Intelligence, goodness, humanity, excitement, serenity. Over time, these are the things that change the musculature of your face, as do laughter, and animation, and especially whatever peace you can broker with the person inside.It's furrow, pinch, and judgement that make us look older - our mothers were right. They said that if you made certain faces, they would stick, and they do. But our mothers forgot that faces of kindness and integrity stick as well.
In her book "Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith," Anne Lamott reflects on how various emotional states and personal qualities shape our facial appearance over time. She suggests that attributes like intelligence, goodness, humanity, excitement, and serenity not only influence how we feel internally but also affect how we appear to the outside world. Laughter and a sense of inner peace play significant roles in softening our features, while negative emotions like judgment and frowning can contribute to an aged appearance.
Lamott emphasizes the wisdom shared by our mothers about facial expressions: negative or stern faces can create a lasting impression, manifesting physically as we age. Yet, she points out that faces reflecting kindness and integrity also become a part of us, revealing the positive impacts of our emotions. Ultimately, the way we choose to engage with ourselves and others profoundly influences our outward expression and can lead to a more youthful and vibrant appearance.
