Another Sunday, another decluttering session at That's Not My Age Mansions. I'm feeling quite virtuous as I've already given two bags of books and clothes to charity, and now I have two more. Though, it's always a bit dangerous when you uncover old photographs and realise a) that you didn't actually look that bad when you were younger and b) there's a point in your forties when all the elasticity drops out of your face. But award-winning actress Laura Linney, 47, has spoken. And I've taken a reality check:
'Worrying about ageing is kind of a waste of time - and time is valuable. I hear someone complain about ageing and I just feel almost violent, you know? I don't want to spend my life in my 40s feeling bad about being in my 40s, and then all of a sudden I'm 50, and I will have missed a whole decade! I think it's pretty damn good to age and I hope I always feel this way.'
On that note, I'll get over myself and on with the tidying.
Photo and quote: The Guardian/The Times.
Fabulous quote, thank you for sharing it. She's absolutely right.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I really like Laura Linney and completely agree with her. Time is so very valuable and there does come a time when no anti-wrinkle cream or makeup is going to cover up the life experiences that are showing up in your face - and elsewhere! It can be a bit of a traumatic moment. Doing a bit of de-cluttering myself too. Feeling much better for it!
ReplyDeleteSound advice because 'you'll never look as young as you do today.'
ReplyDeleteThanks very much. Wise words that I will try to remember, because let's face it I can't remember much else these days!
ReplyDeleteI don´t understand this age stress when in one´s forties. I have forgotten that decade.
ReplyDeleteThe years go past so fast, and before long, you´ll realize, that it is too late to start worrying about the changes in your looks.
Concentrate rather on your health, there is much more to really worry about ; ) !
I'm laughing at Ellen's comment - so true! And I love Laura Linney's remarks, of course she is correct. Time is precious.
ReplyDeleteIf we're lucky, we will all get old. I think Mette is right, to concentrate on good health, and to put one's energy there. Love Laura Linney.
ReplyDeletei love laura linney. she is such a fantastic actress and now i know she is SO smart. thanks for sharing this little tidbit.
ReplyDeleteI watch Ms Linney in the Big C. She's a great actress. If this isn't too depressing, the opposite of ageing is actually not getting older at all, i.e. the 'Big D'. That's no alternative. Stuff the numbers. If we spent more time focusing on feeling good rather than looking good we'd spend a lot less energy worrying about digits and be a lot happier.
ReplyDeleteHere, here, Ms Linney!
ReplyDeleteGood quote. Reminds me of when my wise GP response to my comment "you mean the symptoms are due to the no of birthdays" he replied "the alternative would be considerably worse" so bring on the birthdays.
ReplyDeleteShe's right, you know. You start worrying about it in your 40s, you'll still be worrying about it in your 50s and 60s. The best moments are when we can forget about the inevitable.
ReplyDeleteWhat FABULOUS advice ;-)
ReplyDeleteEvery day you waken up, you're winning.
ReplyDeleteCan't remember who said that, but it's my mantra now!
Ali x
I so admire Laura Linney's acting; good to know she's so sensible IRL.
ReplyDeleteReading Diana Athill's wonderful Instead of a Book today I came across this quotation: "Any age over forty is improbable and amazing if one stops to ponder it, which is why I've come to think it is a mistake to do so." And at 93, she ought to know!
A fantastic common sense attitude, I like the cut of this woman's jib.
ReplyDeleteMette/Kathy/projectforty - yes, much better to focus on health and to feel bien dans sa peau than to obsess over a few wrinkles.
ReplyDeleteAlison/materfamilias - great quotes. Thank you for sharing.
she is so right and i agree with her! why worry about something that can't be changed? we can't go back in time. aging is a privilege. as it's often said: consider the alternative.
ReplyDelete-styleODYSSEY blog :)