Cheers to the wrinkles and the stories they tell

By Parth Krishnan

Back in our teens, life was beautiful. There were heartbreaks but there was love also. Every day was radiant, beautiful.

Most important, our bodies were young. My heart would pound whenever a beautiful girl passed by, even when I did not know her. There were stealthy glances, and hope that next time she will smile at me.

There were no wrinkles, and nothing to hide. It was more important to dress well, and strut around.

Then, came middle age, and the wrinkles started creeping in. Beauty did not fade but the vibrancy of youth disappeared. Some of us tried to cheat age with hair dye when the first streaks of grey happened, or sought surgery magic.

The talk changed. Sagging breasts? Lift ’em up! Ageing face? Seek rescue in Botox.

Appearances on social media became significant. Filters and digital touchups became the the go-to tools.

However, when I now look back, I wonder why do we want to fight the inevitable? Let’s embrace the wrinkles, my friend.

Wrinkles mean we’ve lived a beautiful, story-filled life. Each line tells a tale of love, loss, success, and frustration. My own wrinkles? They’re like a roadmap of my laughter with my college buddies, of my love and tears, of my successes and frustrations.

Sure, we all wish we could stay forever young, but let’s be realistic—ageing is part of the deal. Yes. I won’t be able do laps in the pool soon, and that’s a bit sad. With the best care, age will catch up.

But wait. Don’t grieve the loss of your perfect, smooth skin. Instead, celebrate your inner beauty. It starts shining when the outside beauty starts dimming.

Physically, we peak in our late teens and early twenties, but the real blossoming happens with age. Wisdom, experience, and a shift in thinking—those are the joys of ageing.

So, being young? Beautiful. Coming of age? Marvellous Each chapter is equally awesome, my friend. Cheers to the wrinkles and the stories they tell!

Read also: My battle with age: How I keep diseases at bay