Listen, I will not blow sunshine up your backside: some parts of aging are downright scary: things break, sometimes the body gets cranky, illnesses happen, people will pass you by and pass away. But as you get older, you realize that your happiness is your choice and your life is your business. You stop living for other people and start living for yourself.

The world bows to women who stand for the life they want. Do not cower before the big, scary world, my beauty. Stand in its face with each passing day and demand it bow before you. It will, in time, yield and celebrate you. This is your life. This is your time. The time will pass anyway. Make it magical. Make it yours. Make it count.

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