At 36 years old, I was taken aback by the wide range of age guesses I received on my TikTok video. From the mid-40s to over 60, people speculated about my age, attributing their guesses to things like my grey hair, skin texture, and fine lines. The common thread in the comments seemed to be an assumption that these physical traits signaled an older age. It was an eye-opening experience, reminding me of the power of perception and the way we often judge others based on appearance alone.
Embracing My Natural Grey Hair
During the lockdown, I made the decision to stop dyeing my hair and embrace my natural grey strands. For me, it wasn’t just about a change in appearance—it became a symbol of authenticity and self-acceptance. By letting my natural greys show, I wanted to send a message to other women: it’s okay to reject the pressures to conform to youth-centric beauty standards. I wanted to feel free in my own skin, knowing that my worth isn’t defined by how I look, but by who I am.
No Cosmetic Procedures, Just Me
A misconception that often comes up is that I’ve had cosmetic procedures, including Botox or fillers. But the truth is, I haven’t. I choose to go makeup-free and allow my natural features to shine through. Yes, those bags under my eyes are there, but they’re the result of sleepless nights spent caring for my infant son. It’s part of the beautiful, exhausting journey of motherhood. There’s no filter, no surgery—just me, in all my real, imperfect glory.
The Power of Perception
Even after revealing my actual age, the comments kept coming, some filled with disbelief, others with admiration. While some people applauded my youthful appearance, others still insisted on their initial guesses, showing just how easy it is to be deceived by physical appearance. It’s a reminder that age is more than just a number; it’s about perspective, and how we choose to perceive others.
Celebrate Authenticity
The experience has been a reminder to embrace who we are, regardless of age or societal expectations. Beauty isn’t about fitting a certain mold or maintaining an artificial standard. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin, accepting yourself as you are, and celebrating your unique journey. So, to all the women out there—you’re beautiful just the way you are! Let’s continue to celebrate authenticity, and let go of the idea that we have to look a certain way to be valued.
