Do You Have the Courage to Really be Yourself?

Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to talk with 1000s of women in the Sixty and Me community. Through these discussions, nothing has struck me more profoundly than the desire for women over 60 to live life in their own way.

When I ask women whether they want to “age gracefully,” the answer is almost always a resounding “no!” After decades of listening to what other people think, women over 60 are finally ready to be themselves.

As the following quote by EE Cummings eloquently describes, this takes courage.

It takes courage to grow up and be who you really are.

Perhaps there is truth in this. Maybe, as we reach our 60s, we have finally found the courage to be ourselves. We want to look our best, but, only for ourselves. We love makeup and fashion, but, not to attract a man. We want to pursue our passions, not follow someone else’s dreams.

For me, this is one of the most wonderful things about being a woman in her 60s. I can finally be myself, without shame or reservation.

I’d love to get your thoughts on this. Please take a minute to answer the questions below so that we can keep the conversation going.

Are you more or less likely to follow your heart, now that you are in your 50s, 60s, or 70s? Why do you think that so many women over 60 are abandoning the traditional idea of retirement and pursuing their dreams instead? Please join the conversation.