I’m 45 but consider myself 50 basically. Recently I’ve started embracing aging by incorporating into conversation with younger folks at my work. When I was asked why I opt for brighter or lighter colors (in a friendly convo) I relayed that I like wearing softer colors or even brighter ones are kinder to me as I get older and Ive discovered too that they make me happier. When I turn and face the mirror during the day I have more moments of “damn I still got it!l The blacks and grays still have a home (mostly on my head) in my wardrobe but agreed finding community and connection with others at your age and state in life is everything. My happiest moments are times I’m engaged in a conversation with other like minded folks.
Yes, conversations at work are always interesting to me because half the time I want to blurt out, "omg my daughter does the same thing!" and no 20- or 30- something wants to be compared to a 19yo. LOL The point being, everyone at work is always younger than me. I have a single friend in her 50s who makes a point of never getting into age-related conversations at work for fear of age discrimination (she's a coder, so also surrounded by bros).
The first time I'd ever set foot in Wisconsin was to after I'd accepted a transfer here. I work at the airport, and until I met my (now) wife made a grand total of 0 friends off the airfield.
I've been with my company a long enough now that I work with people that were born after I was hired. Every once in awhile that hits me, and it can be really disconcerting.
My husband and I have both always enjoyed engaging with older people--such wisdom there! At the same time, I was very connected with the 18- to 25ish-year-old crowd for a while, mentoring a group and also engaging with lots of students at the university where I worked (I’ve mostly lost my coolness factor now, I think!). I’d love to re-engage with younger people as the community we live in doesn’t seem to have many opportunities for that.
Also, thanks for the recs--just found a couple of Substacks by Black authors that look amazing!
Every time I turn around I love you guys more. I’ll have to write up what “Stan and Mary” thought about hanging around the Solo Stove in your backyard with all you brilliant youngsters🤣. We loved it.
I’m 45 but consider myself 50 basically. Recently I’ve started embracing aging by incorporating into conversation with younger folks at my work. When I was asked why I opt for brighter or lighter colors (in a friendly convo) I relayed that I like wearing softer colors or even brighter ones are kinder to me as I get older and Ive discovered too that they make me happier. When I turn and face the mirror during the day I have more moments of “damn I still got it!l The blacks and grays still have a home (mostly on my head) in my wardrobe but agreed finding community and connection with others at your age and state in life is everything. My happiest moments are times I’m engaged in a conversation with other like minded folks.
Yes, conversations at work are always interesting to me because half the time I want to blurt out, "omg my daughter does the same thing!" and no 20- or 30- something wants to be compared to a 19yo. LOL The point being, everyone at work is always younger than me. I have a single friend in her 50s who makes a point of never getting into age-related conversations at work for fear of age discrimination (she's a coder, so also surrounded by bros).
The first time I'd ever set foot in Wisconsin was to after I'd accepted a transfer here. I work at the airport, and until I met my (now) wife made a grand total of 0 friends off the airfield.
I've been with my company a long enough now that I work with people that were born after I was hired. Every once in awhile that hits me, and it can be really disconcerting.
My husband and I have both always enjoyed engaging with older people--such wisdom there! At the same time, I was very connected with the 18- to 25ish-year-old crowd for a while, mentoring a group and also engaging with lots of students at the university where I worked (I’ve mostly lost my coolness factor now, I think!). I’d love to re-engage with younger people as the community we live in doesn’t seem to have many opportunities for that.
Also, thanks for the recs--just found a couple of Substacks by Black authors that look amazing!
Every time I turn around I love you guys more. I’ll have to write up what “Stan and Mary” thought about hanging around the Solo Stove in your backyard with all you brilliant youngsters🤣. We loved it.
Keep going.
“Stan”