Etched in Time: The Story Behind These Lines on My Face
As I look into the mirror, I see the lines on my face—not just the creases that have appeared with time, but the etchings of my life story. These lines are much more than a sign of aging. They’re the physical representation of the lessons I’ve learned, the love I’ve shared, the battles I’ve fought, and the joys I’ve embraced. Each one of them has been earned, not with vanity or regret, but with pride and the experience of a woman who has lived fully.
In a society that tells women that youth is beauty, it’s easy to feel the pressure to erase these lines. At every turn, advertisements suggest smoother, tighter skin, promising a return to a younger version of yourself. Honestly, I’d be lying if I said I’ve never been tempted by the seduction of Botox and fillers. But as I stand here now, I ask myself why I would want to go back when I’ve come so far?
I see in these lines, strength. The faint creases between my brows, 11‘s as they’re called, remind me of the countless decisions I’ve had to make. They are the lines of responsibility, the times I’ve been deep in thought, weighing what is best for my loved ones and myself. They are proof of the strength it takes to be a woman who cares not only for her own dreams but also carries the weight of others. Each line is a testament to sleepless nights and tough calls, but they are also the reminders that I made it through.
The laugh lines around my eyes? They’re my favorite. They tell stories of shared moments of joy, of love, of friendships, some that have spanned decades. These lines are not something I would ever wish away. They show that I have smiled often, laughed hard, and taken the time to appreciate the humor and beauty in life. These marks speak of happiness, connection, and the sheer joy of living freely.
Yet not all of these lines are born from joy, some come from sorrow. The deeper lines on my forehead remind me of heartache and loss, times when life was heavy, and emotions were raw. They are proof of the tears I’ve shed, the worries I’ve carried. But these lines are just as important as the rest because they show that I have survived. I’ve endured difficult moments, and I’ve come out stronger on the other side. They reflect resilience.
A woman’s journey is one of constant evolution. Every line on my face is a record of how I’ve grown, changed, and adapted. The softer lines around my mouth are from years of expressing myself—speaking my truth, finding my voice, and not being afraid to use it. They tell the world that I am not the same woman I was years ago. I am wiser, more confident, and more aware of who I am and what I stand for.
Perhaps the most beautiful part of these lines is the legacy they represent. They tell a story for my children, my grandchildren, and the younger women in my life. I want them to look at me and know that there is beauty in aging, in experiencing life fully. These lines are not something to fear but to celebrate. They show that I have lived with purpose and passion.
Each line is a part of my personal legacy, something I’ll pass on, showing that beauty is not in erasing the signs of time but in embracing them.
I’ve earned these lines through laughter and tears, through triumphs and failures. They are not imperfections; they are my truth. They are the markers of a life lived authentically, with all its ups and downs. I wear them proudly because they show the woman I’ve become, a woman who has lived, loved, and learned deeply.
So, when I see these lines on my face, I don’t think of what I’ve lost. I think of everything I’ve gained. These lines tell my story, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. They are my badge of honor, my proof that I have lived. And that is something truly beautiful.
Eva Schmidt is the Founder and CEO of 3 Springs Coaching, LLC. She is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), Certified Executive Coach (CEC), a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), a teacher and a mentor.
She is the creator of Badass Up, which focuses on helping people thrive in their lives with an emphasis on empowering women to speak up, step up, and live authentically. Let her help you leverage your hard-earned wisdom and support you as you badass up into your next chapter.