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We get older and wiser with every passing second, no matter how much we might try to fight it. And while age can sometimes be a taboo subject, many fully embrace it with open arms. I recently asked women in the BuzzFeed Community to share the unexpectedly wonderful parts of aging. Here are the most inspiring responses:
1."Not trying to impress anyone. You learn that as you get older, being yourself, your happiness, and sense of peace are so much greater than what anyone else thinks. Find your peace."
2."Freedom! Freedom from caring about what others think about you, from pretzeling yourself to please others, and most of all, the freedom of knowing and finally loving who you truly are. I'm 69 years young."
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3."Just not giving a ****. I can't believe how much headspace I used to waste on what people thought of irrelevant things like what I wear, my haircut, my five extra pounds, or whether I missed plucking one of those weird chin hairs."
4."I don't feel the need to judge people who are struggling anymore. I see now that invisible battles are fought daily by almost everyone."
5."Gray hair. I love it. A head full of silver highlights for free, and all you have to do to get it is wait. Genius."
6."Being more confident in general, caring much less about others' opinions of me in particular."
7."I care a lot more about how I make people feel than I do about what people think of me in terms of whether I'm cool, liked, or popular. As long as you consider me an ally/safe person to be yourself around, then I don't care if you also think I'm dorky or strange. I don't want to be an ******* ever, but I'm OK with not being your cup of tea."
8."No longer being a part of the male gaze, and I am only in my early 40s. It's honestly so freeing to be done with all of that. Not catcalls, no weird leers, nothing. It's the best."
—Anonymous, 43, Washington
9."Learning what I truly want out of life. My 20s and early 30s were so consumed with doing what I thought was expected of me and what society dictated I do. Now, I don't care. I see the beauty in being myself and encourage others to do the same. I dress how I feel comfortable. I don't worry so much about what other people think, and I've become so much happier learning that truly the only thing I can control is how I act and react, not how others do. If they're grumpy, show grace because you've got no idea what they're going through."
10."Freedom to do what I want now that the children are grown. A great husband who supports my hobbies and my solo travel."
—Anonymous, 61, Hawaii
11."When I try new things, it's because I want to and it's solely for me. It's so liberating to be happy with myself and do things because of me alone."
12."I think my attitude towards my appearance has changed a lot. Like, I still want to look nice, but I also understand it doesn't matter if I don't. It just feels good if I do."
13."I'm surprised by how much mental pressure has been relieved by not caring about how well I'm dressed. I have good, comfortable clothes that I love and feel well when I'm wearing them. I am old enough to know what I like and what works for me. Getting dressed is so much quicker when I genuinely love the things I already own."
14."I really don't care anymore. Not in a mean, toxic way, just very selective on what I give my energy to."
—Anonymous, 43
15."I have enjoyed getting older. I don't wear makeup unless I feel like it, and no one cares! I don't have anyone trying to marry me to someone or asking me when I am going to have children anymore! I don't have people constantly criticizing every decision I make. I eat what I want, sleep as much as I want, and watch TV all night if I feel like it. No one is trying to run my life but me. The only problem is that other little old ladies don't think I act my age. I feel like this is the first point in my life that I can really just be me, and I love it!"
16."I am so much more present in my body, and I know it in a way that is far more intuitive than before. It makes advocating for myself in medical situations easier, and I can manage my social engagements based on how I am actually feeling, versus being obligated to attend no matter what. "
—Anonymous
17."How much less I care about what people think of me. The older I get, the more I simply DGAF, and it's so freeing."
18."You trust yourself. You care infinitely less about what other people think of you. You redefine your definition of success, and values change. You're much more comfortable in your own skin, even though it may be sagging a little."
Older women, what has been the most pleasant surprise about aging? Share your thoughts in the comments, or submit anonymously using the form below. Your response might be featured in an upcoming BuzzFeed Community post!
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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