BWS Stories - Contest Winners Contest Winners - The Age of Elegance - RUNNER UP
Cynthia A. Lovely is a freelance writer and musician. She
lives with her husband Dwayne, in an old farmhouse in upstate New York. Her articles have been published in Romantic
Homes, Reflections, Cross and Quill, The Interpreter and the Pentecostal Herald. She currently writes on assignment for The Connection, a United Methodist
periodical.
The Age of Elegance - RUNNER UP
The “age of
elegance” is a delightful expression that casts a kindly aura upon growing
older. In defining a maturing woman it
brings to mind a gracious lady, confident and comfortable in her own skin. Through my own aging process I am developing
a clearer understanding of the beauty of individuality. And with that knowledge there is a tremendous
boost of self-esteem. My goal is to
become that gracious lady, embracing this rite of passage in my life.
So often
our society dictates how we should look, how much we should weigh and what fashions
we should follow. I am learning to
search out my own style and to be brave enough to step outside the crowd. In a world filled with jean-clad legs, I
choose to wear feminine flowing skirts. My weight needs to be at a place where
I am healthy and fit and taking care of my own body. I can cheerfully accept a size 12 and not
bemoan the fact that I don’t resemble a model on the latest magazine cover. I have learned to appreciate the choices
others make but I am free to find my own way through the maze. There is such
liberty in learning how to be your self. This is one of the lessons of this age of elegance.
I find
myself pondering deeper thoughts of my existence. I marvel at the fact that my fingerprint is
unique. If my iris is scanned, no one
else will be able to match that pattern. In a world filled with billions of people that is an awesome revelation. Truly I am “fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm
139:14) With this building of confidence
I move on to new experiences and past old fears of failure.
I am exploring new paths in
education. I am traveling more and enjoying new hobbies. I have ventured out into a different career
path, excited about re-discovering a passion for writing.
Along with
the maturity of years comes the realization that it is not “all about me.” I want to reach out to others in my circle of
friends, family and co-workers. My desire is to be sensitive to the needs
around me and to influence others in a positive way. I want to be a true friend, sharing the
knowledge that each person is special and unique. I find pleasure in helping others discover their talents and
abilities and their own sense of self-worth.
Above all,
this age of elegance has taught me to be able to laugh; at myself, at others,
at the impossible situations of life. I search for joy in the darkest moments
and cherish the bittersweet memories of love and loss. I am learning and
growing into the woman that I was created to be. The age of elegance….I welcome it.
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