Who was it who said, “At fifty, you get the face that you deserve?” I don’t mind the lines around my eyes all that much, or the laugh lines around my mouth. I figure I’ve earned those. But honey, what did I do to deserve this turkey gobbler neck?
I believe in the concept of aging gracefully. To me, that means accepting where you’re at, then doing the best you can with what you’ve got. Let’s face it. After a certain age, it’s all about hiding and highlighting. Throw on a colorful scarf, why don’t you, to camouflage that turkey neck. Not everyone is into makeup, but there’s something about putting on a little lipstick and using an under eye concealer that perks me up no end. That, and filling in my brows with a brow pencil. It helps frame the eyes. Your eyebrows need to a little help because, let’s face it, the hair that used to be in my brows is now growing on my chin.
As you get older, it’s important to not only stretch your body, but to stretch your mind, too. Trying new things keeps you young, right? I’m not big on crossword puzzles and games like Scrabble, but lately I’ve been on this kick of doing things with my left hand that I usually do with my right. I’ve read this is supposed to be wicked good for your brain. By using the hand you don’t usually use, it makes you slow down and think about an everyday task. It’s like doing it for the first time, and this is supposed to exercise parts of your brain you don’t use as much.
Try it! It’s good, wacky fun. And harder than you’d imagine. Try brushing your teeth, pouring your coffee, washing your body, brushing your hair or buttering your toast with your other hand. You may not have time to learn a second language or take a class in chair caning, but this little exercise is doable, folks.
I’m also going to buy myself an early birthday present, a fun scarf, one that makes me think spring. And I’m going to practice smiling, even when I’m alone. Even when I don’t feel like it. ‘Cause the act of smiling makes you feel happier. It just does. Plus, it lifts up the corners of your eyes and your whole face really. Smiling is the closest I’m probably ever gonna come to getting a facelift, and it’s free!
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: What Did I Do Wrong to Deserve This Turkey Gobbler Neck?
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