Aging Myths, Self Doubt & Oatmeal: Lessons From an Offhand Comment

A few weeks ago, during a casual conversation, someone asked me if I eat oatmeal.

“Yes,” I offered.

Then came the zinger.

“I can see its effects on your face. You need to stop eating it.”

Wait… WHAT?

For a brief moment, and yes, even at 83, I doubted myself. This single, IMO, careless comment poked at my confidence.

But here’s the truth, no one can see oatmeal in/on your face. Nor in your wrinkles, texture or radiance. Oatmeal does not create aging lines, puffiness or sagging.

In fact, OATMEAL is a very supportive food. It steadies blood sugar, reduces inflammation, improves gut health, calms skin, and helps your heart health.

People use oatmeal in skincare masks because of how healing it is.

So if oatmeal shows up anywhere, it is in your health not on your face.

So what is the real story here?

THE REAL STORY HERE IS SELF-DOUBT

So even after decades of reading, learning and teaching the fabulousness of a plant filled life, one random comment made me second guess myself big-time.

Those limiting beliefs sneak in with vigor.

? “Maybe I don’t know enough?”

? “Maybe I am not doing this right?”

? “Maybe my age shows more than I realize?”

NO. NO. NO.

We must stay aware regarding how quickly we hand our confidence over to someone else’s opinion.

So here is THE LESSON! Ready? VET YOUR SOURCES.

If someone says I see the effects of oats on your face or whole grains age you, or cabs cause wrinkles. Your first thought should be, source, please?

It’s just NOISE if it does not come from a credible source. Here at RA we do not build our choices on noise.

I could have believed the comment, changed my breakfast, felt self conscious (Full disclosure I did study my face in the mirror many times), shrunk inside myself. I could have, right? Yup.

But instead, I caught the wobble, and I turned it into wisdom, clarity and this blog.

This is what Rebellious Aging is all about. We do NOT let myths define us. We do NOT give away our power. NOPE! We stand firmly in truth, science and sparkle.

You bet I will be having my oats and wild blueberries tomorrow and everyday after. (Join me?)

Suz xo