Women over 50 have been talking about the feeling of invisibility for years. Most women have felt it—some more than others.

What are the connotations and ramifications of the label of invisibility?

Becoming invisible happens slowly; we don’t suddenly disappear; it is a gradual fading, almost invisible. So except for the feeling that something is changing, we barely realize it is happening.

Then one day, we realize we are irrelevant and have become invisible in society’s eyes. However, invisibility is not about aging. It is about how our culture imposes a stigma upon us.

For this reason, many women resist the aging process. They are holding onto youth, shielding the truth of reality from themselves. They have not made peace with their reflection in the mirror.

Nothing in nature stands still, why are we resisting? 

 

When I decided to follow the course of nature and let my gray hair shine, I let go of pressures I hadn’t realized I was carrying around—forces of how I was taught to be.

I am not advocating for all women to go gray; it is a personal choice, just like our wardrobe. Yet, for me, it was a gateway to my authentic self. Letting go of the pressure to stay young was liberating.

Evidence of aging was not a ticket to invisibility; it was quite the opposite; it was a ticket to freedom.

It was a badge that said I could be and do as I wished. I no longer needed society’s permission to be me.

No longer hindered by limiting constricts, I now saw qualities like gratitude, kindness, empathy, and compassion more than I saw physical traits.

These qualities are invisible to the eye, bringing me back to the concept of invisibility.

Because someone cannot see us does not mean we are invisible or of lesser value; it means they are looking for something we are not and ignoring the ‘who’ standing before them.

People have always been labeled. The adulterer, the witch, the spinster, and the label of invisibility are no different. It is just something society has pinned upon us.

It is time to rethink how we choose to respond.

Perception is one of our greatest tools.

The power we wield is in how we respond to challenges. To change how society perceives us, we simply no longer buy the concept we are irrelevant. This shift in response will affect change.

While the label of invisibility initially felt like an insult to me, it provided a gift to explore who I am outside societal norms and expectations.

#EvolutionEqualsChange. Our development of ourselves comes from no longer following and abiding by the status quo.

 Transform from Invisible to Invincible:

Change our mindset.

Stop complaining about our age.

Stop blaming others for how they perceive us.

Change our inner dialog.

Adjust to reality.

Become our extraordinary selves.

Because we age, it does not mean it’s too late to redefine our identities. On the contrary, we are 38.4 million excellent, impactful, self-aware boomers. So let us embrace our wisdom and honor our value and worthiness.

Our choices are paving the way for the generations of women to follow. So let us become the #SocialTrendWorthFollowing. Become the trend by becoming who you are meant to be. Stop following; start leading.