Aging has certainly brought a few unexpected changes. For starters, there are those pesky chin hairs, along with a noticeable decline in the firmness of various body parts. Not to mention the stiff morning shuffle that resembles an arthritic penguin for the first 20 minutes out of bed. While these aspects can be disheartening, there are also some delightful surprises that come with growing older.
My favorite revelation? I’ve become more comfortable expressing my thoughts openly, without hesitation.
As I age, I’ve found myself caring less and less about offending others. It’s quite liberating. Throughout my life, I’ve tended to avoid confrontation. I’ve often bit my tongue, refraining from voicing opinions that needed to be said, simply to avoid being seen as argumentative or causing a scene. Even saying “no” to a request felt daunting. I can’t count the number of times I agreed to things out of fear of disappointing someone, even when it meant inconveniencing myself. Clearly, standing up for myself wasn’t my strong suit.
But now? Test my limits, and I will certainly let you know. If someone crosses me, I’m ready to respond. I’ve adopted a boldness that’s unapologetically fresh, and if you ask me to do something I’m not interested in, you’ll hear a definitive “nah” before you can even finish your question. No more stumbling over excuses — I don’t owe anyone an explanation.
Pop quiz! Guess what I no longer concern myself with:
- a) A damn
- b) A shit
- c) A flying fuck
- d) All of the above
Correct Answer: d!
I’m not entirely sure why aging has led to this newfound assertiveness. Perhaps it’s the realization that life is too short to be a people-pleaser. Or maybe I’ve finally understood that my opinions are just as valid as anyone else’s, and I deserve to express them. Could I be on the fast track to becoming a wise, no-nonsense elder? Either way, I’m not complaining.
What I do know is that it feels incredibly freeing to advocate for myself. I’m no longer bound by obligations I accepted simply because I couldn’t muster the courage to say no. I’m relieved of the burden of resentment regarding commitments that once felt forced upon me. There’s no longer any internal turmoil; I’ve already voiced what I need to say. I prioritize my own needs over societal expectations.
Being assertive is essential for achieving results. Confidence transforms mere hope into action. I refuse to cater to anyone else’s expectations of how I should behave or react. After years of self-development, I’m done hiding who I truly am.
In essence, I can choose to be self-assured and vocal about my feelings, or I can live in a state of regret and hesitation. I wholeheartedly choose the former, and if it ruffles some feathers, so be it.
Now, let me clarify: I’m not becoming overly aggressive or confrontational. There’s a line between assertiveness and hostility, and I’m certainly not aiming to stir up unnecessary drama. I simply grant myself the freedom to express my thoughts candidly. If someone finds my honesty uncomfortable, they can take a back seat — or a whole stadium full of seats. My goal is not to ensure their happiness, and that feeling is exhilarating.
Though my skin may be developing more wrinkles, my emotional resilience is growing thicker — and I wouldn’t trade that for all the youthful suppleness in the world.
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In summary, age has gifted me with assertiveness and confidence that I cherish deeply. Standing up for myself has transformed my life, allowing me to prioritize my needs without the weight of obligation or resentment. Embracing this newfound voice is liberating, and I look forward to more years of unapologetic self-expression.