The True Meaning of Aging With Grace & Style

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:00:20

Hey there, fabulous friends. This is Valerie, and welcome back to another episode of Aging with Grace and Style. I am so excited to be here with you. As you know, I'm a believer that age is merely a number, and it doesn't dictate our vitality, our relevance, or our style. So today we're going to be focusing on a topic that is at the heart of this podcast. What does it mean to age with grace and style? This is a topic that I hold dear because it defines my approach to life. When I say style, I'm not just talking about fashion, although that's certainly a part of it. Style is also the way we carry ourselves, our attitudes, our values, and how we express our unique personalities.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:01:10

Think about the women in your life who you consider to be full of grace and style. Perhaps it's their radiant smile, their laughter, the wisdom in their eyes, or the way they command a room just by being in it. That's what I want us to explore, to embrace, to celebrate together. So buckle up, ladies. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or grab your favorite beverage. I got mine. And let's dive into this exciting topic together. Let's learn, grow, and embrace the beauty of aging with grace and style.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:01:51

Before we dive deeper into our topic today, I'd like to share our Words of Wisdom segment, where we start off with an inspiring quote that sets the tone for our conversation. Today's quote is from the fabulous actress Helen Marin, who said, the trick in life is learning how to deal with it. Isn't that just spot on? When we talk about aging with grace and style, we're not talking about avoiding or denying the aging process. Rather, it's about learning to navigate the changes and challenges that come with each new chapter of our lives. It's about embracing where we are right now, with all the ups and downs, and moving forward with positivity, resilience, and, of course, style. So let's keep that in mind as we explore what it means to age with grace and style. Remember, the trick isn't to avoid aging, but to learn how to deal with it in a way that reflects who we truly are. And with that, let's dive into today's topic.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:03:04

When I say Aging with grace and style, I'm referring to a life philosophy, a kind of personal manifesto that we choose to live by. It's about embracing each stage of our lives with a positive outlook, self confidence, and a sense of personal style that's uniquely ours. Let's take a moment to think about this. Have you ever met someone who, regardless of their age, just seemed to exude a magnetic energy? Someone who made you think, wow, I hope I can be like that when I'm their age? To me, these are the people who are aging with grace and style. They radiate warmth, wisdom, and vitality. They're comfortable in their skin, and they seem to glow from within. So consider Hollywood icon Helen Mirren, who we mentioned during our Words of Wisdom segment. She's over 70, but she's still vibrant and full of life and certainly stylish.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:04:09

She carries herself with an undeniable grace and confidence. I'm sure you have someone in mind who's just like this. These women are examples of what it means to age with grace and style. They've rejected societal expectations and pressures associated with aging, and instead, they've chosen to write their narrative. They celebrate their age, their wisdom, their experiences, and their elegance. They're not just growing older, they're growing bolder. And that's precisely what aging with grace and style is all about. When we talk about grace, we're referring to a serene acceptance and inner tranquility that comes from embracing the reality of life's journeys.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:05:00

This involves acknowledging the physical changes that come with aging, but doing so with a sense of appreciation rather than dread. Yes, ladies, our bodies do change as we age. We see the emergence of wrinkles. Our hair might turn gray and we may not be as agile as we once were, but instead of viewing these changes negatively, we should see them as signs of our rich life experiences. Let me share a personal example that I hope might shed some light on what I mean by aging with grace. So a few years back, and well, recently too, I noticed that my body was changing. Those jeans that I could easily slip into were just suddenly fitting a bit snug around the waist. Now, my first reaction, like probably many of us, was a mix of frustration and a tad bit of denial.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:05:59

I even considered going on a drastic diet, even though I knew that that wasn't going to work. Our bodies naturally change as we age. Weight fluctuation, especially around the midsection, is common for women in their 50s due to hormonal changes. But instead of punishing my body with an extreme diet, I chose to adjust my lifestyle in a healthier, more sustainable way. I began to focus more on a balanced nutrition and incorporated more regular physical activity to include strength training into my daily routine. And instead of trying to squeeze into those jeans, I actually went out and I bought a new pair that not only fit me comfortably, but they made me feel confident and stylish. Now, don't get me wrong, I still have those other jeans aging up, but they're going to be a gauge of how I'm progressing on this journey. Now, here's another example that comes to mind related to my hair.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:07:01

So it's quite common to notice those first signs of gray and hair, and for me, it's always around the edges and I immediately rush to my hairstylist or grab a box of dye. Now, I won't lie, I too have felt and acted on an urge a time or two when I've seen a gray hair. However, it's really not to hide my age. I have always colored my hair because it really fits my personality better. And honestly, it makes me feel vibrant and stylish. So I do that for me. I don't do it because I feel pressured by societal expectations. That's what Aging with Grace is all about.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:07:44

It's about accepting the changes, adjusting to them in a way that maintains our health and well being and making choices that make us feel good about ourselves, not because of societal pressures, but because it's what we want. Now, let's talk about style. Often people equate style with fashion, but it's so much more than that. Style is an expression of your unique personality, values and experiences. It's about carrying yourself with confidence and choosing to present yourself to the world in a way that reflects your inner beauty. Style is about owning your narrative and celebrating your individuality. So when it comes to style, I can't stress enough how it's all about expressing ourselves and feeling comfortable and confident. Let me share a personal story that I think encapsulates this idea perfectly.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:08:49

So a few years ago, I attended a friend's 50th birthday party. Now, the invitation stated cocktail attire. We all know that that generally means a nice dress or a fancy pantsuit. So as I stood staring in my closet, this daring idea crossed my mind. There is this great, bold parent pattern jumpsuit that I had bought on a whim a while back, and I never had the courage to wear it because I'm usually not a bold pattern person. But just something about this jumpsuit spoke to me in the store. So as I'm standing in my closet, I'm telling you, it was screaming, wear me. Wear me.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:09:35

So I hesitated at first because I worried about what others might think. Would it be too bold? Is it too unconventional? Is it too not me? Or rather, not the me that people usually see and what they usually see me in? But then I remember what style truly means. It's a reflection of who we are. I knew that jumpsuit was me, if only for that night, it was me. So I decided to take the plunge. I wore that jumpsuit to the party. Now, I did pair it with a nice black blazer, okay? Because I had to tone it down a bit, put on my favorite heels, added a touch of my favorite lipstick, and I was good to go. Ladies, let me tell you, I felt like a million bucks.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:10:27

Sure, it was different from what most other women were wearing, but I felt comfortable, confident, and incredibly stylish. And the best part? I received so many compliments that evening. Now, that's what style is all about. It's not about following trends blindly or dressed in a certain way because society expects us to. It's about expressing our individuality, our personalities, and feeling confident in our own skin. It's about embracing and showcasing who we are. Remember, confidence is the best outfit you can wear. So rock it and own it.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:11:12

Now that we've explored the concept of style and how it goes beyond just what we wear, I think it's the perfect time to introduce our Health Hack segment. This is a special part of the show where I share simple but effective tips that can make a big difference in our health and wellness journey. After all, embracing our style is so much easier when we feel good from the inside out, right? So let's dive into today's health hack. One of the simplest and most beneficial things we can do as we age is to stay hydrated. I know it sounds so basic, right? But hydration is key to so many aspects of our health. It keeps our skin looking fresh and vibrant, AIDS in digestion, and it even keeps our joints lubricated. Plus, staying hydrated can help us feel more energized and alert. But let's put a stylish twist on it.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:12:09

Instead of reaching for a plain old glass of water, why not infuse it with some flavor? Try adding slices of cucumber, lemon or strawberries to your water. Or if you prefer a warm option, try brewing a pot of herbal tea. Now, my personal favorite is Hibiscus. It's not only delicious, but it's packed with antioxidants. Now remember, ladies, staying hydrated doesn't have to be boring. With a little creativity, it can be a refreshing and stylish part of our daily routine. So for me, I also like to and a really cool or pretty or different water bottle. As a matter of fact, I probably have too many water bottles.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:12:55

But it's what works for me and helps me to get my water in. So that's our health hack for today. I hope you found it useful. Remember, these small changes can make a big difference over time. Now, armed with that health hat, let's shift our focus back to the broader picture. We've talked about grace. We've talked about style. Now let's talk about how we use these principles to live our lives to the fullest.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:13:27

Remember, aging with grace and style isn't just about looking good. It's about feeling good and living a life that's fulfilling and full of joy. So let's explore this a little bit further. Finally, aging with grace and style is about living our lives to the fullest. It's about staying active mentally and physically, pursuing our passions, nurturing our relationships, and experience life's offerings. It's about not allowing our age to limit our dreams and ambitions. Also, taking care of our health is crucial in this journey. A well balanced diet, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a solid network of friends and family are all part of living a full and vibrant life.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:14:23

Let me share my last personal example with you about reconnecting with your passions. So, I've always had a love for writing or blogging and sharing my experiences. But at one point, life got busy with work, my son, sports, and everything else that fills our days. So my passion for writing took a backseat, and for a while it seemed like it was going to stay there. But then a few years ago, as I was deciding what I was going to do with myself after college basketball was over for my son, I came across a blog post from a woman who was in her sixty s and had just started her own blog. I'm telling you, her enthusiasm and joy were infectious and it reminded me of my own love for writing. So I decided it was time to dust off my writing skills and start blogging again. Now, I won't lie, it was a little daunting at first.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:15:24

Things had really changed since I was last in the game, and I worried about whether or not anyone would even be interested in what I had to say. But I pushed past those fears. I started writing about my experiences through my blog, through my newsletter, which you can sign up for, and through social posts on social media. I write about aging with grace and style, about challenges and joys of growing older. And you know what? The response has been great. People have commented, telling me how much they couldn't relate to my stories. I've realized that my words resonate with others and that brings me joy and satisfaction because that's what I want to do. Even if it's one person who might walk away with the message or feeling great about themselves on a not so great day.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:16:17

That's what makes me happy. So maybe for you it's not about blogging, but it could be about painting, playing an instrument, gardening or traveling. The point is, don't let age hold you back from doing what you love. Seek out opportunities that bring joy, fulfillment and a sense of purpose to your life. Remember, ladies, we're not just aging, we're evolving. And that evolution should be filled with passion, joy and excitement. We've had a great discussion about living life to the fullest, and I hope it's inspired you to continue embracing your own journey with grace and style. But this show isn't just about me talking.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:17:05

It's about us having a conversation. This leads us to our Listeners Lounge segment, where I answer a question from one of you, our fabulous listeners. These questions help us dive deeper into our topic and explore it from a different perspective. So let's see what's on the agenda for today's Listeners Lounge. We have a question that was submitted in by Kathy. It says, hi, Valerie. I'm Kathy from Denver. I turned 60 last year and I'm having a hard time adjusting to this new decade.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:17:42

I feel like society expects me to become invisible now that I'm older. How do I maintain my confidence and visibility as I age? Hey, Kathy, thanks so much for your question. First of all, let me say that I completely understand where you're coming from. I too turned 60 last year, and I can say of all my milestones, not 40, not 50, but 60 was probably the hardest for me. I don't know why. Obviously, I was glad to be alive, but it was just a difficult decade to enter into mentally. But I got over it. So now, to answer your question, society does tend to put these labels on us as we age.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:18:37

But you know what? And this is what helped me we have the power to redefine those expectations. Aging doesn't mean that we become invisible. In fact, I believe it's truly a time for us to shine. So firstly, maintaining confidence starts with self-love. So I say embrace your age and the experiences and wisdom that come with it. You have lived a rich life that's definitely worth celebrating. Secondly, remain visible by expressing your unique style. This doesn't just mean fashion, although it can certainly be a part of it.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:19:24

It could be through your hobbies, through your work, your passions, anything that allows you to express your individuality and let your personality shine. And finally surround yourself with a supportive community that uplifts and encourages you. Whether it's friends, family, or joining groups with like minded people, being around positive influences will help you feel seen and valued. I know for me personally, that's a big one. I have a group of friends that I just love to be around and to connect with. So we encourage each other, we pray for each other. Lord knows we make each other laugh, but we are just there. We celebrate the birth of grandchildren.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:20:18

Well, their grandchildren. I don't have any yet, but that has helped us. If one person is going through, one person's feeling down or one person's filling up, we are there to comfort and cheer each other on. So, Kathy, remember, as I always say, age is just a number. You're vibrant, you're valuable, and you deserve to be seen. So I really do want to thank you for reaching out and just keep shining, keep doing you now, really, what a great question that was from Kathy. I hope that my response provides some insight and helps not just Kathy, but all of you who might be having similar thoughts or concerns as we're nearing the end of our time together today. Let's wrap up by recapping the key takeaways from our chat.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:21:17

Let's take a moment to really appreciate the essence of what it means to age with grace and style. It's not about erasing our years or trying to fit into a mold society often dictates for older women. It's about something so much more profound and liberating. You see, aging with grace and style is about recognizing that every line on our face, every gray hair, every experience we've accumulated over the years, it's all part of our story. It's part of who we are. And there's something that's incredibly empowering and accepting that story and celebrating it rather than trying to rewrite it. It's about knowing that our style, our way of expressing ourselves doesn't have to fade or diminish as we grow older. In fact, as we age, our style can become even more defined, more distinctive, because it's shaped by our life experiences, our joys, our sorrows, our victories, and our lessons.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:22:26

It's about understanding that there's an entire world of opportunities out there waiting for us to seize them. From the simple joy of starting a blog and sharing our thoughts with the world to the thrill of embarking on a new fitness journey, to fulfillment that comes from strengthening our bonds with loved ones or forming new friendships, aging doesn't mean slowing down. It means continuing to embrace life with curiosity, with enthusiasm, and new experiences. So I want you to leave today's episode with this in mind. Aging with Grace and Style isn't about looking a certain age or act in a certain way. It's about living authentically, embracing who we are at every stage of life, and pursuing what brings us joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. And if you're sitting there thinking, Girl, it's too late to start, let me assure you, it's never too late. Each day brings a new opportunity to start living with more grace, with more style, with more authenticity.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:23:38

So why not start today? As always, thank you for joining me on this journey. And remember, we're not just growing older. We're growing better, wiser, and I dare you to say it, more fabulous. Until next time, keep shining, keep exploring, and keep living your life with grace, style, and a touch of sack. Thank you so much for joining me on this episode of the Aging with Grace and Style podcast. Make sure to subscribe on your favorite platform so that you don't miss an episode. You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram at I am Valerie Hatcher. If you follow me, be sure to comment or DM me saying I'm Aging with Grayson style, or you can reach out to me directly at valerie@valeriehatcher.com.

Valerie Hatcher [: 00:24:35

Until next time, let's continue to age with grace, style, and a touch of sass.