My Journey to Pro-Aging Advocacy
My journey to pro-aging advocacy spans over three decades of counseling, teaching, and speaking, complemented by an MA in Spiritual Psychology. However, it was the personal encounters with age-related despair—in myself, my peers, and my clients—that sparked my resolve to free up and redefine aging.
I became increasingly floored by the pervasive negative stereotypes surrounding growing older. The widely accepted idea of aging as a downhill journey felt inherently flawed.
This discordance drove me to embark on an extensive exploration of aging, spanning scholarly research and artistic expression. My findings led me to become a vocal advocate for a more liberating perspective on our later years. Even now, I still catch myself grappling with ageist thoughts and falling into rabbit holes of bullshit beliefs.
Discovering Beauty in Every Stage
A pivotal moment in my journey came through an unexpected channel: photography. As I documented the various stages of a flower’s life, from budding to dust, I unearthed a profound realization—beauty, value, and singularity are present at every stage of existence. This insight became a turning point, challenging me to dismantle my own ageist views and sparking a larger dialogue about the intrinsic perfection of life’s cycle.
My journey led me to co-create “Older: A Renewable Life,” an interactive game designed to encourage conversations around aging and the end of life, which you can purchase here.
The Dynamic Dance of Aging
What fuels my passion is the dynamic interplay between decline and expansion that characterizes aging. My research and personal reflections have shown that the true “goodies” of aging often emerge through the very process of decline. This natural evolution, when approached with awareness, transforms fear into awe, reshaping our mindset and experiences around aging and dying.
A Dream to Share and Inspire
My aspirations extend beyond this platform; I dream of sharing my message on renowned stages like TED and engaging with influential voices like Oprah. The ultimate goal? To inspire a shift towards embracing aging as an enriching inner journey of authenticity and freedom.
Let's Connect
I am eager to connect with you, your insights, experiences, and reflections on aging are invaluable as we collectively navigate this path. Follow me on social media and join the vibrant “Age Freely” community.