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Sometimes the biggest changes aren\u2019t about how we look, but how we see ourselves.<\/h2>\n
A new haircut. A little change. A step outside my comfort zone.<\/p>\n
Who knew that something as simple as changing my hairstyle would create such a response?<\/p>\n
I recently shared a Reel on Instagram and Facebook about my new haircut. I was taking a risk, embracing a change and sharing a little glimpse of my experience. I wanted to encourage others to do something they had wanted to do for some time but feared, because you never know what the results will be.<\/p>\n
And it struck a chord!<\/p>\n
The Reel received more views and comments than anything I\u2019ve shared before. But while I loved seeing the numbers, what really touched me was the overwhelming support from women.<\/strong><\/p>\n The lovely comments, encouragement and positive messages reminded me of something important: there is something quite special about women supporting women.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n But there was another part of this experience that got me thinking.<\/p>\n When I shared my new hairstyle, I wasn\u2019t actually asking people to tell me whether they liked it or not. I simply wanted to share how I had approached a change in my appearance, taken a little risk and stepped outside my comfort zone. It was a big leap for me and I still wasn\u2019t really sure I wanted to go through with it when I sat in the stylist\u2019s chair. <\/p>\n Yet, if I\u2019m completely honest, deep down I still felt I needed validation.<\/p>\n At 69, shouldn\u2019t I know better?<\/p>\n Shouldn\u2019t I be confident enough to make a decision about my appearance without worrying what other people think? I know the answer is yes. And yet, that little voice was still there.<\/p>\n Will people like it? Does it suit me? Have I made the right decision?<\/em><\/p>\n It made me stop and ask myself:<\/p>\n Why do we still seek approval from others, even when we know we don\u2019t need it?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n I don\u2019t think there is one simple answer.<\/p>\n Perhaps it\u2019s years of conditioning. Many of us grew up in a time when appearance, fitting in and being accepted were important. We learnt to consider what others might think before making decisions about ourselves.<\/p>\n Perhaps it\u2019s also human nature. We all want to feel accepted, appreciated and connected. A kind word or a supportive comment can make us feel seen and valued.<\/p>\n And perhaps change makes us vulnerable. When we do something different, particularly something as visible as changing our appearance, we put ourselves out there.<\/p>\n We are no longer hiding behind what is familiar.<\/p>\n Even when we make the decision for ourselves, there can still be a little uncertainty about how others will respond.<\/p>\n And that\u2019s okay.<\/p>\n The important thing is recognising when we\u2019re seeking encouragement because it feels good, and when we\u2019re relying on someone else\u2019s approval to feel good about ourselves.<\/p>\n There is a difference.<\/p>\n What I loved most about the response to my Reel wasn\u2019t simply that women liked my haircut. It was the spirit of encouragement.<\/p>\n Women taking the time to leave a lovely comment. Women sharing their own experiences of change. Women reminding me that it\u2019s never too late to try something different.<\/p>\n And that got me thinking about how important this support becomes as we move through our 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.<\/p>\n We are constantly navigating change.<\/p>\n Our bodies change. Our priorities change. Our circumstances change. Sometimes our relationships, careers and even our sense of identity change.<\/p>\n We might decide to cut our hair, change our wardrobe, start a new fitness routine, travel somewhere different or pursue something we\u2019ve always wanted to do. And sometimes we just need someone to say, \u201cGood on you!\u201d Not because we need their permission, but because encouragement can give us the confidence to keep going.<\/p>\n I think we underestimate the impact of a few kind words. A genuine compliment, a supportive comment or simply acknowledging another woman\u2019s courage can make a difference.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s keep doing more of that.<\/p>\n One of the things I\u2019m learning as I get older is that confidence isn\u2019t necessarily about never doubting yourself. In fact, I wonder if I will ever overcome self-doubt. But that\u2019s okay I\u2019ll keep trying. It\u2019s about recognising the doubt and not allowing it to make all your decisions.<\/p>\n These things aren\u2019t mutually exclusive.<\/p>\n Perhaps the goal isn\u2019t to reach a point where we never care what anyone thinks. Perhaps it\u2019s about caring less about approval and more about how we feel about the choices we\u2019re making.<\/p>\n After all, it\u2019s my hair. My life. My decision.<\/p>\n And if I decide I want to change it again next month, that\u2019s okay too!<\/p>\n This little haircut experience reminded me that change doesn\u2019t have to be enormous to be meaningful. Sometimes it\u2019s a new hairstyle. Sometimes it\u2019s wearing something you\u2019ve always admired but never felt brave enough to try. Sometimes it\u2019s saying yes to an opportunity, saying no to something that no longer serves you, or simply deciding to do things differently.<\/p>\n At 69, I\u2019m still learning, still growing and still occasionally looking for reassurance. But I\u2019m also learning that I don\u2019t need to wait for someone else\u2019s approval before I embrace something new.<\/p>\n And perhaps that\u2019s what living life in full bloom is really about.<\/p>\n Not having everything figured out. Not being fearless. But continuing to grow, taking a few risks, accepting ourselves along the way and surrounding ourselves with women who encourage us to be ourselves.<\/p>\n So, thank you to everyone who responded to my little haircut Reel. Your support meant more than you probably realise.<\/p>\n And to all the women reading this:<\/p>\n Keep experimenting. Keep changing. Keep being curious about who you might become.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need permission to bloom.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n A little reflection for you<\/strong><\/p>\n Have you ever made a change in your appearance, lifestyle or life direction and found yourself secretly hoping others would approve?<\/p>\n Do you still seek validation, even when you know your decision is yours to make?<\/p>\n I\u2019d love to hear your thoughts, because sometimes, sharing our vulnerabilities is exactly what helps another woman feel less alone.<\/p>\n Until next time\u2026..<\/p>\n Women Living Well After 50<\/em> P.S. Here is the link my Instragram reel if you missed it.<\/p>\n\n
I wasn\u2019t asking for opinions\u2026 Or was I?<\/h2>\n
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Why do we seek validation?<\/h2>\n
The power of women supporting women<\/h2>\n
Learning to trust ourselves<\/h2>\n
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It\u2019s never too late to reinvent yourself<\/h2>\n
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Helping Women Over 50 Bloom in Life \ud83c\udf38<\/p>\n