Do you like yourself more today than 10 years ago?

As I age (I just turned 50), I have come to realize that I look and feel better now than I did in my 30’s. Yes, I was younger then. My cheeks were fuller and my butt was firmer. But somehow, I wasn’t all that well put together. Could it have been the wrong haircut? Or the wrong wardrobe? Maybe. But I think it also has to do with something I lacked then but have lots of now —confidence.

I may no longer possess the youthful looks of my 20s and 30s, but the confidence and wisdom I now have surely make up for that. Don’t get me wrong, I still care about looking good, and I still love a compliment. But the way I go about looking good now is completely different than in was in my 30s. I’m more relaxed about it —more realistic— and, in all honesty, I actually think I look better than before.

There are so many amazing women out there whom I admire. While I'd love to be as successful or as beautiful as they are, I accept who I am. I have found what I’m good at and I’m able to stretch those skills to the max. I have complete flexibility, and I’m not trying to be someone I’m not. I can reach my dreams on my own terms and nobody else's.

At 50, I’m able to take myself less seriously. I can laugh at myself, and I can accept others laughing at me too. At 50, I don’t get upset if I try 20 swimsuits and not a single one looks like I thought it would when I picked it up. At 50, I can turn down a lunch invitation if it doesn’t sound fun, and I don’t have to pretend to keep up with everyone’s promotions or new homes. This is me, this is who I am, and realizing this has been extremely liberating.