What Do You Call Yourself As You Age?

For many women, the prospect of aging can be daunting. It carries an undeniable weight, a burden that seems to bear down on us, often creating an overwhelming fear. The societal perception can be harsh, treating the process as a discardable, unjust inevitability.

But let's challenge this narrative.

Let's choose to see aging not as a curse, but as a journey. A journey of growth, wisdom, and resilience. Women are not mere objects to be tossed aside when their youthful glow fades. We are so much more. We are survivors, continually evolving, forever growing.

Let's embrace the beauty of our journey, each wrinkle a testament to our strength, each grey hair a trophy of our wisdom.

Aging is not a curse, it's a privilege. And we are not just surviving it, we are thriving through it. As I embrace my silver strands, faint lines around my eyes, and my right knee's newfound aversion to stairs, I ponder on the right description for this stage of my life.

The labels 'old woman', 'crone', and 'senior citizen' fail to capture the essence of my journey. They simply do not do justice to my rich tapestry of experiences as a pioneering Black woman. Moreover, these words fall short of summarizing my invaluable roles as a devoted mother, a loving grandmother, and a steadfast friend. I am not just an ordinary woman; I am an embodiment of strength, resilience, and love.

What unique qualities do I bring to the table that a 20-year-old might lack? I carry a wealth of wisdom, forged through years of critical decision-making. My character strength has been meticulously crafted through a tapestry of personal trials and tribulations, lessons learned from missteps, and heartfelt apologies to myself and others.

With a wealth of experience that sparked at the tender age of 16, my journey has been nothing short of remarkable. It's a journey that's been fueled by an unwavering commitment to shattering color and gender barriers. Today, my relentless pursuit continues unabated, stronger and more determined than ever.

I now introduce myself as the 'Wisdom Walker', I tower with the mighty legacy of my ancestors at my back, and a radiant future brimming with joy, laughter, and triumphant success ahead. I stride confidently in the realm of my wisdom, expressing profound gratitude to the Divine for blessing me with a robust body temple, ready to embrace my upcoming thrilling adventures.