had mastered stylish comfort {elastic pants, hello}, and was just happy. I know I have bitchy resting face, but I could tell she was happy to be alive. She wore a moderate amount of sequins, because sometimes a morning outing calls for it. I saw me.

And you know what cemented it for me? The woman was sitting with friends… and they were all drinking tea and coffee, but in front of her was the thing that made me smile. She had cake. Because when I’m 75 I’ll be going braless at home, but when it comes to being out… oh boy, I will be eating the cake.

Do you ever wonder what you’ll be like when you’re old?

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10 thoughts on “Finding me”

  1. Lol you too? I’ve been doing this for years! Then a few years ago i realised that the person i should be aspiring to be like was right in front of me. My Oma (german for grandmother) is 92, still drives, lives on her own and eats cake every day! An absolute inspiration and you wouldn’t believe her age if you met her either, just like her doctors 🙂

  2. I know exactly who I wish to be when I am older- I want to be the oldest lady running the half marathon, slowly but surely, but crossing that finish line and having a beer! I was inspired by these two women I met at a recent race expo, in their 70’s, still running! They run in cotton shirts and sneakers from Walmart (the one lady said- oh, I tried those Nikes, they just don’t do it for me!) They completely inspired me and since then, I have been watching and observing the “masters” on the race courses! I want to be that lady, I want to keep running as long as my body allows 🙂

  3. I’m going to be the lady who looks 60-something but is actually in her 80s because even though I’m turning 31 this year, people think i’m still like, 21 or 22. I imagine I’ll still be dancing and acting goofy with my hypothetical grandchildren. Lol!

  4. Ohhh I love this!! I used to be one of those people who didn’t really feel connected to ‘old’ people, but really what 20something does. That was until I moved into our now family home and met my 80 year old neighbour. She is now 86 and has taught me SO much over the past 6 years. She is so intelligent, classy, kind, cheeky and fun!! She has been a widower for 21 years and in that time has completed two degrees and been on over 30 cruises! I love her dearly, and I’m so lucky to have her to teach me how awesome ‘old’ people really are! I think when I’m old I’ll do a lot of baking, tea drinking and spoiling of my great grandchildren!

  5. When i was overseas for the first time in my 20s, footloose and fancy free in nyc no less 🙂 i read an article in the new york times (of course i did!) by a woman who was getting older and thinking this same thing and the part that has stuck with me was “when i am 70 i will wear my hair grey”. I kept the article, transcribed it years later. now im edging 40 i often pull it up to read and imagine myself at 70, grey hair, riding my pushbike to the beach with books and blanket in my basket. Not a care in the world 🙂 i cant wait!

  6. I saw this beautiful woman at the beach this morning, in a bikini, long blonde/grey hair and beautiful tanned skin. She was throwing a ball to her dog and splashing in the water. She looked so happy and healthy – she then turned around and lucky I was wearing sunnies – she was 70’s I would say. IN HER BIKINI! AND…from the back which is what I saw first, I thought she was maybe 30’s-40’s. Shows that some sunshine, exercise and looking after your body can keep you looking young! Me at 70…I am thinking bra off, trackies and no make up at home. At the shops with friends I will be rocking old lady clothes and looking classy in a bra. Maybe 😛

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