Learning to be "Well Seasoned" going through the Seasons of Life

Alright, let's talk about aging. It's a topic that comes up frequently with my friends, and we always seem to default to those charming little platitudes. You know the ones: "I'm not aging, I'm becoming a classic," or "Aging isn't for the faint of heart, it's making me stronger." We all have our preferred ways of making the process sound a bit more... agreeable.

My personal favorite? "I'm not older, I'm well-seasoned." It just sort of tumbled out a few years ago, and it's stuck. It gets a chuckle, which is always nice, but I've actually come to appreciate the sentiment.

Think about it: "well-seasoned" implies flavor, experience, maturity. A seasoned hiker knows the best trails, a well-seasoned dish is pleasant and enjoyable. I'm turning 62 this week – quite a milestone – and I've certainly accumulated my share of experiences throughout the many life seasons. Wins, losses, relationships that have evolved, and those that haven't.

The woman I am today is far different from the one I envisioned in my twenties. Back then, life seemed straightforward, a sort of predictable fairy-tale progression. "Seasoning" wasn't even a consideration. Now, my birthday cake is practically a fire hazard, and yet, 30 feels like it was just yesterday.

It occurred to me that perhaps we could navigate this phase together. These "well-seasoned years," as I like to think of them. Maybe something I've learned, some insight I've gained, could be of value to you. A little nugget of encouragement, perhaps.

So, let's engage in conversation. Share your thoughts, your challenges, your aspirations. Let's create a space where we can support each other, a community of women who are becoming richer and more nuanced with time.

A gentle reminder: I value honesty, but let's maintain a respectful tone. We can be candid without being unkind. We're cultivating a positive environment here, so let's focus on uplifting one another. Is that a fair exchange?

(photo collage-wedding day 1985 - award event 2024 - us on an adventure)