There is a story which captivated my attention on Instagram about Eagles rebirthing themselves at 40 years of age. Turns out, although Eagles can live up to 70 years, few have been chronicled to reach that age. The story is that at 40 years of age, they face a difficult decision – to die or to make a painful change to have a new life.
Supposedly, the Eagle’s beak becomes too bent to be functional, claws not sharp enough to be effective and feathers too thick to be streamlined. So, the process is to break the beak on rocks, rip out the claws and then the feathers. All growing back anew, hence the new and extended life.
The story as it turns out is a metaphor for rebirthing one’s self and has only shreds of actual fact. Eagles do molt and shed most of their feathers, but unlike bears, they don’t take to the hills for 150 days for the metamorphosis to take place. Bears gather weight in preparation for their long slumber and do emerge from their caves somewhat reborn after their winter snooze.
What does this have to do with STYLE? Lots and Lots, in my humble opinion. First, shedding outer feathers seasonally is comparable to changing our wardrobes, acquiring new pieces to augment the existing items and perhaps adding in some new colors and shapes to spice it up. Rebirthing is not for the faint of heart or those lacking confidence. It is not easy to change, yet the side benefits are extraordinary.
Words like vitality, essence, vibrancy, active, expansion, curiosity all stem from looking at yourself and making some sort of shift, if not full on change. When it comes to dressing and representing yourself to outer world, inner and outer selves need to be aligned. As we are nature just like the Eagle and the bear, we are enabled to move through the seasons of life. Experiences and viewpoints are easy to expand and contract, if we are willing. Sometimes, baby steps get us to major changes faster, and with more clarity than leaps and bounds. Life is ever evolving, and it is our gift to explore – Why not do it in Style…..
Once again, I am encouraging you to try something new, a color, a texture, a style, a different hairstyle or color (it will grow out or in), something a little bit outside your box or way out of your norm. You can always go back, but then again, you might find you like it out there and find further realms to dip into.
It is your decision – New Life means you get rid of your old self in order for a new better version to emerge. As long as you treat yourself and other with Kindness, you cannot go far wrong.
Be well, Be Stylish, Be Happy and Glow with me!