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They say at 20 years of age you have the face that nature gave you. At 40, you have the face life gave you and at 60, you have the face you deserve. This is a variation on a quote attributed to both George Orwell, author and essayist, and Coco Chanel, fashion maven. If this is true, it means that our choices and attitudes leave an indelible mark on our character which ultimately surfaces in our physical appearance.
Each one of us has the responsibility for the kindness, warmth and openness that our faces communicate. I found no better example of this than while undergoing medical treatments. It is cold in the infusion room—and as Rosemary, the infusion nurse, bends over me to button up my sweater, I am touched by her tender and motherly gesture. Few can say why some faces seem beautiful as beauty is not only skin deep, it lies deep within our soul.
As for me, I once had the face of a capable, self reliant, ambitious, joyful young girl. I now see the face of a thoughtful woman who has known pleasures and sorrows, a patient caregiver, a possessor of a cheerful and grateful heart. And I’m reminded that a beautiful or handsome face and figure go just so far.
And so my question is, what is it about you that you would like people to see when they meet you:
Can you add any particular qualities and characteristics that have given you the face you deserve?
i just came back from a religious pilgrimage tour with a group of 55+ . Most people found me funny and some commented that “I am young at heart”. I do not care for what others perceived me (albeit physical appearance vs age or knowledge vs age). Physically, I feel great and I thank God that gave me the wisdom to make the right decision in regard to physical health.
I live in a +55 community in Florida and have considerable opportunity to observe people as they age (including myself). What I tend to notice is less the lines on their faces or their body type and more how they present themselves in their posture, their facial expressions/eye contact and even their choice of clothing. All of those things combined give me a glimpse into their personality and their vibrancy, which in my opinion is so much more important than any facial signs of aging. That being said, I must admit that at 64, I still judge my own face a bit more harshly and continue to seek out the “best” retinal serum, moisturizer, etc. My 34 year old daughter swears by Trader Joe’s brand, but what does she know about wrinkles at that age? 😉
Jan, very astute observations. The perception that we have of others is influenced by the whole package of physical appearance and the way they present/ carry themselves. And yes, my wife swears by the retinal serums that arrive at our home through mail order on a regular basis. they make her look younger than me!
What works better than any retinol cream is for me to look in the mirror after I’ve taken my contacts out. Now there’s the younger-looking me that I’m seeking!