Embracing the Wise Woman

I don't know if you've noticed it, but as a woman in her fifties, I have been noticing it for a while now. It has been gradual, sort of like mould creeping up a wall where a leak is. I have become almost invisible, especially to men and teenagers. It's like, now that I have greying hair and a few wrinkles, my skills and knowledge are worthless, and in fact in the last few years I have become even more knowledgeable and skilful. When did I become obsolete?

I partly blame menopause. I know sometimes I sound like I'm ditzy and a little nonsensical, but that's just the brain fog. Underneath that fog my brain is a well-oiled machine. I also partly blame the patriarchy. For too long an emphasis has been placed on youth and beauty. The gold standard has been set impossibly high and if you don't have that first flush of youth or the glow of an expectant mother then you really are done for. It doesn't help that companies like Disney always cast the older woman as a wicked witch or an evil queen. We have let the patriarchy devalue our minds, brainwashing us to think that the only way we can be of value is to be young looking and beautiful. What a load of BS!

Now the time has come to fully embrace your Crone, your Wise Woman within. It is time that we showed the patriarchy that our value does not diminish with our youth. That we go forward valuing the beauty we have in our greying hair, our laugh lines and crows feet. These outward symbols of ageing also come with wisdom, knowledge, kindness and compassion that only a life of experiences can give you. We can age gracefully without the pressure to go under the knife or to put chemicals into our bodies that promise to be the elixir of youth.

I personally, love being in my fifties. There is this sense of freedom that comes from not really caring what anyone thinks of me. I know myself. I know who I am and that is one of the best gifts you can ever give to yourself. I am more willing to rock the boat and speak up when something rubs me the wrong way. I am also less willing to put myself into situations that are not for my highest good. Once again, I know myself. I know what I need to feed my soul. I also know what doesn't feed my soul and I'm less willing to compromise on that.

So drop the pretence, welcome with open arms your Wise Woman. Reconnect with her. She will tell you what you need and how to go forward. Do it for yourself and for all the "Mothers" coming up behind you. Be a role model for positive ageing. But most of all be a beacon of light to your daughters, nieces and the young girls in your community. Show them that it's okay to be more than your youth.

Until next time...

Photo Credit: Kaspars Eglitis - Unsplash

Photo Credit: Centre for Ageing Better - Unsplash

Photo Credit: Amir Kh - Unsplash

Are you ready to reconnect with who you are?

Stand up, be seen for the wise woman you are.