As we age. changes in our body, how we think, and how we view the world around us can be unsettling. We’ve been changing since birth but as we get to our 40s suddenly these changes get linked to the A-word and it gets scary and even embarrassing. 

Untalkable Mental Changes 

As we approach our 40s, 50s, and beyond there are so many things to be excited about and embrace, and there are also many things to adjust to that feel difficult and scary, especially when we’re afraid to bring them up with others. 

It’s easy to hide in shame and embarrassment, feeling like surely you’re the only one going through these kinds of changes, but in reality you aren’t the only one, and it’s not healthy to go through these phases of life alone and in silence. Becoming an empty nester can feel traumatic, and losing your hair can lead to depression if you’re not coping with the mental challenge of these untalkable changes. 

“You should never ever feel embarrassed or ashamed or uncomfortable or alone about any of these things. But sometimes we are and that's reality, and that's also okay.” -Barbara Grufferman 

Untalkable Physical Changes 

What makes change untalkable anyway? It’s the thing we can easily ignore because as long as we don’t say anything maybe no one will notice. When we’re talking about the untalkable we’re really talking about all the things that are easily associated with youth. 

For women, there is a lot of emphasis placed on our physical appearance throughout life, so when our breasts change shape and size and begin sagging more, our hair begins to thin and unwanted facial hair and acne begins to appear on our face, is feels detrimental to our confidence. 

“Women are put in a position of feeling embarrassed about their bodies, really all through life. It's so ridiculous, but also astounding.” -Yoko Ono 

Men and women alike struggle with losing things like their hearing, their memory, and vision. Something more embarrassing than losing your vision though is living in denial and running into a table you didn’t see right in front of you. 

In this episode I want to speak up for those of you struggling with some of these changes so we can tackle how you feel and so you don’t think of yourself as being the only one going through it. It’s worth repeating that the best way to have a more positive outlook on these things is to talk about them and know that it’s okay if you don’t feel okay. We all struggle together. 

Do you have something you want me to discuss next? Email me at [email protected]  

Connect with Barbara:  

Love Your Age: The Small-Step Solution to a Better, Longer, Happier Life 

Barbara Hannah Grufferman website 

Instagram @Barbara Hannah Grufferman 

 Facebook @BarbaraHannahGruffermanAuthor 

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