Coffee Talk: Maturing

As I've said before, I'm no longer in my 20s. My skin, much like my age, has been through a lot. It no longer carries the youthful glow, as much as I try. I can cover my flaws with makeup and create that youthful glow with liquid highlighters, but at the end of the day, I wipe off all those masks and my real face, my real skin, spots and all, come to the forefront.

I often have looked at my skin with such consternation at the flaws that keep popping up, regardless of the care I take of it. The struggle is real.

Each potion I use, each lotion that assures me that this is the miracle cure, only confirms to me how much I am fighting so many things to hold onto an idea that, if we are truly honest, is exactly that, an idea. When I was younger, I was struggling with other issues: loads and loads of spots, oily skin, etc, and yet here I am wistfully wishing to go back to that time.

Each wrinkle I have, each white hair, all the sagging of my skin, only emphasises how much life I've experienced. Whilst the rote comment about beauty as we age may be a panacea to some, for me, the gifts of age only underscores a certain level of frustration as our youthful dreams become replaced with a quiet acceptance of the futility of life. Like the elixir of youth that so many, including myself, wish was a reality, I know I look for that same elixir on other parts of my life.

Even as I struggle with time and the slowing of our bodies, I still try and fight. It's not easy; some days are easier than others. And, when you see others who have clearer, more firmer skin, it can be tough, but I also know it's a dangerous path to go down when you wallow in that misery.

If only there was a potion that allows some people, like myself, to be content with what we have and not wont for more.

Jane