Issue #24 • On Telling Women We Are "Past Our Prime"

Michelle Yeoh-inspired. Plus, tips for practicing meditation, mindfulness, and gratitude as a follow-up to the last newsletter.

We've probably all seen it. It's the clip of the moment and it's taken over the internet like wildfire. If you haven't seen it yet because you're busy raising humans, making humans, or being a badass all on your own, I forgive you. I’ll allow it. But let’s recap. This past Sunday, Everything, Everywhere, All At Once (now the most awarded film in history) bagged a whopping seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Actress, which EEAAO lead actress Michelle Yeoh took home. During her now-viral acceptance speech, Michelle famously says, "… And ladies, don't let anyone tell you you are ever past your prime."

Giphy by The Academy Awards.

Michelle stood victoriously on that stage and her message was crystal clear. As a 60-year old woman and beaming, beautiful, strong, and wise — she embodied what society tells us isn’t possible. Her words permeated the fibers of our being, because we’ve all been there. Not on that stage accepting an Oscar (lol), but we’ve all been that woman staring at ourself in the mirror and wondering where the time went and if we’ve passed our prime.

Some speculate that Michelle’s comment was a clapback at CNN anchor Don Lemon for his comment claiming that 51-year-old presidential candidate Nikki Haley is no longer "in her prime." While this may or may not be true, that is beside the point. As a woman approaching 40 and about to have kids, some would likely say I already am or will soon be past my prime. But I call bullshit. While I may have subscribed to that way of thinking previously, I now thankfully know better. Let's discuss.

Have we ever thought that maybe we women continue to achieve greatness in our later years not despite our age, but because of it?