Cheers to ageing 🥂

While the Olympic Games are filling our summer days (bravo Léon Marchand ) I’ve been reflecting on the concept of ageing. Is it my upcoming birthday that has me feeling so introspective, or perhaps the numerous 30th birthday celebrations I've been invited to?

Sometimes, I tell myself I don’t want to grow up.

I tried to understand this feeling - is it a myth that we grow wiser as we grow older? I often feel that the older we get, the more doubts and anxieties we face. When entering adulthood, we feel the need to be productive in all areas of life. We start to set up barriers and stop dreaming. When we were kids, we had no trouble imagining ourselves as astronauts or superstars, right?

Spotting my first white hair and making those 'I don't know this song' comments in clubs are undeniable signs that time is flying, and I'm definitely getting older.

The beauty of it all is getting to know myself better (hello, you) and the feeling of building my own life. 

Happy August, and no matter your age, let us nurture our curiosity and innocence - enjoy it!

1 Question for the 30-Year-Olds ☀️

I conducted a small survey among those of you celebrating 30th birthdays this year. I asked you to describe in a few words the positive aspects of getting older. Some of your beautiful answers..

“Having the choice of possibilities.”

“I am more comfortable with myself. With a bit of life experience, I know what I like and what I don't! So far, I haven't seen turning 30 negatively, quite the opposite! And I have much better control over my emotions.”

“Knowing how to surround yourself well and prioritizing the people who matter.”

“Being aware of the importance of taking care of oneself.”

“I don't feel like I'm aging, but rather becoming an adult. Yes, I have more wrinkles and need to exercise more, but I feel like I'm truly becoming myself. Now, even when things happen in my life that I can't control, I know I have a stronger foundation to be okay. I have more time to build. I want to live more slowly and enjoy what I have, my solid foundation.”

“Knowing myself better through experiences, whether in friendships, work, or other areas, which allows me to focus on the things I love.”

“I feel like I have a better appreciation for life and how short it is, and that it's worth living to the fullest.”

“I accept myself more: both my flaws and my small physical insecurities.”

“I feel like I'm becoming more and more myself.”

“Knowing myself better allows me to make better decisions for myself.”

“Being more peaceful and with more self-confidence. ”

“Long-term friendships that deepen with life's events.”

“Gaining experience, and thus skills, and therefore serenity in my profession.” 

“Financial freedom.”

“I no longer worry about others' judgment. I'm no longer afraid of not being accepted or loved by others.”

What about you? 

BITS AND BOBS TO GET INSPIRED THIS MONTH 🌈

• 20 signs you are emotionally mature with The School of Life

• Okinawa, the Greek island of Ikaria, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica... Welcome to the “blue zones”. These are the regions of the world where you are most likely to live to be a centenarian! This 4-episode Netflix documentary reveals the secrets of these well-preserved elders: diets, physical activities, social interactions…

• For those nostalgic about middle school years, you’ll enjoy following Samuel in this fictional series on Arte.

• Some ideas to age joyfully in this article.

• “Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old” — Franz Kafka  
  

• A tune to light up the dance floor this summer

• When asked "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

OLI-REFLECTION 💭

Time goes by faster, and it’s mathematical: at 10 years old, a year represents 10% of our life; at 50 years old, only 2%. The years fly by and fill up. Let’s take advantage of our free time to accomplish what we always put off due to a lack of time. One day, a friend shared their '30 before 30' list with me: 30 things to do before turning 30.

It's a great exercise to take a step back and reflect on our projects, big or small. 

It works at any age. Now it's your turn ✏️

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With love, Léa 💌