Growing Older With Grace
Featured in Up & Coming Writers 14-6-09
Featured Member in Up & Coming Writers 14-6-09
Featured in All Things Poetic Artistic Philosophical 10-6-09.
Growing Older With Grace belongs to the following groups:
! 100% !, "Poetry and Beautiful Women" , All Out Emotion, All Things Poetic, Artistic, Philosophical, Core [C.O.R.E], Creative, Talented, and Unknown, Freedom to Shine, Live, Love, Dream: , Masterpieces: Literary Workshop, Pleasure & Pain, Something To Say, The Healing Journey, THE SISTERHOOD, Up & Coming Writers, Who are YOU to Judge?, Woman Appreciation and You're Accepted‘It’s all over for us’
Two 40 something women in my class cried…
‘No it’s just beginning’ I replied
‘Your 40’s and 50’s are the best years of you life’
I echoed the words of my 75 year old mother
who texts me for my birthday, in Paris
travelling Europe for the first time in her life.
‘You become invisible in your 40’s’
A relation said to me. ‘I will never photograph again’
‘You lose your sexual power…your pull
and not seen the way when you were young.’
‘I disagree…women grow more beautiful
with age if they let their face follow their heart
it’s only the beginning, just the start.’ I replied.
Ah yes society’s eternal obssession with youth…
the mags, the movies, the stars, the reviews, the shows
the chasing after that 20 to 25 skin and frame…
Poisoning the forehead with botox
Puffing up the lips with fat
Cutting and lifting that face to eradicate all those lines
And stop expression from forming
As faces start to drop and sag
some just stop smiling to save their skin
just to hold to fragile branch of youth.
Youth is beautiful – this cannot be denied…
tight bodies, faces and hearts.
Confidence that comes from physical prowess
and a face that is even and smooth.
Attention comes from every where and it is
soft and smooth encased in desire.
With aging there comes a new kind of beauty
less obvious and more subtle and gentle.
If the heart is open and the
inner child is nurtured
an inner harmony is built on the confidence
that grows from wisdom through experience.
An acceptence of just knowing
where to just be is finally enough.
A time of maturity where the acceptance of self and other
leads to a warmth and courage to
wear that smile without fear of lines
and let them breathe and flow
as they follow the contours of our hearts.
When I think of all the women I admire
my mother, Cheryl, Glenda, Judy Dench, Meryl Streep…
they all have one common denominator
they all grow older with grace.
Their lines are lines of life and character
Their faces are raw and beautiful
and there is no supression of emotion
through botox and any other artificial procedures.
So when I see my smile lines become more defined
and the cracks in my top lip appear
I smile even more and create more lines
and embrace this wonderful aging process.
I turn on the music
I dance to my own rhythm
and I embrace the sensitivity and vulnerability
that comes from a growing maturity
My heart deepens…my insight sharpens
and my sensitivity sucks in all the emotion.
Acceptance of the changing self is perhaps
the greatest beauty of all.
On June 9…I always become reflective
because this is the day I was born
And I celebrate each year alive on this wondrous
earth…I sing to the sun behind my curtain
I dance to the full moon that is my birthday present
and I shout out loud… ‘I just love growing older’ ...
By Anthea Slade
9 June 2009
April Mansilla
this was just so beautifulxoxoxoxoxox
Anthea Slade replied
Oh thank you so very much dear April…I am so thrilled you liked my poem…growing older with grace.
April Mansilla
and a very very happy birthday!!!!!!!!!
Anthea Slade replied
Thanks so very much I had a lovely day.
Reynaldo
very nice and happy birthday Anthea
Anthea Slade replied
Reynaldo thank you I had a very happy birthday.
Mariska
I just adore the way you write…Happy Birthday dear Anthea and take care with your mum:0))
Anthea Slade replied
Oh Mariska thank you for your beautiful words on my poem and warm birthday wishes.
blamo
HAppy birthday Anthea …..................
Anthea Slade replied
Thanks so very much Tone…I had a lovely day.
blamo
Dance
have a top day
Anthea Slade replied
Oh this is so very beautiful and put a smile on my face.
Julialala
Beautifully written! Happy birthday, i hope it’s lovely!! =] x
Anthea Slade replied
Julia thank you dear friend…my birthday was lovely. A x
sandraellen
Anthea….......wonderful
“I dance to my own rhythm
and I embrace the sensitivity and vulnerability
that comes from a growing maturity
My heart deepens…my insight sharpens
and my sensitivity sucks in all the emotion.”
These are delighful words, that ring so true and affirming…........beautiful!
sandra x
Anthea Slade replied
Sandra thank you for beautiful response and I am glad you find my words affirming.
kevinmawson
Anthea ,you are so eloquent and maticulous with your beautiful words of aging,I could not agree with you more!!!! A wonderful read my friend!
km.
Anthea Slade replied
Oh thank you so much km…your response is very beautiful…and I am so glad you agree.
as
David Friederich
What a wise person you are, Anthea. I love this line: “Acceptance of the changing self is perhaps the greatest beauty of all.” Wonderful poem, and great reflection on your special day. Happy birthday, Anthea.
Anthea Slade replied
Yes this is so true…I am so pleased David that you love this line…maybe this is the crescendo of poem. Thank you so very much my friend for your lovely comments and warm wishes for my birthday.
Erika .
Acceptance of the changing self is perhaps
the greatest beauty of all .....I couldn’t agree more with you. What a beautiful sensitive piece you have written here…it just sang through me. You captured the beauty of life. What a beautiful person you are….and happy birthday dear Anthea, keep dancing. XXXX
Anthea Slade replied
Oh Erika your words are poetry my friend…I am so pleased that this poem sang through you. Your words sang to me in such a warm and beautiful way on my birthday…and yes I will keep dancing. as
Tracy Faught
Happy Birthday Anthea!! I love this poem…I’m 35 now and it’s a great age because it’s the in between age…I’m looking forward to aging gracefully…take it as it comes…nothing fake for me thank you! Your words are an inspiration to me! :]
Anthea Slade replied
Thank you so much Tracy for your lovely wishes and for sharing…yes growing old with grace is such a beautiful thing. I love your response to my poem.
Diane Swarts
Happy Birthday. This is a wonderful read, I am 42 and felt every word of it.
Anthea Slade replied
Thanks so much Diane for lovely response and for feeling every word of my poem. This means a lot to me.
Renate Dartois
These words are a tribute to all women that age gracefully….bravo Anthea and have a happy birthday.
Anthea Slade replied
Yes my dear Renate you are right this is a tribute to all woman who age gracefully. Thank you so much for your warm birthday wishes.
Del Millar
I wrote a piece recently, ‘The Changing Face Of Time’ – I too find much to celebrate in growing older gracefully – wisdom, maturity,grace, acceptance, character,
are beautiful assets. Stuff facelifts and botox – looks that are at the same time plastic and hard. I love your writing on this subject Anthea, and I endorse that one doesn’t lose sexual attraction/prowess with the aging process; quite the contrary, and it’s about attitude,
self knowledge, style, refinement and sensuality.
And a sense of humour and life knowledge is a very attractive asset.
I adore some of the greats such as Judy, Glenda, Vanessa Redgrave another, Maggie Smith…
Happy birthday to you Anthea, beautiful soul you are.
Yesterday I was with my father on his 97th birthday – like you he was born on the 9th of June and an amazing man he is – a quick witted man; and writer,historian,poet; a man of enormous knowledge, his mind and recall still razor sharp.
Bless you for you, lots of love and best wishes for great year ahead oxo
Anthea Slade replied
Dearest Del…I just adore your comment here and have re-read your comment a number of times…it is salve for my soul. I love what you say here about growing older gracefully and agree with what you said about sexual attraction increasing and not diminishing…I think it does become more refined the more self aware and self accepting you are. Your words about your beautiful father brought tears to my eyes…what a beautiful man and I feel honoured that he shares the same birthday as me. What a wonderful inspiration he must be to you. Thank you for sharing such beautiful…beautiful words and observations with me. I so enjoyed reading them.
Christopher Ge...
“acceptance of the changing self is perhaps the greatest beauty of all” that is an epic quote. Happy lap around the sun may the next bring you lots of fun.
Anthea Slade replied
Oh thank you my friend Christopher on lovely response and ye I am looking forward to the next happy lap around the sun.
Del Millar
Forgot to say my birthday next year is the 60 mark . Every year a celebration – I’ve lost two close friends in death at the age of 61, so….I treasure friends and family, and their beauty,
every moment.
Anthea Slade replied
Wow congratulations dear Del on turning 60 next year…that is great and beautiful achievement…I treasure my family, friends so much too…life is precious…some of my best friends are in their late 50 and early 60. Friendships to me are the meaning life.
Suzanne German
A time of maturity where the acceptance of self and other
leads to a warmth and courage to
wear that smile without fear of lines
and let them breathe and flow
as they follow the contours of our hearts
These words say it all Anthea!
and my daughter shared her birthday with you!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY a beautiful piece of writing – hope you continue to blossom and grow
suzanne x
Anthea Slade replied
Oh thank you so much Suzanne for beautiful comment and for featuring Growing Older With Grace in All Things Poetic, Artistic, Philosophical. And a very happy birthday to your daughter who shares her birthday with me. I will continue to grow and blossom…do you know that my name Anthea means blossom?
Songwriter
I love this. I really get it! Thank you so much. I hope your birthday was brilliant. :0) Song
Anthea Slade replied
Oh song thank you so very much. I am so pleased that you love this.
Mark Ramstead
Anything that takes me closer to retirement is a good thing, and I have more rewarding experiences now than I ever had.
Anthea Slade replied
Thanks for sharing Mark…I find with each year life becomes more rich and more beautiful and I embrace every moment alive. It was wonderful to hear that life is getting better for you too.
wigs
that was a wonderful read….. I recently wrote a piece on acceptance and therefore am attuned to the line “Acceptance of the changing self is perhaps the greatest beauty of all.” beautifully written and so very true…. Many happy returns Anthea
Anthea Slade replied
Wigs thank you so very much for lovely comment and I must take a look at your writing. I had a lovely birthday…thank you for your warm wishes.
Roz McQuillan
Love your heartfelt eloquence, Anthea! So happy to share a little of your birthday with you, my friend!
Anthea Slade replied
Oh thank you Roz…it was wonderful to share a part of my birthday with you…I love my present and I have it sitting right near my computer. Am glad you like this poem
CLiPiCs
Beautiful words from a beautiful soul and woman
Happy Birthday Anthea X
Love ‘N’ Laughter Kriss
Anthea Slade replied
Dear Kriss thank you for this beautiful comment and birthday wish. Your words warm my heart.
bev langby
Oh this is glorious and happy birthday my friend xxx
Anthea Slade replied
Thank you so very much my dearest friend Bev for warm birthday wish and comment.
Kim Grace
Man, I feel a whole lot better about myself :) beautiful words and sentiment and damn true (hey, you’re a bit of alright, Anthea ;)
Anthea Slade replied
I am so glad Kim…I am glad you feel better and I am thrilled that you like this poem. A
blamo
Thats great Anthea ….........
Anthea Slade replied
I always love to celebrate every birthday and reflect on all the beautiful things in being alive.
I hope you have a lovely week my friend.
dannitiller
Anthea… I am yet to meet you, although we know one another in a 3rd degree sort of way… How honest and real your words are… I’ve just embarked on the incredible coming of age and contentment of being 40.. It is truly empowering…
Anthea Slade replied
Danni…oh 40 is a beautiful age dear friend…congratulations…yes 40 and the 40s are an empowering age…I always get reflective on my birthday and this poem was born in the early hours of my birthday on June 9…I am so glad that you feel and see the the honesty of my words and they are real…I believe it is so important to celebrate every year of life becauce being alive is such a beautiful thing and embrace this every day. Thank you for beautiful words…I hope you are very well and yes we know each other in a 3rd degree sort of way.
Delphine de Noire
Exquisite…
A Very Happy Belated Birthday Dearest Anthea, My Most Beautiful Friend…
Mx
Anthea Slade replied
Oh thank you my dear friend Medusa for your wonderful warm birthday wish and words. Anthea x
JonoCarrick
I personally believe something powerful happens to a woman when she reaches her 40’s! She becomes more self-empowered, more aware and more in tune with life. And in many cases she also loses most of her hang-ups.
I personally believe that a woman during this age is at her most sexiest and sensual.
Anthea Slade replied
Wow Jono what a beautiful response to my poem Growing Older With Grace…I just love your words and how you see women in their 40’s and I have to agree my friend :) Thank you also for making making Growing Older With Grace a favourite. Have a wonderful weekend.
linaji
Wow this is really quite amazing .. the words ring in my heart.. thank you for writing this and Happy Belated B day!!!
xo
Linaji
Anthea Slade replied
Oh thank you so much dear Linaji for beautiful response to my poem…and warm wishes for my birthday. I think writing this poem in the early hours of my birthday morning made it a special one. Have beautiful day…and I like your new self portrait…gorgeous! Anthea x
Epazia Espino
I love that you mentioned Judy Dench as i find her to be the most beautiful women, and did you mean Two the Number or To?
Anthea Slade replied
Oh yes Anthea…Judy Dench is a beautiful woman…I just loved her Mrs Brown with Billy Connolly…now I think about it she wonderful in every movie I have ever seen.
Epazia Espino
oh and thanks for reminding me 44 isn’t really that bad, i wouldn’t do 25 over again for anything!
Anthea Slade replied
44 is a wonderful age…I think life gets better with every year that passes…and I think every year should be a celebration…I time for singing and dancing and enjoying life to the full…thank you for the favourite of my poem Growing Older With Grace…..Anthea.
Epazia Espino
ah and as the ever dominate but affectionate M in the new James Bond movies CHEERS for DAME DENCH!
Anthea Slade replied
Oh thanks for letting me know about Dame Dench in new movies…I haven’t seen them yet but I will now add it to my movie list :) Thanks so much Anthea.
Cassey
Happy belated birthday. A young woman without life experience could never write with the grace exhibited here….knowledge & confidence portrayed in 529 words of beauty.
Anthea Slade replied
Oh Cassidy this is such a beautiful response and you made me smile with the eloquence of your words. Thank you so very much for writing this to me.
journeyman
HAppy belated… I just got to Redbubble… as a man who just turned sixty, forty is still robbing the cradle. It is a wonderful age for a woman.
Love your outlook and how you expressed it here.
Buddy
Anthea Slade replied
Welcome to RedBubble Buddy and thank you for your gorgeous comment and warm wishes…yes 40’s are a wonderful age for a woman…I am so thrilled that you like my outlook expressed in my poem…every minute alive is so rich and beautiful and I want to enjoy every minute to the full.
lacewren
”...stop smiling to save their skin…”, ironic. Strange days when women more freely express/celebrate a mind/body nexus, and I wonder at the wonderful. 40 is just gettin’ good, i’n’t it? So, Ms Slade, how many candles on the cake? Who cares, another slice please, sans cosmetic frosting.
Anthea Slade replied
Your comment is beautiful lace…so full of wisdom and humour and yes I cannot stop smiling. Amen to a mind/body nexus…that is wonder (ful) to me. Yes my candles are in the 40’s and so many lovely candles on my cake…and here is a piece for you and you can have another if you like…and yes the 40 is definitely getting good…Love your comment Lace…thank you.
Rhinovangogh
Brava! I have five sisters and have an ear for what women say. I loved Margaret Mead when I was younger. Her, Maya Angelou and so many others help one understand that beauty of course resides inside. Happy belated birthday. May you live at least another hundred years…RVG
Anthea Slade replied
Oh thank you so much RVG…for the power and exuberance of this beautiful comment and for the belated birthday wishes…I think it is a wonderful that you have an ear for what women say and can see that having five sisters would definitely effect that…oh if only to live another 100 years…I would love that…and I smile at the thought…thinking how much I could write, draw and paint and connect with others…the alternative is to embrace each day as a gift and live more the 100 percent every minute. Thank you for your wonderful feedback…truly a joy to read RVG. Anthea
ambient-1
Happy belated birthday Anthea! Such beauty, grace and elegance is so rare… but you have an abundance of all three! This is sublime! ;~)
Anthea Slade replied
Oh thank you so much Ambient-1 for this so beautiful comment on my Growing Older With Grace. Your words make my spirit soar.
oneperfectkiss
I love, love, LOVE your words Anthea. Beautiful and so very true. xxx
Anthea Slade replied
Oh thank you soooo much my dearest Jane for this gorgeous comment…so thrilled that you like my Growing Older With Grace…thank you for your favourite. Have a beautiful weekend my friend. xx
Shoaib .
awwww wowwww this is so amazing dear… i can see your heart in this fully, i think if any woman i ve ever seen age gracefully it is you !!! much love !
Anthea Slade replied
Oh Shoaib thank you so much my friend. Your comment makes me smile and feel warm. Thank you for your beautiful words they mean so very, very much to me.
happyfeet5
Cheers for your words!!!!!! I celebrate for your and my getting older and wiser. Only just believe that you have to do it gracefuly and with dignity. And if your heart is made out of sweetness, honesty, justice and love, that is what people will see when you are 70 or 80 or 90 or 100 and love you for it. And believe me, when you are gone, people will always remember the woman, not the old lady. Beautiful. Lovely
Anthea Slade replied
Oh happyfeet5 thank you so very much for your beautiful comment. Your words warm my heart and I can sense you have a great appreciation for living life with grace and dignity and you are right if you live with sweetness, honesty, justice and love people will remember the woman and not the old lady. Your comment is a precious gift. Thank you so much.