There was a time when I thought “getting older” meant giving things up — energy, youth, collagen in my neck. (Okay, I do miss that last one.) But lately, I’ve realized something wild: I wouldn’t go back to my twenties for anything. Not even with a brand-new metabolism, zero gray hairs, and the ability to sleep anywhere. (Ok again, that last one I do miss.)
Here’s what I’ve learned (and what our community shared) about why aging is actually awesome, as discussed on this week’s podcast:
1. You Finally Stop Caring What Everyone Thinks
In your 20s, you worry about who likes you. In your 40s and 50s, you worry about whether you remembered your password. Somewhere in between, you realize that other people’s opinions don’t pay your bills, clean your kitchen, or raise your kids. You still care deeply about being a kind person, but the need for universal approval? Gone. And let me tell you, that’s the most freeing anti-aging treatment there is.
2. You Get to Spend “Grown-Up Money”
Remember eating cereal for dinner and buying the cheapest shampoo on the shelf in your 20s? Now, I feel like I get to spend money on things that make me happy. Like new sheets, a nice cup of coffee, or flowers for myself. Penn recently bought himself a bomber jacket for a school he didn’t even attend, and you know what? It brings him joy. It’s ok to treat yourself.
3. Boredom Becomes a Luxury
When I was younger, if I wasn’t busy I felt like a failure. Now, “doing nothing” feels like a spa day for my nervous system. There’s something magical about sitting quietly and not checking your phone. (Still working on that last part.) Boredom means peace.
4. You Learn the Magic of Recharging
In the episode, I joked that if I could redo my wedding, I’d include an “introvert room.” Just a quiet space with dim lighting, snacks, and noise-canceling headphones. Because sometimes the most joyful thing about being at a big party is sneaking away for ten minutes of silence to recharge. (I now fully support adding introvert rooms to conferences, family reunions, and maybe even Target.)
5. You Graduate from Thongs (and Bad Choices)
Listen, if you still love a thong, good for you. Personally? I’ve retired from butt floss. I am a full-coverage, grown-woman underwear enthusiast now. You know what else I’ve retired? Hangovers and pretending I like sky-high heels. Aging means comfort.
6. Confidence Kicks In
So many of our listeners said it best: Confidence is the real gift of getting older. You know who you are, what you stand for, and what kind of wine you actually like. You stop apologizing for your personality, your body, or your boundaries. You realize that “no” is a full sentence — and you start using it.
7. You Start to See the Humor in It All
When bubbles come pouring out of your washing machine, you don’t panic. You take a breath, grab a towel, and say, “Okay, this is today’s adventure.” You laugh more, stress less, and find joy in ridiculous moments — like your husband confusing “rotation” and “revolution” on a science portion of your podcast (looking at you, Penn – so sorry Pam!) Life gets funnier as you age — mostly because you finally stop taking it so seriously.
The Bottom Line
I don’t want to be 25 again. Getting older is a privilege. It’s also pretty hilarious. So here’s to laugh lines, comfy underwear, and the confidence that comes from realizing you are exactly where you’re meant to be. Listen to the full podcast below and tell us what you think!
