4 minute read
My sisters,
Sometimes I worry.
I worry that these old knees of mine have seen their last “drop it like it’s hot” move on the dancefloor.
I worry that menopause – and all of its splendor – will never, ever end.
But most of all, if I’m honest, I worry that one day I’ll just be a “ma’am,” instead of the young woman I still feel like inside, even when I see the more mature model staring back at me in the mirror.
And then I remember.
I remember one of my first YANAsisters retreats when I freaked out after learning that our youngest expected participant was 23 years old and our oldest was almost 80. I was in full-blown panic mode about whether and how I could bring together women with a difference of more than 50 years of life experience.
That day, I decided that the very thing that could have divided us would be our superpower. I decided that when women came to future YANAsisters retreats, there would be no focus on age, unless it was relevant to the topic at hand. And for that matter, no focus on education, careers, financial status – or any of the things that try to divide us.
Why? Because we’re all women. Women at different stages of life, yes. But women nonetheless who all want the same things: to be seen, heard, affirmed, supported, loved –and yes, to not feel alone.
And guess what? That was one of the most beautiful retreats we’ve had, with longlasting bonds that crossed generations. We all learned from each other, embracing both the wisdom that comes from having been on this planet for “a minute” and the wisdom that comes from fresh, new perspectives. We transported to a place where there was no age or any other “ism” to separate us and accepted that every single woman had something to share and a story to tell.
It’s with this in mind that we conceived this issue of CONNECT, which includes interviews with nine women who span in age from 23 to 109 (yes, you read that right!). We wanted to spotlight AMAZING women who are defying their ages not just physically, but also with their views on life and accomplishments that have followed. We also wanted to show that no matter the age, we are more alike than different... I may be biased, but I think this is one of our best issues yet.
For those who are in a “warmer season of life” or beyond, as you read these shares, I challenge you (and myself) to stop letting age dictate our lives. If we get hot, forget something, or hear our knees creak, we can’t let that stop the show. We’ve got to do what we can to keep our bodies and minds healthy, and ride this ride until the wheels fall off – holding on to our youthful energy and zest for life until the end. AGE AIN’T NOTHING BUT A NUMBER.
For those who are in an earlier season of life, as you read these shares, I challenge you to remember that age should never define us. Never, ever let anyone tell you you’re too young (or old) to be or do anything that God has placed in your heart. Learn from those who have gone before you, yes, but also remember that your destiny is in your and God’s hands. AGE AIN’T NOTHING BUT A NUMBER.
Finally, now that I’ve experienced retreats and meetups where participants’ ages vary so widely, I can’t imagine it any other way. So, my ask is that you keep sharing this magazine and information about YANAsisters with women of ALL ages so that we will continue to be the intergenerational wisdom circle we were obviously destined to be.
To the beautiful women who opened their hearts to us in this issue, I say a huge THANK YOU.
To those who are reading, I hope the stories inspire you and remind you NOT to act your age... and, as always, that you are never alone.
