One great thing about being around this planet a while is how self-acceptance gets easier, not harder. By mid-life, most of us know who we are and what we stand for. And yet certain bonus points come along even later in life, way after that half-century mark. They’re wonderful to remember, even freeing …
You don’t have to convince everyone—In my younger days, I felt it my duty to express my opinion—whether politics, religion, or the quality of Madonna’s latest hit—and try and convert people to my side. It was important that everyone knew where I stood, even if it meant some awkward moments (okay, many awkward moments). But now, I’ve learned to relax and nod politely if someone says something that makes me want to tear my hair out. Fighting, even debating, takes more energy than I have. So, I’m quiet and its easier.
You don’t have to keep up with everyone—I’ve written before about being an introvert. Some people identify completely. Others (like my extroverted husband, Randy) roll their eyes and put up with my inward-directed quirkiness. I now must store my social energy like nuts for the winter—an hour-long visit here, a three-hour dinner there, a loud, crowded party in very small doses. I’m always happy I’ve gone. I love our family and friends, but I need to recharge and that can take time. Before, I felt something was wrong with me. Now I see it’s just the way I’m wired.
You don’t have to like everyone—Especially as a female, we’re socialized to, if not adore all people, at least pretend we do. Of course, politeness is a good thing, but there are those we meet that we just don’t get. Even worse, it can be a person that everyone else loves! While everyone is madly laughing at their joke or the story they’re telling about their cat, you want to shrivel and die. I’ve given myself permission to stay away from people who vex my soul, even if I don’t know why. They just do. And what do you know? I’m happier.
You don’t need everyone to like you—Most of us can intuit when we’re not on someone’s “favorite person” list. We’re all animals after all, and we’re programmed primally to sense a non-friendly being. In my old days, I’d bend over backwards to get this person to come around—be extra nice or funny or accommodating. I’d laugh at a cutting remark or left-handed compliment. Then it dawned on me, I don’t need them in my life. Now I shrug it off and let it go. Human beings are complicated and sometimes we’ll never know why we don’t make the A-list. Oh well.
You don’t need to compare—This is a tough one. Especially as a writer, we’re constantly hearing about 35-year-olds on their 3rd best-selling novel. It happens. No matter how above it all we try and be, it’s hard not to look to the left and right. Some of the best musicians I know are local and will probably never play Madison Square Garden (even though I think they should). Most accept that, and each other’s journeys with grace and good cheer. I love that. As Teddy Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
All these boil down to one thing: being gentle on yourself. When you feel those clenches of envy, or anger or social fatigue, it’s okay to let it all go. After all, that’s what bonus points are for.
Do you find yourself doing any of the above? Comments are always welcome and if you’d like to receive posts in your in-box, just press here. Thank you!
Leslie Girmscheid
Great reminders. And it does depend on how we are “wired.” I do like a good cat story, though.
Laurie Stone
Leslie, Thank you!
Pennie Nichols
Time tested and true advice! Thanks for the reminders. I often need reminding.
Laurie Stone
Pennie, I always seem to need reminding too!
Alana
I love this. Growing older takes a lot of the pressure off. I don’t have to like everyone, I don’t have to socialize with people I don’t like (or keep it to a minimum, if they are family), and I can be me. Hurrah! I like me. I am what I am.
Laurie Stone
Alana, Yes, self-acceptance is one of the greatest gifts of aging.
Marcia Kester Doyle
Love this—comparing ourselves to others is the root of depression and low self esteem!
Laurie Stone
Marcia, It’s so true and one of the hardest lessons to learn as we grow older.
Carol Cassara
Boy do I get this… every bit of it
Laurie Stone
Carol, thank you!
Beth Havey
The you don’t need to compare…is a big one in our tech life. So many people SHOUTING what they are doing. I like your quiet response. We need to continue to BE US. Not someone else. We make our own choices. Thanks, Beth
Laurie Stone
Beth, Glad you agree!
Carol A Cassara
I love every word of this. Will share on social.
Laurie Stone
Carol, Thank you so much!
Karen "Wren" Austin
Oh, these are good! Intellectually, I have agreed to these. But my emotional habits have not thoroughly adopted these. I’m going to print this out and put these on my bathroom mirror. Thank you for writing these up in a compelling manner.
Laurie Stone
Karen, Yes, give them a try! I agree, some are harder than others.
Carol Ann Cassara
Age brings with it some of the best ideas.
Laurie Stone
Carol, Definitely.
Lois Alter Mark
Yes! This is so important for everyone to hear. Thank you for the reminders., and happy new year!
Laurie Stone
Lois, Thank you and Happy New Year!
Rebecca Olkowski
I find it hard not to compare myself to others. I know I shouldn’t but I often do.
Laurie Stone
Rebecca, I think that’s the hardest trait to shake, even when we’re older. We’re wired to do that.
Lea Sylvestro
Hi Laurie! As others have said, this piece resonates on pretty much every one of your points. I was raised with “what will people think” as a mantra instilled by my parents – perhaps many women of my generation were. It’s a tough one to break loose from. But you’re right, with age has come greater self-kindness, and a greater willingness to act in a way that sits comfortably for me….while keeping kindness as my guide. XO
Laurie Stone
Lea, Kindness is definitely your guide, so evident in spending any time with you.
Rita
Great advice. We live in such a competitive society, it’s hard to learn not to compare yourself to others all the time.
Laurie Stone
Rita, That’s one of the hardest ones, especially with social media.
Chip
Once again, another spot-on commentary about gracefully absorbing life’s lessons and personal acceptance. I can relate in many ways. Please continue with your thoughtful and well written essays!
Laurie Stone
Chip, Thank you so much! Your comments mean a lot.
JANEANE M DAVIS
You shared some good ideas here. Many of the lessons you shared only come with wisdom. After we have been around a while, we give up on the popularity contests and the need to compete with peole other than ourselves.
Laurie Stone
Janeane, So very true. There are lessons we only learn in our later years.
Pennie Nichols
Comparing is one of the tough ones. Life-long work.
Laurie Stone
Pennie, Probably one of the toughest. It’s even harder with social media.
Diane
Ohmyword! All of the above! I’ve regretted and overthought and over compensated all my life! Now I get to relax. Avoid people who scare me. Enjoy my writing for me! Send uber-extrovert husby out to shop on His own. Compliment strangers. Smile at who I want. It’s so freeing!
Wonderful article, Laurie!
Laurie Stone
Diane, You and I are such soulmates. I also send my uber-extroverted husband into the world while I stay home and read and write. I also stay away from scary people!
Beth Havey
This spoke to me, Laurie. I beat myself up frequently because I haven’t published my novel. I went to this Conference
and all these younger woman have published. And what did I get from the Conference, well some good ideas, but also COVID!!
Sending you a hug, Beth
Laurie Stone
Oh Beth, So sorry about the Covid. Hope you feel better. I haven’t published my novel either, but as long as we’re trying and don’t give up, there’s a chance. Have to get into the right mindset, I’ve learned. Not even take it too seriously.
Jennie Williams
Wow! This gave me tingles!
I’m a Christian rebel. I only manage a home group – not very often a church service.There is someone in our home group who seems quite rattled by my improperness! She is super nice to everyone else but I never get the same treatment. I am training to be a Pioneer with the church – so I can really express the rebel inside me – but I find even the pioneers find me too improper! Not the leaders of the pioneers though.They like my rebellious childlike playful ways. And God says ‘Don’t forget – you don’t have to be liked and you don’t have to be like other people!’ And I keep remembering that.
Laurie Stone
Jennie, You do you. That’s all there is.