Aging has brought some unexpected surprises my way. There are the annoyances like chin hairs and a noticeable decline in the firmness of, well, almost everything. And let’s not forget the delightful morning routine of hobbling around like a wounded penguin for the first twenty minutes after waking up. While these changes can be disheartening, there are also some delightful perks to getting older.
One of my absolute favorites? The newfound confidence to express my thoughts without hesitation.
As I age, I’ve found that my concern for offending others has significantly diminished, and it feels fantastic. For most of my life, I was the type to avoid confrontation at all costs. I often bit my tongue and refrained from speaking up, worried about coming across as argumentative. Even saying “no” was a challenge—I can’t count the number of commitments I took on simply because I lacked the courage to decline. Clearly, I struggled with assertiveness.
But now? Test my patience, and I’m ready to respond. Cross me, and I’m not holding back. If someone asks me for a favor that I’m not interested in, I’ll say “no” before they even finish their sentence—no explanations needed. I’ve learned that I don’t owe anyone an elaborate justification for prioritizing my own needs.
Pop quiz time! What do I no longer care about?
a) A damn
b) A shit
c) A flying fuck
d) All of the above
Correct Answer: d!
I can’t pinpoint exactly why aging has sparked this shift in me. Perhaps it’s the realization that life is too fleeting to spend it catering to the expectations of others. Maybe it’s taken me this long to understand that my voice carries just as much weight as anyone else’s. Or maybe I’ve stumbled upon the express lane to becoming that spirited older woman we all know and love. Regardless of the reason, I’m not questioning this newfound freedom.
This transformation allows me to release myself from obligations I previously accepted out of fear or discomfort. I no longer find myself dwelling on missed opportunities to speak up; instead, I’m actively taking care of my own needs and desires. Assertiveness has become my ally. Confidence is the key to turning aspirations into reality, and I refuse to sit back and conform to societal expectations about how I should think or act.
In short, I can choose to be self-assured and express my opinions when needed, or I can continue living in a state of doubt and regret. I’m choosing the former, and I don’t care if it ruffles a few feathers along the way.
Now, to clarify, I’m not morphing into some aggressive monster—there’s a distinct difference between assertiveness and aggression. I’m not out here hurling insults or stirring the pot just for kicks. Instead, I’ve simply granted myself the freedom to voice my thoughts.
If someone doesn’t like what I have to say, they can take a seat—better yet, a whole stadium’s worth of seats. I’m not here to please anyone else, and that feels liberating. My skin may be developing wrinkles, but it’s also growing thicker, and I wouldn’t trade that for any youthful glow.
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In summary, aging has empowered me to embrace assertiveness and prioritize my own needs over the expectations of others. I’m no longer hesitant to speak my mind, and I relish the freedom that comes with it.