I have never been a slave to fashion. I’m certain that anyone who knows me personally will attest to that!  Growing up as a tomboy with a chunky body, along with braces and freckles, I knew trying to be a fashion symbol was a losing battle even when I was young.  So instead of striving for a body image I could never fulfill,  I mostly focused on my mind and imagination. Even more fortunate, I later found a man who loved me for who I was—not just how I looked or dressed.

So, I’ve pretty much considered myself beyond the shaming that so many women receive for not conforming to cultural or peer standards about beauty.  But that has changed some lately. The current discredit seems to be coming from other pro-aging women who imply that if you are still coloring your hair then you are denying your age and afraid to get older.  They also imply that unless you embrace your natural-gray-colored-hair you are contributing to the ageism problem in the world.  Sorry? I don’t agree.  From where I stand hair color has little to do with how a woman feels about getting older.  I happen to believe, like with so many issues, it is actually our internal self-acceptance and attitude about ourselves (and about aging) that makes the real difference. [Read more…]