Ever really thought this statement through? I had not until the recent years. I am not sure I actually ever did think about it, but it seems like something changed in me somewhere around 40. I couldn’t even tell you why. And actually, I had an extremely happy life before that. My marriage was and is great, my kids have been amazingly easy, but I held back from doing things I wanted. I didn’t have a reason, I just simply didn’t.
I am sure part of it was being raised in a conservative home, which mind you nothing wrong with that, but then I also ended up in a professional career, wife of a professional and a mother of 2. Between those things, I think I failed to simply do some things I wanted to do. I just simply didn’t think “I should.” Crazy, I know, but I wanted a tattoo, piercings, crazy hair, etc… Conservative professionals shouldn’t do those things, should they????
Well, suddenly after 40 I decided, subconsciously, just to be myself. There wasn’t an actual thought put into place, it just happened. I later realized I had changed, and by becoming “me” I had found a settled feeling about myself. I have heard people say women tend to be happier in their 40s. Kind of crazy to think about, but I think one of the main reasons is we become “okay” with who we are. We have a level of confidence that maybe we missed out on in our 20s and 30s. I also think that as we mature we find the importance of accepting other women and ourselves for who we are and maybe finally being a little selfish and putting ourselves first occasionally. No pretends. We are who we are! And that feels good!
So, I got my tattoo (I actually ended up with several over the years), got my ears pierced more, then got a nose piercing, and now… well, pink hair. You know what I found, no one really cares. So why in the world did I wait? I can’t answer that. But with that said, here is what I do know…
Go get that tattoo you want!
Go get that piercing you want!!
Go get that crazy hair color you want!!!
Sometimes it is okay for it to be all about you! Do what makes you happy! And you know what makes that look even better? Do it with a smile! Do it with confidence, because you are who you are, and that is what makes you beautiful!