It's one of those things that has to be done. And, for the most part, it's out of our control.
Unless something catastrophic happens, we are all going to age. Some of us will look better doing it. Some of us will just handle it better.
Some things about aging are liberating for me. I seriously don't have to worry anymore about how I look in a mini skirt. That ship, as they say, has sailed.
But I have gotten much more comfortable in my own skin.
I took this self portrait last week. No makeup. No concealer. No lipstick (!). No photoshop. This is me in all my natural glory.
I was taking the photo to document for a friend how far along my curls have come since I started growing them out last year. I was surprised to find, after I took the photo, that I thought I looked pretty much like myself and it pleased me. (I also like how the summer sun has given me these natural highlights, but that's not important right now.)
I just wrote an article for MamasLatinas.com for their ¿Que Mas? section. It's titled 5 Steps to Aging Gracefully. I started off by writing, "I'm 58 years old. There. I said it."
They used a stock photo of a beautiful, happy, laughing woman to illustrate the article. That's okay. That's exactly how I feel.
But this is really me. I'm the one with the really contented look on her face. I'm 58 years old. And it's a good place to be.
(Please go visit MamasLatinas and read the article, then come back and tell me what you think.)
Beautiful...simply beautiful!! :-)
Posted by: Suzy | July 30, 2013 at 10:31 AM
Beautiful :) I am trying to age gracefully---I will be 50 in September. I am more comfortable in my skin than I have ever been but I wish it held up better LOL
Love your article !
Posted by: Mercy | July 30, 2013 at 10:38 AM
Always inspiring! You look great and are wonderful! xoxo, Zelde
Posted by: Zelde | July 30, 2013 at 10:38 AM
Cubanita Bella!
Posted by: Lily | July 30, 2013 at 10:40 AM
You are gorgeous! Thanks for being brave to share.
Posted by: Jackie | July 30, 2013 at 10:40 AM
Very inspiring! Thank you for the beautiful words...
Posted by: Gloria | July 30, 2013 at 12:52 PM
Love to read your blog, you inspire me. Beautiful picture of you.
Posted by: Diana | July 30, 2013 at 05:32 PM
You look great!
Posted by: Maria Alonso | July 30, 2013 at 06:04 PM
You look wonderful Marta, its great to see a wonderful lady so full of life and happy with herself; very inspiring! I love your hair!
Posted by: ELISA PINEIRO | July 31, 2013 at 09:20 AM
Thank you, Suzy. *blushes*
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | August 01, 2013 at 10:22 PM
I'm still a work in progress, Mercy! xo
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | August 01, 2013 at 10:23 PM
I appreciate you saying so, Zelde!
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | August 01, 2013 at 10:23 PM
Gracias, Lily! ;-)
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | August 01, 2013 at 10:23 PM
I'm working so hard to be brave. Thanks for saying so. xo
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | August 01, 2013 at 10:24 PM
I am glad. I want to be inspirational. Even if it means going without makeup! ;-)
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | August 01, 2013 at 10:25 PM
Gracias, Diana. xo
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | August 01, 2013 at 10:25 PM
Thanks, Maria! I feel pretty good, too.
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | August 01, 2013 at 10:25 PM
Thank you for your kind words, Elisa. I am getting more and more used to my hair. =D
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | August 01, 2013 at 10:26 PM
Marty!
Not only gracefully, but beautiful too!!! I love how the sun has kissed your hair with highlights :))
I wish you well :) Melek
"The recipe for beauty is to have less illusion and more Soul, to retreat from the belief of pain or pleasure in the body into the unchanging calm and glorious freedom of spiritual harmony." ~ MBE
Posted by: Melek | August 04, 2013 at 08:05 PM
Marta, estas divina!!
Posted by: Maria Aguirre | August 08, 2013 at 01:23 PM