Aging with Grace

In all aspects of life, we take on a part and appear to be what we wish to be – and thus the world is composed of actors.

Francois la Rochefoucauld

Yes, I am aware that the title of my blog for this week is from Shakespeare’s play, As You Like It and not, Twelfth Night. Let’s call it artistic license. As I was going through my photos, I came across this image from a theater program and decided to use it. Just another example of something appearing as we wish it to be.

We all have roles to play in life. Some of us are good at acting the part. We listen to or observe others and try to mimic their portrayal of who we are supposed to be. Spouse , parent, sibling, friend, co-worker. They are all roles we play. Many times our acting isn’t Oscar worthy. Sometimes it’s not even a role we want. If we had tried out for the part, we wouldn’t have got it.

Often we can be believable in the role we are playing, even though it’s far removed from who we are. Eventually though, we get tired and the mantel slips. It’s exhausting being someone we’re not. Living authentically means we have to take on a role that better suits who we are or try to make over the part to one that fits us.

Whether we appear to be what we wish to be or attempt a role to please someone else, if it’s not our true self we will always feel the stress of pretending. We can reduce anxiety and led a happier life if are able to live authentically. Not always easy, but worth the effort.