3 Tips for Living Your Best, Pro-age Life
Right now, out there in the world, countless voices are telling us that aging is our enemy.
We are surrounded by TV shows, magazines, webpages, films, and even news programs that feature stunning, young model types. They all subtly—and pervasively—tell us that “youth is the only form of beauty.”
In reality, beauty comes in so many forms. It comes at all ages. But we rarely hear that.
Instead, we hear from advertisers who use this myth that “youth = beauty” to trot out new products to hide our ages. They sell us dye to cover up our gorgeous silver hair, new chemicals to inject into our already beautiful faces, new “anti-aging” makeup to even out age spots, and new “anti-aging” creams to smooth out our already lovely laugh lines.
It’s ridiculous if you think about it.
We all want to live long, passionate lives, but somehow, we’re not allowed to age while we’re living those lives? Or if we DO age, we’re not allowed to show any signs of all the amazing years we’ve lived? Absurd.
It’s time we all took a stand. That’s what the Pro-age Revolution is all about.
So today, we want to talk about how you can start living this pro-age life, so you can love your age and truly embrace (and enjoy) every new year of your life.
Tip #1: See every year as an accomplishment.
We have all heard the expression, “age is just a number.”
It’s a good idea in theory. It’s another way of saying, “no age defines me.” (And if that helps you love your age, then we’re all for it.)
But what about seeing your age as MORE than just a number? Why not see your age—and all the years it represents—as an accomplishment? Or even better, a privilege? A gift?
After all, every year of your life is something to be proud of.
Think of all the struggles you have endured, the adventures you’ve had, the people you’ve loved, the places you’ve seen, the sacrifices you’ve made, the pleasures you’ve discovered, the incredible knowledge you’ve accumulated—all of those are accomplishments.
Every year of your life is too. Also, every year from now on is another accomplishment you have to look forward to.
Not everyone lives to see their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s… so in that way, every year is a privilege and a gift.
Try thinking of your age as an “accomplishment” or a “privilege” this year. Tell your girlfriends and family to do the same. See how it impacts all your happiness, your confidence, and your outlooks on life. You may find this simple shift in thinking makes this your best year.
Tip #2: Proudly celebrate every birthday.
Remember when you were a kid and you couldn’t wait for your next birthday?
You proudly told everyone you were “7 and 3/4s” or “8 and 1/2.” Then you counted the days until you turned 8 or 9. When you got a little older, you couldn’t wait to turn 16.
Then the “magic age” was 21—and you were so excited to tell everyone you were finally 21!
This joy in your birthday doesn’t have to go away, simply because you’re not a kid anymore. You can get excited about every birthday you get to enjoy from now on.
This year, we challenge you to proudly welcome your birthday. Be thrilled about it. Allow yourself to look forward to your next age.
It’s also a great opportunity to celebrate. Here at BOOM!, we know a 72-year-old artist who has a big blowout birthday party every 10 years of her life—starting back when she turned 40, then 50, then 60, then 70. Every “decade party” has a theme. Every party is a celebration of life.
Even if you don’t have a big party, do something NEW for your birthday this year. Celebrate your latest accomplishment—living another year. Proudly tell everyone your new age. Dare to be pro-age on your birthday.
Tip #3: Make every year “bucket-list” worthy.
Part of being pro-age is embracing and celebrating every year of your life. That’s easier to do if you’re continually trying new things, learning new skills and finding new adventures.
What’s the easiest way to do all that? Write a new bucket list every year of your life.
Simply write down all the things “you’ve always wanted to do someday,” and then start scheduling those bucket list items for this year. (Hint: We suggest using your birthday to cross one of these items off your bucket list.)
Once you have accomplished everything on your bucket list, write a new list for yourself. And then a new one after that, and a new one after that.
In this way, you can make every year “bucket-list” worthy—and a new best, pro-age year for yourself.
Tell us: Are you already doing all these things? Do you write bucket lists? Proudly celebrate your birthday? See every year as an accomplishment? If so, respond “yes” in the comments below, and tell us why you love being pro-age.