Dear Rose # 64 - Midlife Body Image: Navigating the Mirror and Self-Worth

Rose is an amalgam of us - women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond who are looking for somewhere they are seen, heard and listened to.

Dear Rose,

For the first time in a long time, I’m struggling with my body image.

I’ve started filming myself more for my new Dear Rose videos on social media, and I’ve also just begun a short morning and evening yoga practice in my bedroom where it’s cozy—which happens to be right in front of a mirror.

My belly is round. It’s always been round, from the time I was a toddler through to when I was very thin. Now, with the middle-aged spread, I get shocked at its size whenever I see myself. And my jawline is softer; I’ve been blessed with an extra chin or two, along with the jowls Hugh Grant complained about in Love Actually when he thought he was starting to look like Maggie Thatcher.

Part of me is so disappointed in myself for feeling so critical of my appearance, but part of me knows that it’s deeply human. Women’s bodies seem to be endlessly discussed and judged, so it’s hard not to scrutinise your own.

I’ll keep reminding myself that I’ve never said, ”I love them because they are skinny,” about anyone I care about, so I won't make that a measure of my own worth either.

Love, Em xx