Monday Musings: I Don’t Want To Be Young Again

Last week, I was at an event and met a high school student who is really popular in TikTok. She was delightful, smart, focused, and I had a great conversation with her! I gave some advice (I hope that didn’t annoy her, I can’t help it, it’s the elder millennial in me) which I hope can be useful to her as a content creator. I honestly find young people so impressive. They’re knowledgeable and generally sensible, that is, as much as you can be at that age. But I honestly don’t want to be young again.

I mean sure, it would be nice not having to feel anxious about the 11 lines forming on my forehead, but I truly don’t want to have to learn everything I know now again. There's something so freeing about moving past the insecurities that plagued my younger years. Back then, every decision felt monumental, every mistake a catastrophe. Now, I understand that life is a series of ebbs and flows, of learning and unlearning. The wisdom that comes with age is irreplaceable, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Photo by Ryan Ong

Moreover, the beauty industry, much like life, is always evolving. Keeping up with the latest trends, understanding what works for your skin, and finding your signature style are journeys that take time. They’re experiences that have shaped not just my personal beauty routine, but also my career. Imagine having to go through all of that exploration again in today’s digital age, where there's an overwhelming amount of information and an incessant push towards perfectionism. No, thank you.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the incredible innovations and the inclusivity that the beauty industry has embraced over the years. It’s exhilarating to see how far we’ve come, from the days of one-size-fits-all beauty standards to celebrating individuality and diversity. But appreciating these changes doesn’t mean I want to relive the process of growing into myself.

I look at these young creators, like the TikTok star I met, and I'm filled with admiration. They navigate the complexities of online presence with a confidence that I can only attribute to the wisdom of their generation. They’re reshaping beauty norms, championing sustainability, and advocating for mental health in ways that were unimaginable when I was their age. And while I'm here to offer advice, I find myself learning from them too.

So, no, I don’t wish to be young again. Instead, I choose to embrace the age I am, with all its lessons and laugh lines. I’m excited to continue growing, both in my personal life and as a part of the beauty community. There’s something beautiful about being at a point in your life where you can look back at how far you’ve come and look forward to all the adventures yet to come. I think that’s what being at peace with yourself can feel like. Well, ask me again in a few years.